Why are we here today?

2. Why are we here today? To positively impact the lives of 500 U.S. military veterans in Florida.

4. Why these veterans and not others?

6. These 500 veterans are homeless.

8. Why do some veterans become homeless? • Lack of income due to limited education and lack of transferable skills from military to civilian life • Combat-related mental health issues and disabilities • Combat-related physical health issues and disabilities • Substance abuse problems that interfere with job retention • Weak social networks due to problems adjusting to civilian life • Lack of services

10. 16% of homeless people in Orlando are veterans.

12. Give a backpack filled with daily essentials. What can we do to help?

14. A backpack allows you to carry all your belongings with you at all times. Unattended items will usually get stolen or vandalized when you are homeless, so everything you absolutely need must come with you wherever you go. Sleep with your backpack on. I used to reverse mine and wear it on my front when I slept… “A backpack is probably the single most important item you can buy for your homeless survival kit.

15. Don't buy anything too fancy or it might get stolen. Keep this in mind if you are buying a backpack for someone else, too.” …Don't worry about how it looks, if it has cartoon characters on it or whatever, only concern yourself with whether it is tough and will hold up with lots of use. - A Homeless Veteran

18. Learn how service projects like this one help promote personal growth, professional growth, and growth as a community member. Join NextSTEP, Volunteer Florida, and The Able Trust for: Finding New Sources For Skilled Employees Thursday, October 4, 2012 8:15am – 9:30 am EST Coral C; Breakout Session: Workplace

20. Why are we here today? Today we are participating in a service project. This project is an example of what national service volunteers do every day while participating in service. This and a whole lot more.

22. What is national service? Any service program or project offered through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), such as AmeriCorps (State/National, VISTA, & NCCC), Learn and Serve, and Senior Corps.

24. What do national service volunteers do? Service volunteers participate in and organize a wide variety of activities that support local not-for-profits and the community. Some examples include: grant writing, volunteer management, community garden building and so much more.

26. There are 27 AmeriCorps State programs in Florida. Over the past 10 years, almost 17% of Florida AmeriCorps volunteers have disclosed a disability.

28. Why service? Structured volunteerism is a proven pathway – for people with and without disabilities – for personal growth, professional growth, and growth as a community member. National service can help propel volunteers into meaningful employment and post-secondary education.

30. Personal Growth. Service promotes personal growth, which is defined by an enhanced self-concept, greater self-determination and self-advocacy skills, a clearer vision of personal futures, and a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, personal disability.

32. Career Growth. Service promotes career growth, which is defined as the development of job skills; having an understanding of the realities of disability in the workplace; expanding networks and building social capital that can be used for work; exploring careers, and realizing professional goals and direction.

34. Growth as a Community Member. Service promotes growth as a community member, which is defined as having an expanded and broadened view of the world, increased connection to one’s community and feelings of being civically engaged.

36. How can I serve? The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) provides thousands of structured opportunities to give back to the community while gaining valuable life skills, find out more at www.nationalservice.gov. Or, ask an AmeriCorps member today.

38. Ready to start the service project?

39. 4 3 2 1 5

40. Pick any of the four lines: And assemble TWO hygiene kits Proceed down the line.

42. Hint: Be sure to make TWO kits for each backpack. Hygiene products are essential to homeless veterans that may not have access to these basic necessities otherwise. That’s why each backpack needs two!

44. String Backpacks: Place your hygiene kits in the backpack and get ready to stuff more items! Proceed down the line.

46. Hint: Be sure to include ONE of each item in the line. And TWO washcloths!

48. Include a note of appreciation: Write a note for your veteran thanking them for their service to our country. Close bag with all contents and note inside. Proceed to drop off.

50. Drop Off: Place the backpack in your lines coordinating boxes. Start over again or network.