Workers cope with layoffs

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As the unemployment rate continues to rise in Massachusetts, more jobless residents are trying to figure out how to survive.

The two workers 22News spoke to were shocked when they lost their job. They are not alone the unemployment rate in Massachusetts has increased to 8.2 percent.

Clinical and Support Options is letting go of a handful of employees at the end of the month. Debbie Messier and Margaret Pyfrom are part of that.

They say they are looking for part time work, and looking into more schooling. They say the hardest part is that our current system is not set up to deal with long term unemployment, especially those who have a mortgage. "I'm left in the lurch, yes I'll get unemployment benefits but they won't be helpful," said Margaret Pyfrom of Turners Falls.

"I make a little too much for the food stamps part the Mass Health part, but not enough to live on, with unemployment its not enough to pay the bills," said explained Debbie Missier.

The two woman will officially be out of a job on June 30th.