If some of us thought the Triangle area was recession-proof, we need just look down the street, across the church aisle or at the nearby empty cubicles to realize the national economic slump has hit home.

Many employees are facing wage and benefit cuts, unpaid furloughs or even worse, layoffs. The News & Observer reported last week that the state's unemployment rate is now 10.7 percent.

Today, we are profiling four workers at various stages of their careers who have been laid off in recent months. Some of bounced back while others are still looking for new opportunities. They all have one thing in common: They're not alone.

And there are ways the rest of us can help. "Just take that resume," said Bob Kattman of Cary. You could be opening a door for someone you know.