Family Programs and Resources

Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists are available to provide individualized, one-on-one assistance on individual readiness and personal development. For more information, please contact your nearest Personal & Professional Development- Resources facility or email: mcbb_ppdr_request@usmc.mil. I&R Specialists are also available to coordinate unit and group training to include Personal Finance, Cultural and Transition workshops. For all Navy/Marine Corps Bases: Foster - Julia Leoni: 645-8395/7494 Kinser & MCAS Futenma– Raquel Grigoropoulos: 637-2509 Hansen & Schwab - Llasmi Merino-Holmes: 625-2622 Courtney - Victoria Kohls: 622-7739 For more information or to submit a request for support, please email your request to mcbb_ppdr_request@usmc.mil.

Fried Rice Tune into Facebook to learn how to make Fried Rice! April 19 1130-1200 MCCS Marine & Family Programs - Okinawa Facebook Event!

Survival Japanese Writing Learn how to read and write basic Japanese phrases. April 20 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445

April 21 1130-1300 Camp Schwab, Education Center, MFP-R, Bldg. 3429

Children’s Day Craft It is a day to celebrate the health and happiness of children. Until 1948, it was called, “TANGO NO SEKKU” and only honored boys. Although this holiday became known as “Children’s Day”, many Japanese still consider it as a Boy’s festival.

Families with boys fly “KOINOBORI” (carp-shaped streamers)”, to express hope that they will grow up healthy and strong. The carp is a symbol of strength, courage and success. In a Chinese legend, a carp swam upstream to become a dragon. KABUTO - Display it to protect boys from evil spirits and pray for them to grow healthy. KASHIWAMOCHI – One of the traditional foods eaten on this day. It is a steamed rice cake with sweet beans inside and is wrapped in an oak leaf. (Oak represents strength)

Another traditional food is CHIMAKI, a dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. (Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth) Families and children will be making Japanese Koinbori carp and Kabuto crafts. All materials and supplies will be provided. A guardian’s supervision required.

April 12 1130-1300 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220

April 23 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445

April 28 1130-1300 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425

Basic Japanese Language Class Part 1 This is the first part of the basic class for adult learners wanting to develop their Japanese language skills.

April 06, 07, 08, and 09 1130-1300 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425

Basic Japanese Language Class Part 2 This is the Second part of a basic class for adult learners wanting to develop or brush up on this Japanese language skills. April 13, 14, 15, and 16 1130-1300 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220

April 27, 28, 29, and 30 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445

Survival Japanese Language Learn basic Japanese phrases and pronunciation. April 26 1130-1300 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339

For more information, please contact your nearest Cultural Awareness & Adaptation using the Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories list or visit the Marine & Family Programs webpage at: www.mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness/

Virtual Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Start your tour off right. Okinawa is a wonderful duty station and great place to live for the entire family. Learn about this beautiful island and all the opportunities you can take advantage of during your tour.

All accompanied USMC and USN (all ranks), civilian employees, family members age 10 and up, and all unaccompanied USMC and USN (E-6 and above) are required to complete an online NOWA brief upon your arrival on island. Completion of a NOWA brief is required to obtain a USFJ Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) driver’s license.

Please register for the Virtual NOWA Brief at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation

Virtual NOWA Brief Email Link Distribution Days April 07 April 14 April 21 April 28

The email link and access code will arrive in your inbox on the morning of the distribution day you registered for.

SOFA POV License Exam Licensing examinations will take place at the Base Safety Installation Office after completion of the Virtual NOWA Brief and 14-Day ROM. Initial POV License test sessions on Camp Foster: Monday through Friday 0800 & 1000 Doors open 30 minutes prior to each test session for check-in.

Renewals, duplicates, retesting, and miscellaneous customer service: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1230 – 1600

Please contact Base Safety at 645-3183/2862 or any questions in regards to the SOFA POV Licensing Exam.

In-Person Smooth Move Workshop The Smooth Move Workshop provides pre-departure and destination information on relocation and travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment opportunities and much more. Orders are not required and family members are encouraged to complete the session as well. Seating is limited to 50 people.

Accompanied April 19 Camp Foster, Community Center, Bldg. 5908 0800-1030

Unaccompanied April 26 Camp Hansen, The Palms, Bldg. 2654 0800-1015

Virtual Smooth Move Workshop The virtual Smooth Move Workshop provides pre-departure and destination information on relocation and travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment opportunities and much more. Orders are not required and family members are encouraged to complete the session as well. The email link and access code will arrive in your inbox on the scheduled distribution day. To register please visit www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation.

In-Person Sponsorship Training Get the most up-to-date information on regulations and policies effecting PCS moves to Okinawa, including a full explanation of the sponsor’s roles and responsibilities and information about the resources in place to assist with your sponsorship assignment in the COVID-19 environment.

April 06 0900-1100 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220

April 13 0900-1100 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425

April 20 0900-1100 Camp Foster, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 439

April 27 0900-1100 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339

For more information, please contact Marine & Family Programs-Resources Center using the Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories list or visit us online at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation

Home Buying Learn about interest rates, points, closing costs, escrow accounts, earnest money, selecting an agent and processing a VA loan.

April 06 0830-1030 Virtual

Saving & Investing This class explores how to use saving and investing to achieve financial security. Learn about basic investing techniques, taking advantage of compounded interest and time, along with exploring various saving and investing tools and uses to help you reach your financial goals. Satisfies PFM training codes: FA. April 22 0830-1030 Virtual

April 30 1130-1400 Virtual

Money Management Workshop This hands-on workshop will enable attendees to prepare a financial statement, develop a budget, establish a savings plan and build/rebuild a good credit record.

Satisfies PFM training codes: PR, FD, FA, FC, FH, FE, FF, TL and FL. Please bring the following to class: Current LES, bank statements, investment statements and statements of debt/obligation.

April 07 0830-1130 Virtual

April 09 1300-1600 Virtual

April 14 0830-1130 Virtual

April 21 0830-1130 Virtual

April 23 0830-1130 Camp Shields, Multi-Purpose room, Bldg. 6300

April 27 0830-1130 Virtual

Consumer Awareness This class focuses on providing information to deter, detect and defend against consumer fraud. It also provides basic steps to ensure each consumer gets the most for their money.

April 20 0830-1000 Virtual

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Blended Retirement System (BRS) Workshop This workshop will explain how to effectively manage your TSP retirement account, to include avoiding redundancy and allocating contributions. This workshop will also discuss the Blended Retirement System to include the pension, TSP, continuation pay and lump sum retirement. Satisfies PFM training codes: FB, FG. April 22 1130-1330 Virtual

Personal Financial Counseling Program A contracted Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) is now on staff to provide financial counseling on a wide variety of financial issues and concerns. To set up an appointment with the PFC, please call 622-7416 or email:campbutler-pfc1@zeiders.com.

To sign-up or register for the PFM classes, call any of our offices using the

Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories or visit the MCCS PFM webpage at: www.mccsokinawa.com/personal_finance_management/.

VA Overseas Military Services Coordinator (OMSC) Due to the COVID-19 protocols, the Veterans Affairs Office’s located at Camp Foster Marine and Family Programs, Bldg. 445 and Kadena Air

Base Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 220, were closed effective 20 April 2020. All appointments were suspended indefinitely.

We will make every effort to reschedule appointments when the opportunity is made available. For VA inquiries you may email: OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV. VA Advisors

For inquiries on education, healthcare, life insurance, or home loans, please see the below list of VA Advisors available for support via email:

Jeff Hanscom: jeff.hanscom@vatap.calibresys.com 645-4027

Retired Activities Office (RAO)

MCCS is seeking volunteers for the Retired Activities Office. This position offers retired Service Members an opportunity to support fellow retirees and their families living on Okinawa. Your experience and knowledge can be incredibly valuable in making a difference for people seeking assistance. Retired Activities Office volunteers will assist with survivor benefits, Social Security benefits, medical related assistance, retirement pay, and more! Volunteers must commit to times within 0730-1630 Monday through Friday. For more information on how you can volunteer, please visit www.mccsokinawa.com/volunteer/#tab2. 645-3159

Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) TRS classes and additional training tracks (Pathways) are now in-person. Credit will not be provided to participants without prior registration. For registration details, contact your Unit Transition Coordinator.

April 12-14 Camp Kinser, 0730-1630

April 19-21 Camp Schwab, 0730-1630

April 26-28 Camp Foster, 0730-1630

Pre-Retirement Seminar This workshop is an alternative option to the TRS for retiring Service Members and covers recruiting, job market, and specific entitlements to include Financial and Estate Planning, TRICARE, Veteran Benefits, and Relocation. This seminar is offered in-person. Service Members are eligible to attend 24 months prior to retirement. For registration details, contact your Unit Transition Coordinator. April 05-08 Camp Foster, 0730-1630

The TRP office does not accept direct registrations from Service Members. For more information on the TRP, please email MCBB_TRP@usmc.mil or call 645-3151.

Department of Labor Employment Workshop

The 2-Day Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOL-EW) is available to meet the congressionally mandated requirement for those who seek employment after separating or retiring from the military. The DOL-EW curriculum is designed to assist Service Members with their transition into high-quality civilian careers. The track will assist in identifying and developing career goals, understanding hiring methods, creating a professional introduction, and a draft resume. This course is virtual and requires registration in advance to attend.

April 01-02 Camp Hansen, DOL-EW 0730-1630

April 15-16 Camp Kinser, DOL-EW 0730-1630

April 22-23 Camp Schwab, DOL-EW 0730-1630

April 29-30 Camp Foster, DOL-EW 0730-1630

For more information or to register for the 2-day Department of labor Employment Workshop visit: https://www.mccsokinawa.com/transition/#tab1 or call 645-3151.

Boots to Business The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a live virtual workshop to deliver the Entrepreneurship Track-“Boots to Business” (B2B). This two day introductory course is available to Service Members and their spouses/adult family members. This workshop provides valuable assistance to those who are exploring self-employment opportunities. The course provides the key steps for evaluating business concepts and the foundational knowledge required for developing a business plan. Participants are also introduced to SBA resources that are available to help access start-up capital and additional assistance. April 22-23 1300-1700 Live Virtual Platform

Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) The 2-day vocational track (C2E) is designed to assist Service Members in identifying certifications and credentials needed for their career interests. This two-day workshop will help you identify the best occupation for your strengths and create a plan to make it a reality. This workshop is a live virtual webinar. You must register in advance by visiting: https://www.mccsokinawa.com/transition/#tab1

Personal Financial Planning for Transition: Booster Workshop This Personal Financial Planning for Transition workshop is a booster to the Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) finance module. It is designed to offer assistance in preparing and completing the Financial Planning Workshop which is a Career Readiness Standard (CRS) required during your Capstone Review. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a completed Financial Planning Worksheet ready to submit during their Capstone review. Please call 645-3151 for registration. April 20 1300-1700 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220

April 01-02 0800-1600 Camp Foster Education Center, Bldg. 5679

For more information contact the education office at: eduadvisor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

FMEAP provides individual assistance with resume development and review, interview coaching and a career resource center with a computer lab. All services are free and available to Service Members, retirees, reservists, DoD employees, military spouses and family members. Please see page 30 for Marine and Family Programs contact phone numbers. Ace the Interview The best candidate may not get the job, but the best interviewee might. Learn how to ace your next interview. In this workshop you will understand how to answer tough questions, dress appropriately, and negotiate your salary.

April 22 0830-1130 MCAS Futenma, Education Center, Bldg. 407

Resume Writing Write a winning resume today! In this workshop you will be able to identify your skills, learn different resume formats, and how to write about your accomplishments so that an employer will call you for an interview.

April 06 1300-1600 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425

April 21 0830-1130 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445 Federal Government Employment Workshop Applying for a federal employment can be a daunting process, but we are here to help demystify the process. We will walk you through the application process, required documents, creating a resume and how to align your skills with the job qualifications. April 09 0830-1130 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339

April 27 0830-1130 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425

For more information on TRP, please email MCBB_TRP@usmc.mil or call 645-3151.

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB)

L.I.N.K.S. Workshops L.I.N.K.S. is a military acculturation program designed by spouses to help meet the needs of all military personnel, families, and DOD card holders. Craft Your Way Through L.I.N.K.S Join us for fun, laughter, and crafting! April 1 Virtual

L.I.N.K.S. MCMAP For Kids L.I.N.K.S. will be hosting a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) class for military children in honor of the Month of the Military Child. Children ages 8-13 will be able to participate and practice MCMAP in order to understand the different types of training Marines go through. April 1 Camp Foster Chapel Center Bldg. 445 1800-1900

April 2 Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center 1800-1900

L.I.N.K.S. Refresher The L.I.N.K.S. Refresher workshop is FREE for spouses of Service Members in need of a refresher in Marine Corps 101. April 6 Camp Kinser, MFP Bldg. 1220 1200-1600

Registration is required for all workshops. To register, go to: www.mccsokinawa.com/MCFTB

L.I.N.K.S. Kids’ Dance Party L.I.N.K.S. will be hosting a Kids’ Dance Party for military children. Ages 5-10. The Kids’ Dance Party event will create an opportunity to have children connect with one another, understand they are not alone in this military lifestyle, and create lifetime bonds, all while having fun dancing to the latest hits! April 8 Foster Chapel Center Bldg. 445 1800-1900 April 9 Courtney Iron Works Fitness Center 1800-1900 L.I.N.K.S. Paint & Glow L.I.N.K.S. will be hosting a Paint Palooza for children ages 8-13. Children will be able to paint a picture on canvas that represents serving as a military child stationed at Okinawa, Japan. April 15 Camp Courtney, MFP 1800-2000 April 16 Camp Foster, MFP, Bldg. 439 1800-2000

L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses The L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses workshop is designed for spouses of any age and experience level. Come meet other spouses, network, and share insight at this one-day workshop. April 20 Hansen MFP Bldg. 2339 0900-1630

Registration is required for all workshops. To register, go to: www.mccsokinawa.com/MCFTB

L.I.N.K.S. Garden & Grow L.I.N.K.S. will be hosting a “Garden and Grow” event for children ages 5-10. Children are invented to come and celebrate not only the Month of the Military Child, but also Earth Day. Children will have the opportunity to plant flowers using recycled cartons. April 20 Camp Courtney MFP, Bldg. 4425 1800-1900

April 22 Camp Foster MFP, Bldg. 439 1800-1900 FRPT/RDST Family Readiness Program Trainings provide resource information and training to enhance a Commander's Family Readiness Command Team, Service Members, and their families. Readiness & Deployment Support Trainings are designed to prepare families for the unique challenges of deployment, in addition to maintaining a constant state of readiness independent of deployment through pre-, mid-, and post-deployment briefs for Service Members and their families. Command Team Training, Family Readiness and Command Team Advisor/Assistant/OPSEC & PII Training Contact MCFTB for registration. April 7 Camp Foster Chapel Ctr. Bldg. 455 0900-1200

UPFRP Readiness Coordinator Learning Series Topic: Education Center April 8 MCAS Futenma Ed. Ctr. Bldg. 407 1100-1300

UPFRP Readiness Coordinator Training April 13-15 Camp Foster Chapel Center Bldg. 455 0900-1500

Registration is required for all workshops. To register, go to www.mccsokinawa.com/MCFTB

LifeSkills Training and Education Each workshop provides different and valuable information that can be used at work and at home. 17 Laws of Teamwork Building and maintaining an effective team is no easy task. The key is to understand the role and purpose of every member of the team. Those who ignore this fact find themselves working on teams that may be loaded with talent but do not function at full potential. Learn how to maximize your potential and influence on your team. It’s time to synergize and reinvigorate your team! This workshop will provide ground-breaking tools to help ... April 6 Camp Hansen MFP 1300-1630

Bridging the Gap This workshop helps individuals improve their relationships on a professional and personal level by showing why generations may respond to each other in different ways. It provides a foundation to enable improved communication through increased knowledge of generational characteristics, influences, and priorities. April 8 VIRTUAL 1300-1530

Premarital Seminar The seminar provides an in-depth look at the procedures for getting married in the United States or overseas. The seminar also hosts information regarding

IPAC benefits, Tricare, legal services, immigration procedures, financial partnerships and basic communication strategies.

April 9 Foster Ocean Breeze. Bldg. 5906 0730-1200

Premarital Seminar Every Second Friday of the Month Camp Foster, Ocean Breeze

Registration is required for all workshops. To register, go to www.mccsokinawa.com/MCFTB

Say What This is a workshop that is designed to explore varying means, concepts, and styles of communication. It supports improved communication skills and uses evidence informed activities to advance each participant’s communication capabilities. Our goal is to positively impact and support healthy relationships through improved communication techniques. April 22 VIRTUAL 1300-1530

Real Relationships Discover how to identify the hallmarks of meaningful relationships and how to build skills to make them stronger. Through a variety of activities, learn to develop these skills using tools designed to engage participants in a way that allows for personal growth. April 29 VIRTUAL 1300-1530

Registration is required for all workshops. To register, go to www.mccsokinawa.com/MCFTB

The MCCS Education and Centers assist active duty and family members with their educational goals. Guidance Counselors can provide academic/vocational guidance, financial assistance information and assist in developing education plans.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VIRTUAL BRIEFS! *For virtual USMC TA brief instructions, visit the following link: https://tinyurl.com/MCCSOkiTAbrief Meeting ID: 199 464 0271 Password: tabrief

If using a ..Mil computer to access the TA Brief, please use the link available via the MCCS Okinawa Education Center website in the Tuition Assistance tab.

*To register for other virtual briefs, email: education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org Please provide your Name, Rank, Email Address, and Assigned Camp. We will email you the link and password for your assigned day of the scheduled brief. USMC Tuition Assistance (TA) Brief This class reviews Marine Corps TA policies.

 In-person briefs are subject to cancellation pending IIIMEF/MARFORJ HPCON guidance.

Mondays 1000 Camp Courtney, Bldg. 4425 and Virtual Session Available Tuesdays 1000 Camp Kinser, Bldg. 1220 Wednesdays 1000 Camp Hansen, Bldg. 2339 and Virtual Session Available Thursdays 1000 Camp Foster, Bldg. 5679 Fridays 1000 MCAS Futenma, Bldg. 407 Camp Schwab, Bldg. 3429 and Virtual Session Available

Virtual Commissioning Programs Brief

The Marine Commissioning Programs provide opportunities for enlisted

Marines to earn the coveted title of Marine Officer. The Marine Corps takes incredible measures to ensure that its Officers are trained and evaluated properly prior to leading Marines. April 13 1430 Virtual Virtual GI Bill Brief

This class explains the differences between the Montgomery GI Bill and the

Post 9-11 GI Bill. In addition, Marines will learn all the advantages of each type of GI Bill and how they can apply for and use these benefits. April 20 1430 Virtual Virtual USMAP/MCCOOL Brief Marines will learn about apprenticeship and credentialing opportunities for their MOS to become better at their job while on active-duty and be better prepared to transition to civilian employment after leaving active-duty service. April 06 1430 Virtual

April 27 1430 Virtual

Virtual SkillBridge Brief Marines will learn about the policies and guidelines for pursuing a SkillBridge program opportunity that provides civilian work force training prior to separation from active duty service.

April 01 1430 Virtual

April 15 1430 Virtual

Arpil 29 1430 Virtual

Please contact your nearest MCCS Education Center using information listed on page 51 or visit the Marine and Family Program webpage at www.mccsokinawa.com.