JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
Service members with special needs family members are faced with many challenges, and the additional permanent change of station, medical and educational requirements can be overwhelming. Now, a new initiative seeks to relieve some of the stress for Exceptional Family Member Program families.
Installation leadership, along with 87th Medical Group and 87th Force Support Squadron members, cut the ribbon for the new Exceptional Family Member One Stop at the 87th Medical Group here on Oct. 24.
The EFMP One Stop consolidates many of the installation’s EFMP resources in one location to streamline the process and allow for better communication between support agencies.
“The purpose of the EFMP One Stop is to bring people and services together,” says Laura Serrano, 87th Force Support Squadron EFMP Support Coordinator. “By providing agencies in one location, we are better able to connect special needs families with the support and resources they need.”
According to Serrano, EFMP families have special needs requiring support from multiple installation agencies. One example is service members enrolled in EFMP also have additional processing requirements before a PCS. These requirements often create additional stress in an already difficult situation.
Previously, EFMP families would need to visit several organizations across JB MDL to receive medical, education and PCS support. The EFMP One Stop allows for EFMP families to meet with a medical EFMP Family Relocation Clearance Coordinator, a Special Needs Coordinator, a School Liaison Officer, an EFMP Family Support Coordinator, and the Military Family Support 360 Project at one centralized office.
The EFMP One Stop is still in its early stages, but the change has already been well-received by the JB MDL community.
“The single location makes things much easier,” says Christine Giles, wife of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Giles and EFMP parent. “Some special needs families require a lot of equipment and making multiple stops can be difficult. The EFMP One Stop staff sets up a meeting with the family and all of the agencies you need all in one place instead of going to several places.”
Serrano says that is one of the goals for the EFMP one Stop.
“We want to serve EFMP families as good as they deserve,” Serrano noted.
For additional information on the JB MDL EFMP One Stop program, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JBMDLEFMP.