Welcome to my world, I’m young, 23 years old and a recent college graduate. The next step as one traditionally assumes, might be to find your dream job (preferably high paying!) to make ends meet in Honolulu, our beautiful city. But what is you cannot verbally communicate, have a hard time getting around and your muscles are stiff due to a disability? It throws a wrench in what is traditionally expected of a young adult. Again, welcome to my world.

April 16-22 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week - a time to recognize the contributions and impact of volunteers who selflessly give their time and efforts to better the communities they live in. While no words can convey the abundance of appreciation we feel, Lanakila Pacific celebrates and honors our volunteers – not just this week, but every day of the year.

When she’s not in class brushing up on her foreign language skills or jet-setting around the globe, Mona spends her days in retirement building community with other Hawaii seniors. With more free time on her hands, Mona decided to seek community with the support of Lanakila Meals on Wheels.