As you may know, General Motors recently announced the imminent closure of its Oklahoma City plant. While it's a completely terrible thing that 2,000 Oklahomans will be out of work as a direct result of this closure, many don't realize the peripheral impacts. There are many small businesses that operate in and around the Oklahoma City metro area in direct support of GM plant operations, and as a result of the GM shutdown, many thousands more people will be out of work soon if not already.
I was informed today that some VERY close friends of the family (a married couple) were recently given their pink slips because the company they work for, Unit Parts Company, is moving part of its operations to Mexico. I don't know the details, but as UPC is one of those GM supporting organizations, I suspect that, since this action comes on the cusp of the GM announcement, they have been impacted by recent events. I imagine being recently acquired didn't help.
It's a shame because our friends had done so well with the American dream until now. I'm sure they'll endure, but this will certainly slow their progress. As immigrants from Ghana, they became U.S. citizens, worked VERY hard (multiple jobs at times), raised two great kids (one now a student at OU [fortunately on a scholarship], the other in high school), bought a house, were always very active at church (the church my kids attend), and have continuously been among the most generous, selfless people I know. And I am honored to know them.
Now they find themselves a family without a bread-winner, a potentially devastating scenario. If you are the praying type, please add them to yours. Trust me, they've earned it.
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