Joint base families attend EFMP Resource Event

Published May 2, 2013
By From the Exceptional Family Member Program
87th Force Support Squadron

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAEKHURST, N.J. -- The Exceptional Family Member Program held an EFMP Resource Event April 17, 2013, at the Military and Family Support Center here.

The event included 22 exhibitors who concentrated on the joint base's special-needs community. Exhibitors touched on issues ranging from autism spectrum disorder to visual impairments and learning disabilities.

"The event was designed to provide support and guidance to military children and their parents," said Karl Hoover, EFMP family-support coordinator. "This is the second year the event has been held and we've seen over double the amount of attendees from last year."

The event also included a question-and-answer panel in addition to exhibitors. The panel included an EFMP family member, EFMP representatives from the medical group and the 87th FSS, a Tricare contractor and Family Advocacy nurses, social workers and a medical case management nurse. Col. Jay Burks, 87th Medical Group commander, moderated the panel.

"This year's EFMP Resource Event once again brought together experts from our base and the community, to talk with and listen to military families so we can better understand their needs in order to be helpful," said Burks. "I am very encouraged that during the panel discussion, we met two specific families new to EFMP, and were able to rapidly connect them with helping agencies. If we can do this in a matter of one hour, think about all the good we can do for all JB MDL families with special needs."
Call 754-3154 to learn more about the EFMP.