Military Family Support Organizations
There are tons of organizations out there that are dedicated to providing support to military families. One such organization is the National Military Family Association (NMFA), which offers resources on topics focusing on deployment, childcare, adoption, and special needs issues. NMFA also offers exclusive educational scholarships for military spouses, from receiving GEDs to Ph.D.s. They also provide their Operation Purple Programs, which encompass adventure and summer camps for military kids as well as retreats for the entire family.
Operation Homefront is another great organization that provides ongoing family support to military families. They offer Critical Financial Assistance, support with finding transitional and permanent housing, and recurring family support programs like the Military Child of the Year Award, Homefront Celebrations, Star-Spangled Babies Showers, Back-to-School Brigades, Holiday Meals for Military, and Holiday Toy Drive events.
Additionally, there are organizations like Blue Star Families and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) that focus on connecting military families with each other for peer support, events, and counseling services, especially for the families of fallen military service members.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
The military lifestyle can often be stressful, and it is essential for military families to have access to mental health resources. One such resource is Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), who offer free and confidential counseling services to military families on and off base. Visit Military OneSource for details and how to contact your installation’s Military and Family Support Center.
Another great mental health and wellness resource is The Real Warriors Campaign, which provides resources and support for psychological health concerns, encouraging open conversations about mental health. A collaboration between the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) and the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO), the Real Warriors Campaign provides support for military service members and their families struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention among other mental health concerns. If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support and crisis resources for anyone in distress to include you or your loved ones.
Memorial Day is a yearly reminder of the sacrifices made by military families, who endure challenges on a daily basis. These military family resources highlight ways we can show our gratitude and support. Let us honor our military service members and their families, not only on Memorial Day but every day, by providing the necessary assistance and support they deserve.
Blog Image: Photo from Pexels [A Flag on the Lawn Grass by Chad Madden, May 24th, 2021, CC0]
