Congressman Hal Rogers is in the region to announce more jobs are coming to Harlan County.

Thanks to a loan more than 40 new jobs will be available at Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries in Cumberland.

Company leaders hope they can hire even more people in the next few years.

While it might be a simple job ...workers say it's their lifeline.

"All of us depend on it," said Lisa Craiger.

Everyday Craiger sews pieces of clothing together to protect soldiers.

"It's a production job. We can make a little money...not a lot, but it's a little more than minimum wage. It's a great help," said Craiger.

While Craiger helps put clothing on the backs of those that serve...officials say they have Craiger's back to protect her job in this weak economy.

Thanks to a six hundred thousand dollar loan by the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development group, SEKRI will hire more workers...currently 75 percent of SEKRI workers are disabled.

Congressman Rogers says this is also a great opportunity for folks to stay at home and work.

"They want to stay here with their family and friends...where they grew up. That's my job in life," said Rogers.

"We can continue working here. It's going to stay in our community. We still have our jobs. It's a great help to people around here," said Craiger.
And at the same time helping those on the front lines.

The company has already hired about one dozen new workers.
Officials plan to fill these new jobs within the next two years.