veterans

After serving nearly nine years in the Navy, Liz Perez returned to civilian life in San Diego feeling good about a new job and a fresh start. Unfortunately, she faced challenges she never Change Notes: Stepping Up to Support Veteranssaw coming.

"When you're in the military, everything you need is on base," she said. "When I left, I had no support. I didn't know where to go for things like housing or child care. I didn't realize how much is taken out of your paycheck. I had a really hard time."

Simone A. Bernstein is a junior at St. Bonaventure University in upstate New York. She is a summer intern at generationOn, an active volunteer in her hometown of St Louis, Mo. and in her college community. Simone co-founded VolunTEENnation.org, an online resource for youth to easily find volunteer opportunities.

Today's guest post is written by Stephanie Himel-Nelson, Esq. the Director of Communications for the nonprofit organization Blue Star Families and a long-time volunteer for pretty much anything and everything. She lives in Chesapeake, Va. with her (now retired) Navy man and two boys. 

This upcoming week is National Volunteer Week! Starting on Sunday use this week to highlight the people that may not receive recognition that often. Help us celebrate the awesome volunteers in your life! Check out the volunteer sector news this week: