Military Onesource Special Needs Consultants

(Military One Source website) MILITARY LIFE Many military families are aware that Military OneSource offers a variety of consultations and counseling options, but did you know there’s a specialized group of consultants that serves families with special needs? Military OneSource special needs consultants are available to families for assistance with questions and concerns regarding the care and education of a family member with special needs — both children and adults. The person who provides your […]

Challenges And Resources For Military Families Touched By Autism

BY JENNIFER WOODWORTH, PSY.D Jen Gerberding felt that the military lifestyle was better understood when surrounded by other military families; that being separated due to the military is common for training, deployments, or certain jobs, and not viewed as a hindrance to the family. One of the main challenges that you might first think of when hearing the diagnosis of autism is of rigidity, inflexibility, and consistent structure. However, a military family encounters unique situations […]

Transitioning From Active Duty To Civilian Employment

BY JENNIFER WOODWORTH Beginning with the job search, explore options that relate to your military experience and strengths but also your interests and positive personality traits. Retiring or discharging from active duty can be stressful, and joining the civilian workforce can be intimidating. According to the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense report 2012, there are almost 1.4 million active duty service members serving in the armed forces which equates to approximately .4 percent of […]

An Overview Of Children And Youth Programs

The military services offer a wide variety of quality children and youth programs in structured developmental settings on and off the military installation to provide for safe, age-appropriate activities. YOUTH PROGRAMS Instructional programs: Instructional programs provide opportunities to develop new skills and learn in hands-on, informal settings. Programs cover a wide range of topics including photography, woodworking, science and technology, gardening, health and safety. Recreation sports programs: These programs are typically offered through the installation youth center. A year-round program of team sports provides numerous opportunities for youth to challenge themselves […]

Department Of Defense Summer Camp Experiences

During the school year, it’s easy to fill your children’s schedules with activities but the summer can be more challenging. If your children are looking for something exciting to do, the Department of Defense is here to help. Each year, the DoD provides summer camp opportunities for your children, giving them a chance to have fun, meet new people and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come. TEEN ADVENTURE CAMPS The DoD’s Office of Family Policy partners with several universities to offer adventure camps […]