Editor’s Note: This is the tenth installment in MSJDN’s series highlighting the employers MSJDN members say are going above and beyond for military spouse attorneys. Each employer in this series was nominated for MSJDN’s Member’s Choice Award by members who told us in their own words just how awesome their employers are. MSJDN is thrilled to tell these employer stories, as a way of expressing our gratitude for supporting military spouses as they build careers in the legal profession. The MSJDN Member’s Choice winner will be announced at MSJDN’s Annual Reception in Washington D.C. on May 7.

United Way of Onslow County, North Carolina, home to Camp Lejeune, is a non-profit dedicated to improving community conditions in the local community. United Way collaborates with partners from across the community — nonprofits, government, business, volunteers — to create opportunities for a better life for Onslow County’s most vulnerable residents. United Way’s outreach and assistance extends to the local military and veteran community. Its Solutions for Stability initiative was a sponsor of this year’s Veterans Stand Down event in Onslow County. Stand Down provides social and legal services to homeless veterans. One of United Way’s partner organizations, PEERS Family Development, provides support and relief to families, especially those whose spouse might be deployed.

MSJDN member Nicole Jones, who nominated United Way, loves that her employer views her status as a military spouse as an asset rather than a liability. “I have found a home at the United Way and have found that they see my degree and status as a military spouse to be one of benefit to them. They have embraced me, worked with my schedule, understand that at a moments notice my husband may leave and I may have to rush home to be with my child. Given that the unit my husband is in has the highest operational tempo in the Marine Corps this flexibility has allowed me to pay my student loans, be a good steward of my military relationship, and feel like I am making a difference in my community regardless of how long I may end up staying here.”