ACS Pages

ARMY VOLUNTEER CORPS

250 Club Road | 915-569-4ACS MON-FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) supports the Army’s mission by promoting and strengthening volunteerism by uniting volunteer efforts, supporting professional management, enhancing volunteer career mobility, and establishing volunteer partnerships to support individual personal growth and life-long volunteer commitment. The Fort Bliss AVC office is the center for volunteer recruitment, referral, recognition and professional development for volunteers and volunteer leaders. Volunteers can be placed in a wide variety of positions throughout the installation and the El Paso community. Through volunteer service, volunteers can learn or improve skills and gain work experience to increase self-confidence and improve marketability for paid positions. Every minute and every hour that someone volunteers, they contribute to improving the quality of life of our community; therefore volunteers change the world. Join the movement to make our installation, our city, our nation a better place for all – Change the World, Volunteer!

Check out Fort Bliss Volunteer Corps on Facebook and Twitter at @FBVolunteer.

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING WORKSHOP

AUG 4 // 10 AM OCT 6 // 10 AM Interested in volunteering within the Fort Bliss or El Paso Community? The first place to start is the Installation Volunteer Orientation. This orientation provides information about available volunteer opportunities within the Fort Bliss and El Paso area. Community expectations and requirements of volunteering and information on volunteer awards.

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

SEPT 8 // 10 AM NOV 3 // 10 AM The Fort Bliss AVC exclusively tracks volunteer hours using the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) on the web at Army Web Portal (armyfamilywebportal.com). The system was developed to give the Army a real-time snapshot of volunteer activities at any given time. VMIS provides all the tools needed to track AVC volunteer hours, manage and track volunteers, post-open volunteer positions, and more.

ARMY FAMILY TEAM BUILDING

FRC | 250 Club Road | 915-569-4ACS MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM Army Family Team Building (AFTB) is an educational program which provides training to prepare everyone in America's Army to function at the highest level in any given situation. Army Family Team Building offers FREE educational training for Soldiers, Family members and civilians. Classes are open to all, including non-DOD ID card holders. Join us to learn about community resources, military terms, benefits, leadership skills and more. Army Family Team Building welcomes volunteer instructors. For individual class descriptions, visit bliss.armymwr.com, search AFTB.

www.bliss.armymwr.com, search: aftb

BACK TO BASICS

ALL CLASSES LISTED BELOW WILL BE FROM 10-11AM Learn to Communicate // JULY 2 Effective Conflict Management // JULY 9 Problem Solving Strategies // JULY 16 Exploring Personality Traits // JULY 23 Improving Personal Relationships // JULY 30 Successful Team Dynamics // AUG 6 Growing Through Change // AUG 13 Resiliency During Crisis & Grief // AUG 20 Overcoming Stress // AUG 27 Winning at Time Management // AUG 31 Time to Serve: The Volunteer Experience // SEPT 10 Heading Toward Leadership // SEPT 17 Leadership through Understanding Needs // SEPT 24

CONCEPT BLOCKS

Welcome to Fort Bliss // JULY 7 // 1-4PM

Bounce Don’t Crack // JULY 20 & SEPT 28 // 9AM-12PM Communicating Through Conflict // JULY 28 // 1-4PM Formal Functions Made Easy // AUG 3 & SEPT 30 // 1-4PM Got Lemons? Make Lemonade // AUG 11 // 9AM-12PM The Perfect Meeting // AUG 17 // 9AM-12PM Be Part of the Team // AUG 25 // 1-4PM Who Are You Talking To? // SEPT 8 // 9AM-12PM What Kind of Leader Are You? // SEPT 14 // 1-4PM What’s In It For Me? // SEPT 22 // 1-4PM

VIRTUAL MEETING: TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Virtual Meeting: Tips & Techniques // JULY 14 // 10-11AM

MOBILIZATION & DEPLOYMENT

FRC | 250 Cub Road | 915-569-5500 MON-FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Mobilization and Deployment Program provides Active-Duty, reserve and guard units with pre- and postdeployment/mobilization briefings, Soldier and Family Readiness Group assistance, information & referral services, resource materials, and Operation R.E.A.D.Y. (Resources for Education About Deployment and You) training. Training modules provide practical instruction pertaining to ongoing readiness. Topics include: Understanding and Planning for Military Separation and Pre-deployment Ongoing Readiness, Coping with Separation, and Financial Planning. The materials are designed to support unit commanders in preparing service members, Civilian employees and their Families for military operations.

CARE TEAM TRAINING

JUL 22 // 9AM-12PM AUG 19 // 9AM-12PM SEPT 23 // 9AM-12PM The purpose of the Care Team is to offer short-term care and support to Families of deceased and seriously wounded Soldiers until the Family’s own support structure is in place. Care Teams are not mandatory, but are an additional way battalions can provide valuable support to Families.

REAR DETACHMENT TRAINING

MONTHLY Rear Detachment Command (RDC) Training is offered monthly during the Commanders/1SG Course given by Garrison Command Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS). RDC training focuses on the command responsibilities of the Soldier Family Readiness program to include Family Readiness Groups, Family Readiness Support Assistants, Family Readiness Liaisons, staff functions, community resources, and Casualty Response Teams. DPTMS Training Section publishes the schedule for the Commander/1SG Course.

Phone: 915-744-2767

KEY CONTACT

JUL 14 // 9-11AM AUG 11 // 9-11AM SEPT 15 // 9-11AM Key callers are a vital part of the SFRG leadership team and perform an essential SFRG mission activity. This training provides the information that is most critical to understanding and performing the key caller role.

SFRG VOLUNTEER LEADER TRAINING

JUL 7 // 9AM-2:30PM AUG 4 //9AM-2:30PM SEPT 8 // 9AM-2:30PM The Soldier Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Course is provided by the Army Community Service (ACS), Mobilization and Deployment Program. The training is available for all SFRG members and is offered once a month. The following classes are required to receive a SFRG Leader Certificate: Creating and Maintaining a SFRG, Leadership for SFRGs, Building Your SFRG Volunteers, Making Contact (Phone tree Point of Contact), Newsletter for SFRGs, Money Matters, Building Your SFRG – Getting Started, Bringing it all Together.

www.bliss.armymwr.com, search SFRG

FUND CUSTODIAN

JUL 14 // 1-3PM AUG 11 // 1-3PM SEPT 15 // 1-3PM SFRG Fund Custodians and alternates will identify resources needed to operate a SFRG by learning about various forms of funding available, setting up a bank account, the role and responsibilities of a SFRG Fund Custodian, fund-raising, donations and solicitation.

COMMAND FAMILY READINESS REPRESENTATIVE

JULY 21 // 9AM-3PM AUG 18 // 9AM-3PM SEPT 22 // 9AM-3PM Designed to provide training for CFRRs who are appointed as Command representatives to assist in managing the SFRGs. Organizing unit level readiness groups, SOP’s, SFRG structure, managing and tracking volunteers, community resources, regulations.

SFRG COMMAND TEAM TRAINING

AUG 25// 9AM-12PM Designed to prepare commanders on the operational, logistical and administrative aspects of the SFRG. This course will introduce the new ARMY Regulations 600-20 and the changes made to the SFRG operations.

EMPLOYMENT READINESS

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-5838 MON-FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) delivers weekly orientations to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Employment Orientation is required before attending all other ERP classes. Registration is encouraged.

EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION

EVERY WEDNESDAY // 10-11:30AM The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) delivers weekly orientations to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Employment Orientation is required before attending all other ERP classes. Registration is encouraged.

FEDERAL RÉSUMÉ CLASS

JULY 21 // 9AM-12PM SEPT 15 // 9AM-12PM Applying for federal employment is different than in private industry. This class shows you how to succeed in the government’s intricate hiring process. Both first-time applicants and those already within the government system will learn something new here, as application processes change over time.

ACE YOUR NEXT JOB INTERVIEW

AUG 25 // 9AM-12PM This class will cover types of job interviews, preparation for the meeting, and the three parts of an interview. Learn how to answer common, behaviour-based, difficult and illegal interview questions. Proper follow-up techniques, job fair etiquette, appropriate attire, and tips on salary negotiation will also be covered.

LET’S START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

JULY 20 // 9-10:30AM The workshop will be conducted by the technical assistance providers of the Women’s Business Border Center of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The experts in business development will cover the key elements of formalizing a business plan, financial projections, and the basics of licensing/permits. The session will also provide information on the various lending options that are available for small businesses. Make sure to attend this free session to turn your business idea into a reality.

WRITING A WINNING RÉSUMÉ

JULY 14 // 9AM-12PM SEP 8 // 9AM-12PM Create an effective résumé or transform the one you already have into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. This workshop will lead you through a self-assessment series so that you gain extensive knowledge about the product you are marketing, YOU!

LINKEDIN & YOUR JOB SEARCH

AUG 31 // 9AM-12PM This class provides participants with information needed to learn how to utilize LinkedIn when searching for employment in today’s competitive job market, how to Network effectively and Career Exploration skills with a focus on LinkedIn.

FINANCIAL READINESS

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-4ACS The Financial Readiness Program (FRP) offers counseling and training for Soldiers and their Families. FRP works with Army Emergency Relief (AER) to ensure emergency assistance is available to meet a valid financial need. The mission of the FRP is to reduce indebtedness, minimize the need for emergency financial assistance and prevent financial difficulties. FRP helps Soldiers and their Families live within their means and provide solutions for a brighter financial future. For more information, visit bliss.armymwr. com, search FRP or call 915-569-8376.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Financial Readiness Program offers counseling to individuals seeking assistance in a variety of financial situations to include: • Consumer Credit Counseling • Personal Financial Coaching • Credit Report Reviewing • Consumer Advocate • Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance • Financial Education Classes

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT

JUL 13 // 1:30-2:30PM This class will explain the different types of accounts that exist and the importance of understanding your credit report, so you can maintain your security clearance, debt to income ratio, and tips on how to improve your credit score.

DEBT MANAGEMENT

AUG 24 // 1:30-2:30PM Learn how to set up a plan, contact creditors and negotiate interest rates, to establish a new monthly payment. The end goal is to pay off your consumer debt in its entirety to reach financial freedom.

PLANNING & BUDGETING & TAXES

AUG 3 // 1:30-2:30PM This class will help you evaluate your current financial situation, obtain the basic principles of planning and budgeting to achieve financial readiness. Learn the basics of car buying, get insurance advice that’s crucial before buying a new or used vehicle.

FIRST TERMERS FINANCIAL READINESS

AUG 10 // 9-11:30AM Join Financial Readiness to learn more about the tools you need to manage your assets wisely. This class will help you understand the basics of cash flow management and if needed debt management. Learn how to start out on the right foot and keep your spending smart.

FUNDAMENTALS OF BANKING

SEP 13 // 1:30-2:30PM Learn the basics of debt management and the principals to reconcile your bank statement in order stay on top of purchases made with your debit card.

CAR BUYING & INSURANCE

sticker prices to auto loans to warranties. Avoid paying more towards a car than you need. Do your homework ahead of time, get advice from ACS Personal Financial Readiness counselors.

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides financial assistance to active and retired Soldiers and their dependents when there is a valid need. Loans are interest free. Spouses requesting AER assistance must have a current Special Power of Attorney (SPOA), military ID and documentation to support their request. Under the Commander and First Sergeant Quick Assist Program, Commanders or First Sergeants may approve assistance of up to $2,000 for Active-Duty Soldiers. If you are not near an Army installation, you can go to any Military Aid Society or contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337. AER provides scholarships for spouses and children of active and retired Soldiers, orphans and dependents of deceased Soldiers. Applications are available at www.aerhq.org.

SUPPORT SERVICES

ARMY FAMILY ACTION PLAN

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Army Family Action Plan provides Active and Reserve Component Soldiers, Army Civilians, Family members, Survivors, and Retirees a voice in shaping their standards of living by identifying issues and concerns for Army Senior Leadership resolution. Since its inception in 1983, the AFAP remains the only such partnership between a branch of the United States military and its constituents. Issues can be submitted at the Garrison Army Community Service office or to a unit Family Programs liaison. The needs of the Army community remain in the forefront of Army Senior Leadership. AFAP is the primary tool to communicate the important issues facing Soldiers, Army Civilians, Families, Survivors, and Retirees. Information provided through the AFAP process gives commanders and leaders insight into current satisfaction detractors, quality of life needs, and expectations of Army constituents. Leadership uses the information to effect changes to improve standards of living and support programs. These changes foster a satisfied, informed, and resilient Army Community. Issues can be submitted online at bliss.armymwr. com search, “AFAP” or www.myarmyonesource.com. You can also submit issues by visiting 250 Club Road or 2494 Ricker Road, or utilize one of the many boxes around the installation.

241 Sheridan Road | 915-568-6272

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM Losing a loved one is an especially difficult time for those left behind. In addition to the grief, the Family will suffer and be faced with several issues and questions about a life built around the Army. Some of these will be addressed immediately by the Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO), but some will not surface for many months or years — long after the Casualty Assistance process has ended. Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) can help. SOS is a holistic, multi-agency approach to deliver services specifically to surviving Family members. The supportive staff is there to assist with any issues they might have. Services are also offered to non-Active-Duty incidents. The SOS mission is, “To embrace & reassure Survivors, they are continually linked to the Army Family through a unified support program that enables them to remain an important part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.”

241 Sheridan Road | 915-568-5970

VICTIM ADVOCACY

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM Victim advocates provide clear, accurate information on the available avenues for reporting domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault. Victim advocates provide essential support, liaison services and care to the victim. Responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support, including information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about the case. Victim advocate services will continue until the victim states support is no longer needed. To speak with a Victim Advocate, call the Family Advocacy Program during normal business hours or the Domestic Violence Hotline after hours or on weekends. You are not alone.

2494 Ricker Road | 915-568-9129 Hotline: 915-269-2013

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM Family Advocacy is dedicated to the prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention and treatment of spouse and child abuse. The program provides a variety of services to Soldiers and Families to enhance their relationship skills and improve their quality of life. This mission is accomplished through a variety of groups, seminars, workshops and counseling and intervention services. Seminars and workshops are available to you, your unit or Soldier Family Readiness Group. Unit commanders are encouraged to contact their Family Advocacy Program Manager/Staff to schedule their unit’s mandatory AR 608-18 training or seminars that meet their unit’s specific needs.

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-9129

SOLDIER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) is a place where Soldiers in Transition (ST) and their Family members receive assistance through a number of holistic services tailored to their needs. The SFAC’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff foster an environment conducive to physical, spiritual and mental healing. Their mission is to provide exceptional support by being courteous, professional and relevant. The Fort Bliss SFAC is widely recognized as the premier provider of innovative services to STs and their families in support of the Soldier Recovery Unit. Their goal is to be available and convenient for STs and their families. Services requiring less than a full-time presence are available at the SFAC at designated times. Additional services are provided through priority off-site appointments coordinated by the SFAC staff.

250 Club Road | 568-6879

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and Civilian agencies to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency approach for community support, housing, medical, educational, and personnel services to families with special needs. The EFMP is a Department of the Army program which functions under the provisions of Army Regulation (AR) 608-75. It is designed to assist active-duty personnel during the reassignment process by taking into account Exceptional Family Members (EFM) with special physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual needs. In a dual military Family, both Soldiers must be enrolled. Enrollment is based on the medical and education requirements of Family members of active-duty personnel and must be updated every three years or if the condition(s) changes.

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-4227 (ext. 5)

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Army offers a complete program of parent education and support services of which the New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a part. All Army installations provide services that include health counselling provided by Army Community Health Nurses (CHN), as well as parent education classes and play mornings. These services target families with children, 0-3 years of age. Participation in any of these activities is strictly voluntary and there are no time limits imposed on duration of service but families generally stay involved at this level for 4-6 months. Referrals for NPSP services are accepted via self-referral, health professionals, and command.

SOLDIER SUPPORT CENTER: IN-PROCESSING

915-568-3035

ON-POST HOUSING

915-564-0795

CYS PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES

915-568-4374/4646

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICE

915-569-5064 USO

915-569-5644: MAIN POST 915-744-3480: EAST BLISS MILITARY ONE SOURCE

800-342-9647 LENDING CLOSET

915-569-4227 (EXT. 0)

FORT BLISS THRIFT SHOP

915-562-5451 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS IHG-ARMY HOTEL

915-565-7777 RV PARK

915-568-4693 / 915-568-0106 BOSS

915-744-1525

QUICK REFERENCE PHONE GUIDE

NEWCOMERS

PARENTING/LIFE SKILLS/SAFETY/EDUCATION

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The Army Family Advocacy Program coordinates and provides numerous programs, services and activities that support our Families. Their goal is to develop parenting skills and knowledge, reduce stressors that may increase the risk of child abuse or neglect and help Families cope with adjustments of military life.

2494 Ricker Road | 915-568-9129

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Moving is part of life for Soldiers and their Families. The Relocation Readiness Program offers a comprehensive support system to help you and your Family make Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves as smoothly as possible. We minimize the stress of relocation by offering resources to simplify the moving process throughout your military career.

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-4227 (ext. 6) fortblissacsrelocation@gmail.com

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM Information & Referral (I&R) serves as the central point of distribution for ACS information, flyers, brochures, Fort Bliss’ upcoming events and activities. I&R provides general post information such as phone numbers, building locations and not readily identifiable social service organizations. Computers with internet and printer capabilities, copy machine, send and receive faxes, and DSN public phones are available for DOD ID cardholders. No medical documents can be accessed, printed, scanned or faxed. Computer lab hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LENDING CLOSET

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-4ACS MON - FRI // 7:30AM-4:30PM The lending closet is stocked with basic household items to use before your household goods arrive or after you have packed out for your new assignment. Items may be borrowed for 30 days. Please provide your ID and a copy of your PCS orders. Unaccompanied spouse will also need a Power of Attorney.

WELCOME PACKET & RELOCATION COUNSELING

2494 Ricker Road | 915-569-4ACS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST If you are PCSing to a new installation and want to learn more about your gaining installation, we can provide you with welcome packets on any military installation worldwide! If desired, we will also be happy to provide you with a one-onone relocation counseling.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION COUNSELING

Need help with Immigration questions and concerns? We can help you! We are currently scheduling Soldiers for appointments with USCIS as their representatives are not coming into ACS due to the Pandemic. When they resume normal operations, this will be announced on all of our social media platforms. The best method that Soldiers can receive assistance, is by contacting the USCIS military helpline. The USCIS military helpline will contact our liaisons for Fort Bliss regarding your questions and concerns. The contact phone number for the military helpline is 1-877-247-4645 or they may be contacted via email at militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov. Classes listed below are offered virtually. For more information, call 915-569-5375.

TOTAL ARMY SPONSORSHIP TRAINING

BY REQUEST ONLY // ACS: 2494 RICKER ROAD Learn to be an effective sponsor in accordance to AR 600-8-8.

SPANISH CLASSES

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT Immerse yourself in your new community by learning Spanish. Classes are free and daycare is included for children registered with Child Youth Services (CYS). Classes are offered every quarter. We offer basic and intermediate Spanish. For more information, call 915-569-4227, ext. 0.

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH FOR ESL STUDENTS

FIRST DAY OF THE SEMESTER IS AUG 2 Do you want to improve your English skills and make new friends? Lots of pronunciation and some writing skills for those wanting to build confidence in their English speaking abilities. Intermediate and Advanced classes available. Courses are available quarterly. For more information, call ACS at 915-5694227, ext. 0.

NEWCOMERS’ SCOOP

Check out our Relocation Facebook Page at "Fort Bliss Relocation Assistance Program" to find out more about Fort Bliss and the surrounding area. Our Terrific Thursday videos will take you on a virtual tour of El Paso. Check out the page to find out when our in-person NewComers' Scoop tour of Fort Bliss and El Paso will return. For more information, call 915569-4227, ext. 0.