Moving to a new duty station can be overwhelming if you don't know the area or any of the people around you.

McChord Field - like any other military installation - has a number of resources you can utilize that will help you learn the area, meet new friends, make contacts within your service member's unit, learn how to deal with stress, get free child care and join support groups.

Below is a list of programs to check out:

Key Spouse Program
www.mcchordafb.us/key_spouse.html
Info: (253) 982-5397

The Key Spouse Program is a voicemail system that allows spouses to contact other spouses through a virtual mailbox system. Spouses can call in and ask questions about deployments, what to expect during a deployment, ask about available resources, learn about the area and get to know people within their spouse's unit.

Key Spouse Core Training
Info: (253) 982-2695

If you want to become a Key Spouse, you can attend the core training.  The training informs new Key Spouses about the resources available to them and about working with unit leadership and other unit spouses.

TAP Workshops

This three- to four-day program helps families with the transition back to civilian life.  Topics covered during the workshops include: skill transferability, job search, applications and resumes, interviewing and negotiating techniques, transition services, and benefits briefings. For information and to register, call (253) 982-2695.

Escape Zone

The Escape Zone is a program designed to bring parents and their children together to learn about community services and events.  The Escape Zone is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the McChord Youth Center, 3021 Dogwood St. SW. Parents must remain with their children. No reservations are necessary. For more information, call (253) 982-2695.

Smooth Move Workshop

This program provides military members and their families with information about their PCS move.  The workshop includes information about financial preparation, TriCare, the claims office, law center, housing, household goods and travel and military pay.
Info: (253) 982-2695

Give Parents a Break Program
www.mcchordafb.us/pdf_files/Child_Development/parents_break_cal.pdf
Info: (253) 982-4166

This program is designed to provide child care to parents to allow them an opportunity to participate in Airman and Family Readiness Program support activities.

Stress management
Info: (253) 967-5901

This program is a weekly class offered through the Family Advocacy Program. Held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in the FAP Conference Room, Building 2013B, this workshop is designed to help people understand stress and learn how to manage it.

Family Connections
www.sesameworkshop.org/sesameupdates/family_connections

This is an interactive Web site that allows servicemembers and their families to stay connected in a safe and nurturing environment.  In April, a free show for military children and their families featuring Elmo and his friends Rosita, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Zoe, as well as free giveaways for families, was introduced. The tour is part of "Sesame Street's" Talk, Listen, Connect initiative for military families.  Through the program, children can learn how to cope with separation from their loved ones.

Waiting families
Info: (253) 967-3633

Open to family members of active duty service members on unaccompanied tours or extended TDY, the Waiting Families Support Group is a place for family members to share their experiences and get advice on problems faced during their service member's absence.

Children are welcome at the meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of each month at Waller Hall, ACS Room 400, from 6 to 8 p.m.