Programs to Improve the Well-Being of Military Families

An exciting initiative sponsored by AAFCS to respond to critical issues utilizing family and consumer sciences research and expertise

We are….

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

AAFCS Taking It to the Streets 2016

Touching lives…Through YOU!


Contact Team Leaders:

Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCSAAFCS President [email protected]

Mary [email protected]

Grow with us today!


FERM Contacts:Patti Wooten-Swanson: [email protected]

Barbara O’ Neill: [email protected]

PUBLIC POLICY Contact:Ida Marie Snorteland:[email protected]


Taking It to The Street Initiatives:

2009-2010 First initiative was H1N1.

2010-12 Prevention of obesity, especially as it relates to children and families…in 2013…..A community on Obesity Prevention was formed!

2012-2016 TIS partnered with FERM to focus on the Impact of the Economy on the Family:Strategies and Solutionms.

Topics were: Resourcefulness, followed by work on financial impact of Health Insurance and the financial impact on Military Families.



Challenges Faced by Military Families

• Due to reassignments, military families may move frequently

• Nearly 1 million, or 43%, of military personnel are parents.

• A military child may attend between 6 to 9 schools gr K-12.

• Wives of military personnel are less likely to be employed than civilian spouses


• Frequent moves and family separations pose financial difficulties.

• More than half report financial difficulties and struggles to pay bills.

• Families of Reserve and Guard members:

– Are geographically dispersed and may not live near a major military installation

– Do not typically have the support system or resources available to Active Duty members



Research Studies About Military Families

2012 National Financial Capability Study (FINRA

Investor Education Foundation)• Full Report:

http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/downloads/NFCS_2012_Report_Military_Findings.pdf

• Summary of Findings: http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/resultsm.php

• Summary Table: http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/resultsm.php

http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/downloads/NFCS_2012_Report_Military_Findings.pdf

http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/resultsm.php

http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/resultsm.php

Methodology and Sample• Online survey of 1,000 military service members

• Administered in August-September 2012

• Supplemented by 301 service members in July-October 2012 state-by-state survey

• Total sample size of 1,301

• Weighted to approximate the population of military service members by gender, pay grade, and active vs. reserve status (Based on DoD demographics)

Troubling NFCS Findings• 4 in 10 found it very difficult (10%) or somewhat difficult (31%)

to make ends meet

• 19% reported spending more than income

• 19% reported taking a loan from a retirement account in past year

• 29% experienced a large unexpected drop in income in past year

• 43% did not have emergency funds

• 38% were “underwater” on their homes

• 35% used a non-bank borrowing method in past 5 years

Many of these troubling financial statistics are related to military family transitions!

Anticipating the Landscape in the Years Ahead Report

(University of Minnesota)• Full Report (July 2014):

https://reachmilitaryfamilies.umn.edu/sites/default/files/rdoc/v5%20Anticipating%20the%20Landscape%20in%20the%20Years%20Ahead.pdf

• Research Summary: https://reachmilitaryfamilies.umn.edu/research/document/5683

https://reachmilitaryfamilies.umn.edu/sites/default/files/rdoc/v5%20Anticipating%20the%20Landscape%20in%20the%20Years%20Ahead.pdf

https://reachmilitaryfamilies.umn.edu/research/document/5683

MethodologyResearch team reviewed literature on service members’ post-deployment functioning in six domains:

• Mental health

• Social and role functioning

• Relationship functioning and family life

• Spirituality

• Physical health

• Financial well-being

Major Findings• Financial distress is especially prevalent among the

junior enlisted ranks (E1-E4)

• Frequent moves exacerbate economic challenges

• Spouses struggle with steady employment and academic/career trajectories

• Some Guard/Reserve members experience a drop in income when away from well-paying jobs

• Upon homecoming, adjusting to a decreased income and tighter budget can be challenging

• Finances can change across the deployment cycle

Deployment Pay• Some service members use additional

deployment pay to reduce debts and save for college and/or retirement

• Others make large purchases upon their homecoming (e.g., expensive motorcycles, cars, boats)

• Lavish purchases can create family financial problems

Blue Star Families 2014 Military Family Lifestyle Survey

• Infographic: https://www.bluestarfam.org/sites/default/files/images/2014-military-family-lifestyle-survey.pdf

• Summary and Full Report: https://www.bluestarfam.org/resources/2014-military-family-lifestyle-survey

• Online convenience sample (2/14) • 6,270 respondents

https://www.bluestarfam.org/sites/default/files/images/2014-military-family-lifestyle-survey.pdf

https://www.bluestarfam.org/resources/2014-military-family-lifestyle-survey

Major Findings• 3 of top 5 concerns among respondents related to

finances:

– Pay and benefits

– Potential changes to retirement benefits

– Spouse employment

• 60% of respondents reported that their finances caused “some stress” or “a great deal of stress”

• Uncertainty about the impact of budget cuts on military pay and benefits were a source of stress

More Findings• Mixed results on common indicators of good financial

health vs. the U.S. population

• 36% of respondents owed $5,000+ on credit cards and 7% owed as much as $20,000

• 72% carried the full $400,000 of SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance)

• 21% not regularly contributing to retirement savings

• Less positive financial well-being status report vs. DoD studies that use scientific sampling methods


Issues Unique to Youth

• Lack of educator preparedness to recognize and meet needs of children/youth of deployed members.

• Possible transition from one school to another.

• Social/emotional/behavioral reactions may impact youths’ future

• Accessibility and affordability of childcare.


• Availability and affordability of after-school programs and youth activities; children home alone.

• Frequently unaware of resources to help parents and children cope.

• Difficulty understanding and dealing with various types of media related to military situations

• Deployment cycle.


Identified Issues Facing Youth

• No other youth facing the same situation-families are spread

• Child separation/anxiety issues regarding safety of deployed parent.

• Deployed parent absent for significant events

• Less parental involvement from parent at home.


• Limited opportunities for youth to attend extracurricular activities

• Teens have increased responsibility-siblings

• Behavioral changes, peer pressure, lower self-esteem

• Communication with deployed parent.• Need to live with extended family.• Changes in financial resources


• Schedule introductory meeting with State Youth Coordinator, State Family Program Director, and Wing coordinators

• Learn about issues faced by youth of deployed parents.

• Work with State Family program personnel.

• Build trust! Build trust!

Strategies


Information• Web pages:

– http://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org– http://www.militaryfamily.org/kids-

operation-purple/camps/– http://4h.ucanr.edu/Programs/MilitaryPartn

ership/Check your own state 4-H website.


http://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/

http://www.militaryfamily.org/kids-operation-purple/camps/

http://4h.ucanr.edu/Programs/MilitaryPartnership/

Today’s Focus:Resources to Improve

the Well-being of Military Families


• Provides content for professionals who serve military families (e.g., financial counselors)

• Consists of 8 concentration areas: • Child Care• Community Capacity Building• Family Development• Family Transitions• Military Caregiving• Network Literacy• Nutrition and Wellness• Personal Finance

eXtension Military Families Learning Network


http://articles.extension.org/militaryfamilies

Includes links to upcoming and archived webinars

Includes links to blog posts

Includes information about concentration area staff

MLFN Website


http://articles.extension.org/militaryfamilies

A matrix was created

• Over 60 archived webinars • Recipient of two national awards• Webinars:

https://learn.extension.org/events/tag/mfln%20personal%20finance#.Va0k2hNViko

• Blog: https://blogs.extension.org/militaryfamilies/category/personal-finance/

Key Findings


MFLN Personal Finance

https://learn.extension.org/events/tag/mfln%20personal%20finance

https://blogs.extension.org/militaryfamilies/category/personal-finance/

The Organization

• Military Saves: http://www.militarysaves.org/

• Military OneSource: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/

• Military Relief Organizations: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/phases-military-leadership?content_id=267410

Other Resources to Assist Military Families


http://www.militarysaves.org/

http://www.militaryonesource.mil/

http://www.militaryonesource.mil/phases-military-leadership?content_id=267410

Military Family Support Centers provide the following services:

Financial management classes

Local recreational opportunities

Spouse career counseling/assistance

Activities for families and children

More

Installation Resources


National Military Family Association Provides information, advocacy, and support for

military families: “The voice for military families”

Founded in 1969 by military wives who wanted to make sure that widowed friends were properly taken care of

Provides scholarships for military spouses

Provides camps for kids and family retreats

http://www.militaryfamily.org/ AAFCS Taking It to the Streets 2016

http://www.militaryfamily.org/

Fisher House


• Fisher Houses provide military families housing close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

• 63 Fisher Houses are located on 23 military installations and 24 VA medical centers.

• No cost to stay!

Fisher House:Helping Military Families


• Bring in meals and snacks for residents.

• Help with general housekeeping chores & gardens.

• Organize goods drives such as paper product drives, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, etc.

• Create toiletry bags for residents.

• Collect Toiletry samples at your school or affiliate conference.

.

Ways you can help…



Help tend the gardens.

Help play with the children to give the parents a break and some quiet time.

Help with holiday decorating, children toy drives, and gifts for those staying at the home through the holidays.

Plan special occasion events.


COUPS FOR TROOPS

Coups for Troops

Clipping Coupons for a CauseCOUPS FOR TROOPS!

www.coupsfortroops.com

• Coupon drives for military families• Accept expired coupons• Direct Mail or Drop off locations


http://www.coupsfortroops.com/

• Indiana affiliate first introduced the idea• The Oklahoma affiliate gathered almost $12,000

in coupons!

Let’s help financially stressed military families as a token of appreciation for what they do for us!

• What can your affiliate do?• What can your students, school, or community

organizations do?


OTHER WAYS TO

HELP

Operation Gratitude


Operation Gratitude’s mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our First Responder, Active Duty, Veteran, and Wounded Warrior communities.

Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene products, handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation.

www.operationgratitude.com

http://www.operationgratitude.com/

Operation GratitudeBattalion Buddies: Provides special stuffed toys to the sons

and daughters of U.S. military personnel as their units get ready to deploy.

Hi Brave Young Warrior:I am your Battalion Buddy!

I am here to cuddle and play with youwhile Mommy or Daddy is away!

And my friends at Operation Gratitudewill be sending a little something to

Mommy or Daddy, too!


Operation Gratitude


Those wishing to donate brand-new stuffed toys (ready-made or from a kit) to be used as Battalion Buddies may send them to the following address:

Operation Gratitude17330 Victory BoulevardVan Nuys, CA 91406Attn: Battalion Buddies Program

You can also include letters to the families and children, and Operation Gratitude will deliver those along with the stuffed animals.

2013-14

• Create The Good connects you with volunteer opportunities to share your life experiences, skills and passions in your community. www.createthegood.org

• Do-It-Yourself Project Guides• Find step-by-step guides with all the information you need to lead a

successful volunteer project in your community.• Help Military Families

http://createthegood.org/toolkit/help-military-families

Create the Good - AARP


http://www.createthegood.org/

http://createthegood.org/toolkit/help-military-families

• Be an Angel, Help a Soldier –www.soldierangels.org

• “Support our troops and their families through Soldiers' Angels. We aid and comfort the men, women and veterans of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard.”

• “Soldiers' Angels is the among our nation's best charities, providing aid and comfort to our troops, wounded warriors, veterans, and their families. Your donations help support all our programs.”

Soldier’s Angels


http://www.soldierangels.org/

• Operation Top Knot• “Love to sew baby booties and knit

cuddly blankets? Or perhaps shopping for cute baby items is a fun pastime? Be sure to check out the Soldiers' Angels Operation Top Knot Team! The dedicated Angel volunteers on this team provide virtual baby showers for military families. With their collective skills of sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and shopping, these Angels help ease the stresses of military life for expectant spouses of deployed service members as well as active duty female service members.”

Soldier’s Angels


• “Operation Appreciation's passion is to support our troops mental health, physical well-being, financial hardships, training, reintegration, unit programs, and so much more. It is our pleasure to be there for them as they serve their country and make sacrifices without question or hesitation. We work hand-in-hand with community businesses and volunteers to be the difference for our military veterans and their family members.”

• http://www.operationappreciationga.org/

Operation Appreciation


http://www.operationappreciationga.org/

• This Association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families. They know we have “boots on the ground” with military families and understand better than anyone that “military families serve, too.”

• The association is comprised mainly of military spouses and former military members. We walk the walk and talk the talk on a daily basis. We are advocates and subject matter experts in the area of military family needs, issues, and benefits.

• http://www.militaryfamily.org

National Military Family Association


http://www.militaryfamily.org/

“Caring for our nation’s heroes!”

Walter Reed National Military Facebook Page


• STRENGTHENING AMERICA‘S MILITARY FAMILIES• WE KNOW MILITARY FAMILIES—WE ARE MILITARY

FAMILIES• “Frequent moves, deployments, and transitions can make it

hard for military families to establish strong, trusted networks. We bridge the gap between military family communities and the general public. Through our partnerships, Blue Star Families provides free resources, services, and opportunities to more than 1.5 million military family members—making military life more sustainable.”

Blue Star Families


• This site is a wonderful resource for military personnel to use.

• Has information regarding benefits, jobs, military life etc.

Military.com



http://createthegood.org (AARP) Do-It-Yourself Project: Help Military Families

Soldier's Angels is a comprehensive website full of creative ways to show love to our troops "such as Angel Bakers -Homemade treats for the deployed or sew items for young children for virtual baby showers.

Military.comReach out to a military family in your communityInvite them over for a meal, bring them a meal or invite them out for dinner.

Veterans: Walter Reed National Military Center facebook page provides inspiration and ideas.

Operation Appreciation and Blue Star Families. Write letters of thanks to military families

http://createthegood.org/

http://soldiersangels.org/

http://soldiersangels.org/angel-bakers.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-Reed-National-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107?fref=ts

https://www.bluestarfam.org/strengthen/operation-appreciation

https://www.bluestarfam.org/

Next Steps for Taking It to the Streets!

Continue our efforts to help military families during the next year.

Begin to a new TIS campaign…..


FCS role in PreparednessCreating an awareness and disseminating information about the importance of preparedness in emergency situations

– natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, tornados),

– accidents (fires, car accidents), – and even terrorist attacks, etc.

Emergency Preparedness


FCS role in Preparedness

WHY:

• Timely, now more than ever• Many potential partners• Has a connection to our current work

with the military• Many resources available

Emergency Preparedness


Connected to AAFCS Signature Initiative:FCSfit

a three-year initiative that focuses on a different type of wellness each year:

•physical (family health and well being)•financial (financial health)•relationships (mental and emotional health)

**Preparedness could easily fit into each of these topics

**TIS and FCS/fit will be cross linked on the AAFCS website


SOME EXAMPLES:

• Family health and well being:– Readiness of emergency food supply, special dietary needs..

• Financial preparedness – (Financial First Aid Kit, cash is king…where is yours?

• Relationships and Mental and emotional health

– Family piece of mind that you are prepared– Helping Caregivers prepare children, the elderly and those who

are disabled. – How many important contact numbers can you remember if

your cell phone is disabled?


TIS ROLE:• Create the awareness of the importance

of preparedness • Provide FCS with links to resources • Encourage member and unit

involvement


YOUR ROLE:• Partnerships with local agencies-extension,

Red Cross, FEMA, etc.• Conference speakers• Affiliate workshops• Integrate into class lessons, parent

workshops, service learning projects, etc.

Examples:– Creation of preparedness checklists by students,

affiliate, etc.– Sorting and repairing donated clothing for

emergencies


How will YOU prepare others to be FCS/fit

for an emergency?

Input & involvement needed from:• AAFCS Partners• AAFCS Communities• AAFCS Affiliates• FCS Professionals…and

JOIN the TIS teamNew team members & leaders

are needed and always welcome!

Let’s Take FCS to the Streets!


What else can YOU do?

•Share your information with the public.

•Label all information you distribute with the FCS labels at the TIS link.

•Publicize your work!

•Report your work/share ideas with us.


• Assign a TIS contact for your affiliate.

• Include TIS related activities at your meetings and conferences.

• Utilize the TIS resources and share your ideas with TIS.

Affiliate Role


• Submit Yearly Reports in the spring to help us measure involvement and impact.

• Showcase your affiliate’s activities as a whole.

• Encourage individual members to report their activities as well.


Increase our resources on these topics to:

• Add to what is currently there.• Provide information on the social and emotional

impact on the family.• Provide more examples of research.• Provide more suggested activities for teachers,

affiliates, extension, and more!

We need your help…please contact us if you have ideas to share!

Resources


A matrix was createdTIS Website Information

For Ongoing Updates and Information

Go To:

www.aafcs.org/TIS


http://www.aafcs.org/TIS

BE INVOLVED:• Check website information often. • Share with other FCS professionals/partners. • Label whatever you order or disseminate, get

recognition through the media. • Keep us informed and share your ideas and

report on your work.

Bottom Line….


Contact Team Leaders:

Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCSAAFCS President [email protected]

Mary [email protected]

Join the TIS Teamas a member or a leader


Programs to Improve the Well-Being of Military Families

Economy & Finance

Transcript of Programs to Improve the Well-Being of Military Families