A Moorestown High School senior has made it her mission to give back to those who have served in the military. To do so, she has organized a veterans’ benefits and jobs expo.
MHS senior Madeleine Morlino is leading and organizing, with a group of high school seniors, the Veterans Benefit and Job Expo that will take place on Nov. 9 at the Moorestown Community House, 16 E. Main St., from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Please come out; there are jobs. I know it can be hard to find a job. We put a lot of time and effort getting things together, a lot of major corporations are coming out. The event is for (veterans) so we’d really like them to come,” Morlino said.
Morlino grew up in a military family, her father being in the Air Force for about 23 years. Due to her upbringing, as well as her interest in giving back to her country, she became interested in attending a military academy. Starting her freshman year, she applied for summer programs with military academies all around the United States to learn about the schools and experience the lifestyle.
After attending three military academies in the summer as well as other military-minded organizations and activities such as Girls’ State and the Washington, D.C., National Young Americans for Freedom Conference, Morlino felt compelled to do something to give back to veterans.
“I came back from the academies and wanted to give back in the community and help veterans. My dad is a veteran, and I really appreciate what they did and have done, so I wanted to help in some way,” Morlino said.
Morlino started to prepare for the expo by going to the MCH and speaking to Executive Director Brad Kenney about hosting the event there. Kenney was very receptive of the idea and gave Morlino access to the facility.
She then started reaching out to different companies and organizations to get involved with the event. The organizations are providing a slew of things to veterans, including important information, free products, discounts, benefits and, of course, jobs.
She also created a steering group of other high school seniors that included Heather Warren, Kelly Li, Jessica Fan, Michael Alschuler, Sierra Van Gilst, Devin Lorusso, Sameer Parihar, Jackie Yuan and Craig Ambrose.
As a group, they were able to divide the work of food, advertising and communications, among other jobs to ensure the event is successful.
“Putting together the veterans benefit and job expo was a complete team effort! It couldn’t have been done by a single person. Kelly and Jessica coordinated with the community house for design layout for the day and donations, and communicated with the organizations and companies attending. Heather and Craig worked on advertising and spreading the word to veterans. Sierra and Sammer worked on recruiting companies to come. Michael and Devin handled the food. And Jackie will be the photographer for the event. Much appreciation and a big shout out to everyone who helped,” Morlino said.
There are two goals of the event: to provide veterans with job opportunities, and to provide veterans with benefits and programs available to them.
“My dad, from his experience, he found it difficult to go from military to civilian life and find a job. And, unfortunately, I know for veterans the unemployment rate is high. We’re trying really hard, inviting places from all across New Jersey. I think it is important to show appreciation of our veterans. I think it is the least we can do,” Morlino said.
The following people and organizations have already confirmed their attendance to the event, and the list is growing: Mayor Victoria Napolitano; Workforce Opportunity Service, an organization committed to helping vets and disadvantaged youths begin rewarding careers; Burlington Veteran Center; Travis Manion Foundation; Habitat for Humanity; American Legion; Defense Contract Management Agency in Philadelphia; Trenton Veteran Center; PNC Bank; Bob Smyth from Congressman Tom MacArthur’s office; AnnieMac Mortgage; Technological Associates Reserve; Lowes; Suiting Warriors; Bank of America; and Universal Technical Resource Services.
Donations were given from the MCH with the facility; the Rotary Club; Young Americans Foundation; Wegmans; Panera Bread; Corner Bakery; Tait Roofing; Chic-fil-A; Men’s Warehouse, providing 200-plus suits; Hair Quarters Salon, Mantua; and Great Clips, providing 100 coupons for veterans for a free haircut.
“I really want to thank everyone, organizations, families, communities and individuals,” Morlino said.
Veterans can attend and sign up with their contact information at the event.
To learn more, visit the Veterans Benefit and Job Expo Facebook page at “Veterans Benefits and Jobs Expo.”
