Jacquelyn Smith is not new to helping people. She is a people person, and when she sees someone in need, she is inspired to reach out; she wants things to get better for them. "I get a beautiful feeling inside simply by doing the right thing - simply by making someone's day."

After watching members lose their homes due to financial hardships, Jacquelyn knew she needed to step in and do her part. With the help of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, on March 3 in Stockton, members were given counseling and assistance regarding home buying and loan modification. "It was absolutely heart-breaking, watching people lose their homes after they had worked for the state for so many years. I'll be here for as many workshops as it takes to help even just one or two people," said Smith. 

"I can't imagine running from injustice," said Teresa Hubbard, who works at the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF). In December 2011, Hubbard was all set to take the transition package offered to employees as an incentive to leave SCIF, but she decided to stay when she realized her coworkers would lose an advocate. "The decision wasn't about me at that point. I couldn't leave SCIF knowing that someone was counting on me somewhere."