FFSC - 2020 Year in Review

FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

It should come as no surprise that the NAS Sigonella 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 Wi- Fi, 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 FFSC Sigonella, service members across the world were afforded the opportunity to gain knowledge on the transition process and took a momentous step to ensure that their Career Readiness Standards (CRS) were met.

In March, two FFSC Sigonella clinical counselors deployed to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota in the wake of a death of a NAVSTA Rota FFSC employee. Upon arrival, they helped set up a crisis center and offered crisis counseling to the NAVSTA Rota community and FFSC staff. This support within the region was greatly needed and appreciated by the NAVSTA Rota community, FFSC staff, and the employee’s family.

In April, the NASSIG SAPR Team executed the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month events in April 2020 through virtual means. On a daily basis, there were activities posted on the FFSC Facebook page for the community to participate in and win small SAPR items such as stress balls, pens, magnets. This allowed not only the Sigonella community to participate, but also those around the globe as we had people participating from various states, Djibouti and Bahrain! In order to present a unified front against sexual assault, participants wore teal, and many people—and pets!—showed their support.

For Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 7, FFSC created a special military spouse appreciation video to extend a hearty thank you for all of the contributions, support and sacrifices of being a military spouse. In addition, the video provided a virtual celebration with a special cooking class on how to make carbonara.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and FFSC once again collaborated with NASSIG Public Affairs to place several articles highlighting different aspects of this important issue in the Signature newspaper. FFSC also published a calendar with a schedule of classes, publications, relationship exercises, and tips for healthy connections.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Ombudsman Program in September, FFSC held a sociallydistanced Ombudsman Appreciation dinner. Capt. Pickard hosted the event to provide official public recognition to volunteer ombudsmen. He expressed genuine appreciation for all their generosity, countless time and efforts, and unwavering dedication to the command and community. MWR graciously donated movie and bowling passes to go along with the ombudsman gift.

In November, FFSC participated in an International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Walk and Panel Discussion with more than 300 attendees in Leonforte with Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NASSIG PAO community relations director. The SAPR team was invited by the Leonforte FIDAPA (Italian Chapter of Business and Professional Women International Fellowship) to participate in this event against gender-based violence. This event strengthened our collaboration with the local community and shined a positive light on SAPR, FFSC, and NAS Sigonella.

Though it has been a dynamic time, no matter what 2021 brings, NAS Sigonella FFSC is prepared to support the community!