IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Bobbie’s Bests for Less: 50% off handbags, skin care, more

Image: Samantha Stephenson, Elkhart Memorial Senior

Economy

The people of Elkhart, Ind.

From mayors to factory workers to high school seniors, these people are the backbone of a county that’s been hit especially hard by the recession.

/ 12 PHOTOS
Image: Samantha Stephenson, Elkhart Memorial Senior

Samantha Stephenson

Samantha Stephenson, Elkhart Memorial Senior, 18. Given money for prom from German donor
— Carissa Ray
Image: Elkhart mayor Dick Moore

Dick Moore

Elkhart mayor Dick Moore
—
Image: Gonyon family foreclosure. Elkhart, Ind.

Desiree Gonyon

Aedily Gonyon, 7, fights sleep next her brother Kyle, 6, in her parents bed as her mother Desiree looks on.
— Carissa Ray
Image: Guadalupe Gonzales

Guadalupe Gonzalez

Guadalupe Gonzalez works at the AM General Humvee plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. Gonzalez grew up in Elkhart, and feels fortunate to have work. An Army veteran, Gonzalez now makes the same vehicles that he traveled in during two tours in Iraq.
— John Brecher
Ashley Van Wormer, 20, studies for a GED test in the company of her one-year-old daughter Payton in Elkhart, Indiana.

Ashley Van Wormer

Ashley Van Wormer, 20, studies for a GED test in the company of her one-year-old daughter Payton in Elkhart, Indiana.
— John Brecher
Angie Recchio, sales representative for Valley Screen Process Co., which makes decals, mostly for RVs.

Angie Recchio

Angie Recchio, sales representative for Valley Screen Process Co., which makes decals, mostly for RVs.
— John Brecher
Image: Gabriela and Alfredo Aguirre, foreclosure. Elkhart, Ind.

Gabriela Aguirre

Gabriela and Alfredo Aguirre stand in front of a wall filled with the photos of the 3 generations that now share her father's small house after they lost their own home to foreclosure.
— Carissa Ray
Image: Elkhart, Indiana

Mike Yoder

Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder in Elkhart, Indiana: photographed on March 20, 2009.
— Robert Hood / msnbc.com
Image: Ann Cari

Ann Cari

Ann Cari: owner of Inside Outlet Furniture
— Robert Hood / msnbc.com
Image: Graduation, cap and gown. Elkhart, Indiana. May 2009

Albert White

Senior Albert White picks up his cap and gown a week and a half before Elkart Memorial High School's graduation. Principal Mark Tobolski sponsored White when he had trouble paying for his graduation ensemble.
— Carissa Ray
Image: Andy Jones, manager of the Elkhart Municipal Airport.

Andy Jones

Andy Jones, manager of the Elkhart Municipal Airport.
— John Brecher
Image: Elkhart, Indiana

Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas in the 'Time Was Museum' in Elkhart, Indiana
— John Brecher / msnbc.com
1/12