Sometimes it is not a lack of programs that prohibit military families from seeking help.  Rather, it is a lack of direction or information on how to access those initiatives.

At Joint Base Lewis-McChord programs are constantly being added and implemented to meet the needs of active duty servicemembers and their families during deployments.

Currently at JBLM, dozens of programs are offered for families that deal with issues before, during and after deployments including pre- and post-deployment workshops for adults and children.

"When people attend these workshops they go away with a better understanding of the stress the soldiers, their children and they will have during deployments," Rees said. "When they leave they know where to go and understand that support is available for them."

If you are a spouse with a deployed husband or wife, there are many programs available to assist you.

Here is some advice on how to find the programs that fit your needs, as well as what to do if you have a need that is not being met.

First, upon arriving your active duty servicemember is required to go through in-processing.  Part of this process is a Newcomer's Orientation which is mandatory for most soldiers, and spouses are encouraged to attend.

"At this orientation, spouses can get information on what programs are available, as well as where to go to participate or register for the programs," said Jo Dempsey, the Family Services Program Director for Army Community Services.

Second, at this time, youth programs are the focus. Check out the catalog of programs and find out about the initiatives that are free to families of deployed servicemembers.  Soldier's families can get involved through the Child Youth & School Services, she said.  For parents who want to get their children involved, youth services provide a catalog full of activities in which children may participate.  To register, parents may make appointment.  Families of deployed soldiers are entitled to several activities free of charge.

Additionally, in May, the new Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills (SKIES) facility opened.  SKIES is the framework for the CYSS instructional program for youth, ages 6 weeks through 18, of military and DoD civilians.  The facility comprises a kitchen, gymnastics room, and an art and science room, as well as two gymnasiums.

Reintegration is also a big issue with the large number of soldiers deployed, Dempsey said.  Check out programs that may benefit your family when the servicemember returns from their deployment.

"Soldiers come back and they do not reconnect with their families," she said. "The family knows that the soldier is going to deploy in a year, so they don't reconnect. So we are focusing on teaching them resiliency."

Family members should also connect with their servicemember's battalion Family Readiness Group, which provides educational and recreational activities, Rees said.   

"Our programs offer a professional avenue through which soldiers and their families can overcome their problems," he said.

They should also get familiar with the Family Advocacy Program (located in building 2013-B, or call 967-5940/5901 or 966-7180), which is designed to provide an outreach that includes: programs, services, education, training, activities to support and improve the quality of life of active duty servicemembers and their families; advocates for victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault; and Life Skills classes that include stress management, anger control, and parenting.

Also make sure to use technology, watch for new programs, and report programs that are needed, Rees said.

"When we recognize that there is a void, we try to fix that," he said. "If we don't offer something and there is an interest in it, people need to let us know.  It is probably something that others may want to use."

The newest programs being offered at JBLM include:

• 24/7 Dads - This program is designed to teach new fathers how to care for their new baby.    

"A dad comes home from a deployment and has a two month old," she said. "This class teaches them what to do to help care for the baby."

• Dr. Dad -  This class teaches dads how to do things like take a baby's temperature, and look for warning signs after a tumble, or small fall.  

• New Parent Support Program is designed to provide assistance to Army Families through education and support from the prenatal through age 6.

Through this program, parents of newborn and young children can attend parenting, infant care, and infant massage classes, participate in play morning, get referrals and receive home visitation by a registered nurse.

Additional deployment services are offered through Madigan Army Medical Center, he said.

"Col. Penner and his family advocacy people have just stepped out to help folks through the stresses of deployment," Rees said. "They offer some wonderful programs." 

HELPFUL WEB SITES AND INFORMATION

• www.jblmmwr.com – Family, Morale, Welfare & Recreation

• www.jblmmwr.com/cal/plans.cgi - Calendar of Events

• Family Resource Center - Bldg 4274, Idaho St, (253) 967-9496

• Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator - Bldg 4274, Idaho St (FRC), (253) 967-2324

• Family Events and Programs - Bldg 4274, Idaho St (FRC), (253) 966-7935

• Army Community Service Family Services Director, (253) 967-9977

• ACS Front Desk, Bldg 2140, Waller Hall, (253) 967-7166

• Army Emergency Relief, AER Officer: (253) 967-9852

• Financial Planning, (253) 967-3525

• Army Family New Parent Support Program, Bldg. 2013, (253) 967-7409

• Exceptional Family Member Program, (253) 967-9704/967-9705

• Mobilization & Deployment, (253) 967-9916