Unemployment numbers out Friday in the Palmetto State are an improvement. South Carolina added almost 16,000 jobs in March and the state's jobless rate fell slightly to 12.2%.

But to the more than 17,000 people still on unemployment in Horry County, the slight improvement is nothing more than a number.

"To stand in an unemployment office, I felt at the bottom. I felt helpless. Like everything i'd accomplished was all taken away from me." Those words come from Ruthie Meyer. She was on the verge of retirement when she lost her job two years ago.

"I lost my home. I have to be careful how I spend money. I was debt free, and now I am getting into debt," Ruthie said.

On average, 215 people open the door to the unemployment offices in Horry County every day to file a new or additional claim. Everyone in line looks different, but Ruthie says they all have something in common. "You're used to getting up everyday and going to work. Now your work is getting up everyday and trying to find a job."

Right now, 351 jobs are available in Horry County through the Coastal Workforce Center. But... "You're one of probably ten other people looking for the same job. It's been very difficult," Ruthie said, "I've tried and tried to find a job and it's just not out there."

Ruthie has made the best of the situation and has gone back to school, hoping that will eventually pay off.

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