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Resources available for families of deployed service members

  • Published
  • By Michelle Hozey
  • 87th Air Base Wing public affairs volunteer
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Deployments are an unavoidable aspect of military life. 

"When families understand deployment and separation and utilize available services and resources, they may be less likely to encounter problems or crises they cannot handle on their own," said Melodye Giovanni, Family Advocacy outreach manager. There are a number of such resources available on bases for the deploying service member and his or her family, she added. 

Family Advocacy, located on the second floor of the medical clinic, offers several classes that support family wellness. "If the stress of deployment becomes too much, please contact Family Advocacy at 609-754-9680," said Ms. Giovanni. 

Family Advocacy's weekly playgroups give parents an opportunity to socialize while their children interact. Two playgroups are offered from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays are for toddlers and Wednesdays are for infants. Call for location information. 

Another resource for families is an art therapy program held on Fort Dix by Army Community Services. The program is for children, ages 3 to 13, who are experiencing separation of any kind, said Amada Espinoza, ACS Relocation/Outreach Program Manager. Separations include deployments, change of station and death in the family, she said. ACS holds six weekly sessions quarterly. The next session begins in August. Hours for the 4 to 8-year-olds is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; ages 9 to 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 609-562-2767. 

The Warfighter and Family Readiness Center offers the following programs: 

Hearts Apart is a get-together for families of deployed service members. The W&FRC provides food and giveaways, as well as arts and crafts projects for the children. Hearts Apart is offered once a month. 

Give Parents a Break is free child care offered once a month for all service members and families. The childcare is paid for and is held at the Child Development Centers. Another program is available for families with a deployed service member, said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Casciano, Readiness NCO for W&FRC. 

Car Care Because We Care is another program available to spouses of deployed service members. Spouses are given a voucher for a free oil change and safety inspection from the Auto Hobby Shop. 

Soloconnection is a support group for spouses without children. The W&FRC organizes and provides financial support and logistics for the group. The spouses meet and go on outings together. 

The center also offers calling cards, video conferencing, writing kits and coloring books for the kids to help them understand why mom or dad is away. 

For more information about the programs offered by the W&FRC, call 609-754-3154. 

"We want to remind everyone to participate in these programs that are here for them to make these deployments a bit more bearable," said Ms. Giovanni.