In an effort to assist the spouses of enlisted men and women, five major corporations have joined forces with the Army Spouse Employment Partnership in an attempt to offer more jobs to those in need. Over 8.000 jobs alone this year have been created and are a success for the partnership, providing incomes to military families that need the extra income. In addition, these corporations and the other twenty-seven that are working with them, have allowed these men and women to retain their individual freedoms and help lower unemployment in the face of the current recession. Providing these jobs not only provides income but is allowing these individuals to increase their level of job security, and being able to provide income for the family in the event the service men or women returns home and is honorably discharged, but has difficulty finding work. With unemployment over 8%, this has been a great step in protecting the families of service men and women everywhere while rebuilding the economy. Created back in 2002, the Army Spouse Employment Partnership has managed to help many military families over the years and continues to work after providing over 41,000 jobs.