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The Signature: 2020 Year In Review
FLEET AND FAMILY
t should come as no surprise that the NAS Sigonella I Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has had a very busy 2020. Throughout the many difficulties,
uncertainties, and changing circumstances, FFSC staff remained available and ready to support the community in a variety of different ways. During the initial COVID-19 lockdown, FFSC remained open to the public, but we adjusted our methods to align with decrees and maintain safety while providing our critical support services. Clinical counseling was offered both face-toface utilizing social distancing protocols and via distance counseling, while crisis response for Family Advocacy Program (FAP), Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR), and Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) continued in-person w. Non-clinical support, including financial counseling, Ombudsman Support, Employment Assistance, Life Skills Education, Cultural Adaptation, Information and Referral, and IA Support, is now offered via email and telephonically. Trainings, classes, and briefs, including Sponsor Training, Arrivederci/ Smooth Move, Federal Resume Workshop, and virtual Ombudsman Assembly, were offered online via webinar. Loan Locker services were offered by appointment, and the office support, including WiFi, copy machine, fax machine, and long-distance calling services continued to be provided during normal hours of operation. These shifts allowed FFSC to continue to provide outstanding service to our community during this difficult time. Another way FFSC adapted to the new normal was by launching the new Easy Italian class virtually via
Microsoft Teams CVR. Not to replace the college level Italian course, this two-hour class is meant to help participants experience a positive start in Sigonella, understand their new community and its culture, and assist with adapting to overseas life. It provides valuable skills, resources and referrals to help integrate successfully to this new culture and feel less intimidated to go out and use the language. FFSC also partnered with other organizations to provide resources to the community. Joining forces with USO, they created a restriction of movement (ROM) welcome letter to all newly arriving families to provide information on virtual classes, loan locker, and distance counseling; links to resources; and contact information. A collaboration with Religious Ministries Department led to three AFN videos on dealing with stress of the COVID-19, talking with children, and additional tools and resources. FFSC also collaborated with the NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office on articles in The Signature on positive communications and “COVID coping� and later with CREDO, Religious Services, and Health Promotions on Healthy Relationships: 2-Part PAiiRs Class. Throughout the year, FFSC also supported the Navy-wide Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by providing virtual pre-separation counseling to over 500 military members across 25 installations worldwide. With limited services and the cancellation of many in-person programs across military bases worldwide, Commander, Navy installations Command (CNIC) provided alternative virtual support to service members prepping to navigate the retirement and separation process. As a result of the support from
