Family Matters January 2014

FAMILY MATTERS, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

Inside You'll Find: NCNG Teen Council Events FILING YOUR Veteran Career Days Filing Your Taxes Without the Headache Guard & Reserve Benefits FRG Fundraising Tips and more...

Hello All, We hope that you and your Family had a wonderful Christmas and will have a safe and happy New Year!

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to all those Benefactors who helped "make" the Holidays for many of our Servicemembers and their Families. With their assistance, we were able to provide Holiday dinners with all the trimmings for Thanksgiving and during Christmas, all our "Angels" were adopted and we were able to provide "Christmas" to almost 400 of NC National Guard children. In addition, some businesses and individuals also sent packages to our deployed Servicemembers. It was heartwarming to see so many of you offer your assistance to our Families. Many of our Benefactors help provide Thanksgiving and Christmas year after year to Servicemembersand their Families.

I would like to thank the Family Programs Saff for ALL of their hard work, not only during the Holidays, but throughout the year. If you do not know your local Family Assistance Center Representative, I strongly encourage you to drop by their office or give them a call. They are a valuable resource for what's going on in your area and what is happening at the National level, as well.

MESSAGE F R O M TH E DIREC TO R

Now is the time that we make plans for 2014. The Chaplains are working hard on the Strong Bonds Events for 2014, so please keep checking for the list of dates for all the Retreats. Child & Youth is working to expand our NCNG Teen Council across the State. If you have a Teen who would be interested in participating in this fun and educational Council, please contact Alice Dean, our Lead Child & Youth Coordinator.

With the start of a new year, it is always a great time to reboost or restart. Will you make New Year's Resolutions? Some may, some may not. Yet, the new year, is always a symbolic way to make a new start or improvements. We've included a fun 28-Day Challenge that Families may want to consider by www.focusproject.org. The Focus project is a service specially designed for military families and has an abundance of resources that can help you get started on accomplishing your resolutions.

You'll also find information on upcoming Veteran Career Days, NCNG Teen Events and more.

Stay tuned on our Facebook page for announcements, opportunities and more. If you have a New Year's Resolution that you'd like to share, please do. Also, follow us on Twitter. It's one of the many ways that we'd like to stay connected.

I would like to wish you and your Family a Happy New Year! We'll be in touch with you throughout the year. We aim to bring you quality programs and services, and provide you with the information you need.

We look forward to a great New Year. If you have suggestions and/or ideas on how we can improve, please let us know or have story ideas, photos or something special to share in our newsletter, please forward that info to ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com.

From Our Family To Yours,

Diane

State Family Program Director About Family Matters Our Family was created to provide Servicemembers and Families the most up-to-date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues, or if you have suggestions and comments, please contact the NCNG Family Programs Marketing and Communications Department personnel, Angelena Dockery or Kathryn Jarvis, at ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com. E-Versions of Family Matters can be downloaded at the NCNG Family Programs webpage at www.nc.ngb.army.mil.

References in this newsletter to any specific commercial products, processes, services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

2  FAMILY MATTERS  JANUARY 2014

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Contents

Family Matters/Volume 5, Issue 1/January 2014

Page 4

04 Resolutions for the Family FOCUS' Resiliency 28-Day Challenge

06 Filing Your Taxes without the Headache A Preparation for filing taxes is just as essential as filing. Military OneSource lists

important documents to have gathered before filing and offers free help for eligible military members.

08 Guard and Reserve Benefits A few things you might want to know before you retire.

09 Kiss the Kennel Goodbye Learn how to keep your pets happy while you're away.

10 Part 4 of FRG Fundraising

Page 6

Get the FRG Fundraising Tips you need to keep your group running smoothly and by the book, while working to accomplish your Unit's goals for Families.

11 Post-it!

Grab a pencil and pen so you can keep up with things coming up.

Page 8

12 Operation Purple: Winter Family Retreat Embark on a military family adventure of a lifetime through a winter wonderland in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

14 Free Counseling Resources From Military OneSource, to Military Family Life Counselors and Personal Financial Counselors, FREE assistance awaits.

15 Veteran Career Days Start the New Year with the right tools to get the job with the upcoming Veteran

Page 9

Career Day, featuring one day of workshops and another of employer sit-downs.!

Do you have a photo that would be great on the Cover of Family Matters? Email a photo you have persmissions for to ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com with a description of the photo and who took the picture.

Resolutions for the Family FOCUS' Resiliency 28-Day Challenge

Referenced Materials may be downlaoded at www.focusproject.org/articles/Strong-Family-Resolutions The start of 2014 is here and if you are like most people you are pondering what kind of changes you might like to see in yourself and in your family in the new year. If building a stronger, more resilient family is one of the goals on your list, then FOCUS has a way to help you. We have compiled resources from FOCUS World, our online education platform, and past issues of FOCUS Quarterly and shaped them into a 30 day calendar you can use to teach your family new skills and strengthen the ones you have.

Week 1: Managing Feelings

Day 1: Create a FOCUS World account Click here to go to the FOCUS World homepage to create your account Day 2: Have each family member select an avatar to represent them in FOCUS World When an avatar is created it will provide the option to take a survey that will help us learn about your family. Only one parent in each family needs to take it We appreciate you taking the time to complete it. The information you provide helps us know how to make your experience in FOCUS World more enjoyable.

Day 3: Complete the Feeling Thermometer activity located in the basement of the FOCUS World house with each member of your family Day 4: Print the Feeling Thermometer and Feeling Fox handouts located in the Parent Study. During dinner discuss as a family the feelings that put each member in the different color zones of the thermometer. Going forward you can use the colors as an easy way to talk with your children about how they are feeling.

For example, the night before school starts following a break you may ask your kids where they are on the Feeling Thermometer.

Some children may be in the “Green Zone” because they feel comfortable, happy, or excited while other children may be in the “Red Zone” and express feeling worried about their new hair cut or frustrated about their progress in math.

Day 5: Download and print the Things that Make Me Feel Better handout from the Parent Study and have a conversation with your family about different ways they can get back down to green when they are feeling upset (i.e., in the red, orange, or yellow zones).

Day 6: Watch the Just Breathe video in the Parent Study with your kids and then download the Deep Breathing handout to practice as a family.

Day 7: Family fun night!

It is wonderful to spend time learning together, but it’s also important to spend time as a family having fun and enjoying each others’ company You can let each family member take turns choosing the activity for family fun night.

Week 2: Communication

Day 8: Use the How to Hold a Family Meeting handout in the Parent Study and the corresponding article in FOCUS Quarterly to hold your first official family meeting.

Day 9: Download the Effective Communication Skills handout and practice some of these strategies as a family.

Day 10: Have each member of the family go into Family Room of FOCUS World and create one or two memory trees.

Add pictures, notes, and their feelings to the tree so that other family members will be able to get a clear picture of their experience of the event.

Day 11: Have each family member go onto FOCUS World and add their pictures, notes, and feelings to the memories created by other family members.

Day 12: Lead a family meeting to discuss what everyone thought of their other family members’ memory trees.

This would also be a great time to view your family timeline which can give you a snapshot of your family’s feelings at different points in time and allow you to see all the ups and downs your family has gone through. This will help you see where your family strengths are, as well as provide ideas for future family goals.

4 FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY 2014

The family timeline is also an excellent way to boost family communication, as it allows you to see how different family members can have different thoughts and feelings about the same event.

To get to the family timeline: go into the Family Room and click on the fox’s head in the upper right-hand corner Day 13: Download the Family Calendar handout from the Parent Study and corresponding article from FOCUS Quarterly and use it to create your very own family calendar.

Day 14: Family fun night!

Week 3: Goal Setting & Problem Solving

Day 15: Download the SCORE handout from the Parent Study and have a family meeting about goal setting.

Day 16: Have each family member go on to the Kitchen in FOCUS World and create a goal for themselves. You may have to help younger kids break their goal down into simpler steps.

Day 17: Review the goals each family member created on FOCUS World and put them up on the family calendar to help you keep track of when the steps are accomplished.

Day 18: Now that you have created individual goals, take a few minutes to sit down with the Family Goal Worksheet from the Parent Study and create a family wide goal.

Day 19: Hold a family meeting to talk about how you solve problems. Use the SNAP for kids handout from the Parent Study to teach the SNAP method of problem solving.

Day 20: Find a fairly easy family problem to practice using SNAP. Day 21: Family fun night!

Week 4: Dealing with Deployment and Reintegration

Day 22: Read through the Deployment Tips handout.

Day 23: Watch the video in the Parent Study called, Talking to Kids When They are Worried, to learn one way to help prepare kids for deployment.

Day 24: Watch the video in the Parent Study called, Helping Kids Understand Deployment, which talks about how to comfort kids when they are upset about deployment.

Day 25: Read the FOCUS Quarterly article, Deployment from a Spouse’ Perspective, and make plans for how you can make sure you keep yourself in the green during a deployment.

Day 26: Watch two videos in the Parent Study that deal with reintegration; Reintegration for Parents and Teens and Wrestling with Deployment Reminders Day 27: Hold a family meeting to talk about how your deployment and reintegration affect your family.

Day 28: Congratulations! You completed your strong family resolution.

Have a wonderful family fun night and don’t forget to practice everything you learned over the rest of 2014.

photo courtesty of NCNG Public Affairs

FAMILY MATTERS

JANUARY 2014 5

FilingYourTaxe$WithouttheHeadache Just thinking about the start of tax season is enough to cause most people a major headache. Between collecting the right documents, following all the tax laws and getting everything submitted on time, tax time can be overwhelming. But with the correct preparation on your part and some help from outside resources, like your installation military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office and Military OneSource, you can make this tax season much less stressful for you and your family.

Preparing Ahead of Time One way to make tax time easier is to start gathering all the necessary documents and information you need ahead of time. Designate a specific location (a folder, a drawer, a shoebox, etc.) where you can place all the relevant information, so that when you are ready to file, you have everything you need. Here are some of the things you should start gathering: •

• •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Social Security number and date of birth for you, your spouse and dependents Child care, education and adoption costs W-2 forms from all employers for you and your spouse Form 1099 for independent contractors investment income forms alimony information Social Security benefits miscellaneous income Form 1098-E for student loan interest charitable donations uninsured medical and dental expenses real estate taxes receipts for any deductible expenses W-2 forms are typically available from your military Service beginning in January.You can download your military W-2 from myPay. Tax forms are available at your local post office and library.You can also download them from the IRS website.

• Pay attention to tax scams. Each year, the IRS informs and educates the public about the most common tax scams, which include unscrupulous tax preparers or phishing. To learn more about how to avoid these scams, visit the IRS website.

Taking Advantage of Military OneSource Tax Services Military OneSource provides free access to the H&R Block At Home® Basic online tax filing service.The service allows you to complete and electronically file your federal and up to three state tax returns or filings.Your calculations are guaranteed to be 100% accurate or H&R Block pays the penalties and interest.The H&R Block At Home® Basic tax filing service protects the security and confidentiality of your personal information by using industry-recognized security safeguards. You do not have to complete the return all at one time.When you begin, you create a secure user ID and password, which enables you to log on, save, close and return to the program as needed.

In addition, Military OneSource provides year round access to tax consultants who can help you and your family find answers to your tax questions and maximize your refund.

Military OneSource tax consultants share information about the unique tax requirements and issues related to military personnel and their families identify applicable IRS and state tax regulations, definitions and forms provide electronic copies of tax forms and help you understand how to complete them review options for using a refund, including options for using it to pay down debt explain additional tax services available to the military community such as VITA clinics.

In addition to gathering important documents, here are some other ways to get ahead of the tax-time curve: • Create a list of questions for a tax consultant.You

may wonder whether or not you can write off certain ex penses or whether you qualify for an extension. Write all of this down and ask a professional.

• Don't wait until the last minute to start your taxes.

Just because the deadline is in April doesn't mean you have to wait until then to get started.

• Be aware of special tax benefits you may qualify for as a Servicemember, including a filing extension.Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website or contact a Military OneSource tax consultant to find out more about these benefits.

6 FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY 2014

(continues on Page 7) THE NCNG LEGAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE WILL OFFER FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AT THE END OF JANUARY. GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE, AND LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK

@ www.facebook.com/NCARNGLA

e

Taxes without a Headache (continued from page 6) Determining your Eligibility for Military One Source Tax Services The following individuals are eligible for the Military OneSource Tax Services: • •

•

• •

•

January 2014 JSS Webinar Sessions

All active duty Servicemembers Register using the links below. Upon registering, you National Guard and members of the Reserve (regardless of activation will receive a confirmation email. status) Members of the Coast Guard Reserve activated as part of the Using the Groups Tool in JSS Department of the Navy under Title10 authority Thursday January 9, 2014 11:00 - 11:30 AM Spouses and dependent children who are authorized in DEERS This webinar shows how to use the JSS Groups tool A family member who is taking care of the affairs of an eligible service to connect with others, access information, and when the Servicemember is deployed communicate effectively over email and on the web.

A severely injured service member of one of the services noted above, or This includes how to post events in a shared a designated family member of a severely injured member who is calendar, upload documents to a File Library, and colincapable of handling his or her own affairs; medically retired individuals laborate in forum discussions. are eligible until 180 days past their End of Tour of Service, retirement https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/Kidate or discharge date oskRegistration.aspx?Mode=AddNew&Id=7ce69daeb9fa-4519-80a84ca74ee275f8

Additional Resources The personal financial readiness of service members and their families is a top Using the Contacts & Resources Tool in JSS priority of the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD provides a wide range Thursday January 9, 2014 11:00 - 11:30 AM of tools and services to help Servicemembers and their families reduce debt, During this session, you will learn how JSS enables achieve savings goals and attain financial flexibility. Here are some resources de- you to search for a resource, add a new resource signed to assist you and your family: and manage resources. Please register online. InThe Personal Financial Management (PFM) Program. The PFM program is an installation-based program offered by each of the Services. Personal financial counselors (PFC) provide education and counseling services that address a range of financial topics, including retirement planning, banking, budgeting, record keeping and more.

Financial counseling. Financial counseling is available through Military OneSource (in addition to the tax consultation services) and the Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP). To find a JFSAP team in your state, visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. VITA Program. The VITA Program provides free tax advice and preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families. To find a VITA site near you, use the Armed Forces Legal Assistance Legal Services Locator.

structions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email. https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/KioskRegistration.aspx?Mode=AddNew&Id=9c6239a0c155-4a38-bbd780355760eb27

Updating Unit FRG Status Tracker in JSS

Wednesday January 22, 2014 Noon – 12:30 PM This webinar will provide SFRSAs and FRSAs with detailed instructions on how to update the readiness status of each unit FRG using the Unit FRG Status Tracker tool in JSS. https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/KioskRegistration.aspx?Mode=AddNew&Id=f378d3305f8c-4546-a77f04086015c372

Using the Volunteer Activity Tracker in JSS IRS. The IRS website is full of helpful resources, forms and tips to make tax time – Staff

easier for you.

Military Families prosper when they can manage their finances well and save money for the future. Start this year with a stress-free tax season and get on track to financial readiness and long-term financial well-being.

To learn more about Military OneSource Tax Services, call 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com.

Wednesday January 22, 2014 Noon – 12:30 PM This session orients Staff to relevant reports detailing volunteer activities. This includes how to view and export the User Report and enter and view volunteer. https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/KioskRegistration.aspx?Mode=AddNew&Id=697d226bb02b-491b-8f4744edaf6851f

FAMILY MATTERS

JANUARY 2014 7

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) is designed to provide a retirement-qualified Reserve Component (Reserve and National Guard) Servicemember, an opportunity to provide a guaranteed lifetime annuity for the Servicemember’s survivor(s) in the event of death. The annuity is based upon the retired pay earned by the Servicemember. A Servicemember’s retired pay cannot be continued after their death: only the Servicemember may draw the retired pay that they earned.

Under the RCSBP, if a Servicemember has 20 qualifying years of service, they have three options for enrollment, and they may designate to whom they desire the annuity to be paid. The designee(s) may be the Servicemember’s: • Spouse • Former spouse • Children • Person with an insurable interest in the Servicemember If a Servicemember has received a 15-year letter authorizing early retirement at age 60, they are also offered this benefit.

Guard & Reserve Retirement Benefits Compiled information from the Defense Finance and Accounting Office and the Department of the Army Human Resources Command Official Webpages

Coverage Options

Annuities can be as much as 55 percent of your retired pay. The 2001 Authorization Act changed the RCSBP enrollment procedure: Servicemember’s receiving a Twenty Year Letter after 31 December 2000 are considered automatically enrolled in the RCSBP under Option C, Spouse and children. Servicemembers are required to respond to this Command within 90-days of receipt of their Twenty Year Letter to advise the branch of service they are retiring from the name of their spouse, or to change the automatic election.

ANY CHANGE TO THE AUTOMATIC ELECTION (OPTION C) REQUIRES WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TO THAT EFFECT THAT IS SIGNED BY BOTH THE SERVICEMEMBER AND SPOUSE, AND NOTARIZED.

Option A: No Participation; The soldier elects not to participate in the RCSBP. The soldier reserves the right to enroll in the RCSBP when he/she: 1.

Marries [election must be made within one year of the marriage] 2.

Attains age sixty (60) and receives retired pay 3.

Agrees with spouse, in writing, not to enroll in the RCSBP. MUST BE NOTARIZED.

The cost of participation in the RCSBP is borne by the Servicemember when they start to receive retired pay at age 60. Upon their death, the RC cost is transferred to the annuitant.

Once the Servicemember makes an election they may not, by law, cancel their participation in RCSBP. The cost of the RCSBP is based upon the Servicemember’s age and the age of the annuitant at the time of election, the option selected, the base amount that selected and the Servicemember’s retired pay.

Option B: Coverage; No Annuity Until 60 The Soldier elects coverage, but does not desire that the annuity be paid to the widow/ widower until the Soldier would have attained age sixty (60).

Note: RCSBP is comprised of two costs: the base SBP cost that all active and reserve soldiers pay (called the BASE cost); and the RC cost which is the cost for carrying your annuity without payment until you attain age sixty.

(Continued on Page 10) Continued from Page he time you make the election. There are too many formulas and variables to inc 8 FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY 2014

Coverage; Immediate Annuity The Soldier elects coverage requiring that the annuity payments to the widow/widower begin immediately upon the death of the Soldier.

Kiss the Kennel Goodbye

How to Keep Your Pets Happy While You’re Away So, you just got your orders for mobilization. Or, you just glanced at your calendar and realized your Drill Weekend is coming up fast.

There are probably a million things you need to take care of before you leave. The last thing you need to worry about is who will take care of your pet while you’re gone – for two days, two months, or more.

If you have friends or family willing to take in the little guy or gal, that’s terrific. If not, here are several reputable organizations that will take care of your pet for however long you’re away.

MOBILIZATION Dogs on Deployment – Provides an online database of volunteers willing to board pets (cats and bird included) while servicemembers are away.

Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pets – Helps service members find fosters homes for their beloved pets for mobilizations up to one year.

Military Pets Foster Project – Supports a nationwide and global network of foster homes that will house and care for dogs, cats, birds, horses, and all other pets of all military personnel.

DRILL WEEKEND Yes, it’s just a weekend, but pets should never be left alone for that amount of time. While cats are a bit more self-sufficient for short periods of time, dogs need supervision. A few things to keep in mind when preparing for Drill Weekend: Do not drop your dog off at a shelter for the weekend – it’s not doggy daycare. Animal shelters are overrun, and miscommunication among staff and/or overcrowding could cause Fido to accidently go home with a new family.

If you have a cat, make arrangements for someone to look in on it every day.

Dogs on Deployment offers free pet walking and sitting services so your dog can enjoy the comforts of home with a sitter.

WANT MORE INFORMATION? For more pet foster options while you’re away supporting our country, log onto FosterDogs.com. This resource provides nationwide foster care for “military dogs.”

Need to know how to prepare your pet for foster care? The American Humane Society offers a great resource to help ease you – and your pet’s – concerns.

Source www.guardyourhealth.com

Family (RetirementReadiness Coninued Groups from / Volunteering Page 8) To calculate your approximate RCSBP costs, use the following steps.

Donations and Gifts - Can We?

FRG Fundraising Tips & Reminders…Part 4

Unit commanders in conjunction with the State Family Readiness Director may accept unsolicited donations to the FRG informal fund of $1000 or less per donation from private organizations or individual donors.

What does that mean?

Providing: 1)

Each donation from an organization or individual does not

exceed $1000 (annually). Multiple donations from an organization or individual annually does not follow the intent of National Guard Bureau funding guidance.

2)

Total donations from organizations and donors do not

exceed the $10,000 annual income limit.

3)

All donations must be unconditional.

I acknowledge this gift to a Family Readiness Group which is

not a Charitable nor a Non Profit organization. This gift is given without representation of any IRS tax advantages and that I am responsible for consulting with qualified tax professionals regarding tax planning.

•Unsolicited gifts or donations to the FRG are considered income and impact the FRG annual $10,000 income limit.

10 FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY 2014

1. Compute your retired pay using the

retired pay formula: [(Your total retirement points / 360) x 0.025] x monthly active duty pay for your rank and years of service = your monthly gross retired pay 2. Your BASE cost is: 0.025 of the first

$701 (threshold amount *) of your retired

pay ($17.53), plus 10 percent of all

reminder retired pay over $701, if your

projected retired pay will be $1,502 or

less per month (See Example 1).

Example 1: (Use step 1) You project that your retired pay will be $800 a month.

(Use step 2) You know that the BASE cost will be $17.53 for the first $701 of your retired pay, and 10% of all pay over $701. $800 - $701 = $184 $99 x 0.10 = $9.90 $17.53 + $9.90 = $27.43 Base SBP Cost If your retired pay is projected to be more than $1,502 per month, the BASE cost will be 0.065% of the projected monthly pay (See Example 2).

EXAMPLE 2: You project that your monthly retired pay will be more than $1,502 each month. $1600 x 0.065 = $104.00 Base SBP Cost The second part of the RCSBP cost is again based on your monthly retired pay, as well as your age and the age(s) of your annuitant(s) at the time you make the election. There are too many formulas and variables to include.

However, you may find more about the additional costs and tables used for calculating estimated costs at the Office of the Department of Defense Actuary website. at http://actuary.defense.gov/ If you have questions, please call SFC Hubert Caraway at 919-664-6000 ext. 46814 or SSG Travis Reed, Retirement Counselor, at 919-664-6000 ext. 46128.

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM

Get $$$ For College ...

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Day is Feb. 22, 2014. In N.C., "FAFSA Day" is offered by College Foundation of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and State Employees' Credit Union.

What is FAFSA DAY? FAFSA Day is on Saturday, February 22, 2014. FAFSA Day is a program offered by College Foundation of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the State Employees' Credit Union each February. On FAFSA Day, college financial aid officers and other volunteers will help students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. The program is open to students who plan to attend college in the 2014-15 academic year.

NOTE: It's important to do your taxes early.To find out why, visit www.cfnc.org/fafsaday.

UPCOMING TEEN COUNCIL MEETINGS

Our teen council meetings in January will focus on “Job Search

Skills” (Getting Started, Networking, Being Prepared,

Completing Applications, References, Wrapping It Up, etc.).

14 January 2014, 5:30-8:00pm

28 January 2014, 5:30-8:00pm

Both meetings will take place at:

Wake County Extension Office

4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610

(FAFSA) Day id A t en ud St l ra de Fe for on ati lic pp Free A February 22, 2014. rt thinking s: Now is the time to stal in Reminder to Familieen summer”. oo sch of t ou e ar s kid wh do to t ha about “w ; Boys/Girls and Recreation; YMCA Check out local Parksity rams; Camps, etc.

Clubs; 4-H; Univers /College prog obby Month January is National H as a family. * Pick a new hobby tobbtry er family members. * Learn about the hoto aieshoofbboth y you’ve never considered * Give an honest try before. our 28-day Family g rin du do to ing th od go a be t igh *****M Resolution Challenge!*****

Need a Quick Reminder?

Follow us on Twitter

@NCNGFAMILY FAMILY MATTERS

JANUARY 2014 11

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM

Operation Purple: Winter Military Family Retreat

Photo from www.tetonscience.org

Where: When:

Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools, 700 Coyote Canyon Road, Jackson, WY 83001 February 14 - 18, 2014

Embark on a family adventure of a lifetime through a winter wonderland in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Con-

nect as a family and learn to cross country ski and snowshoe while exploring the wildlife and wild lands of Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the winter. Families will stay on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools and spend their days exploring Grand Teton National Park with professional outdoor educators. Leave with memories and pictures of moose, elk, majestic mountains and treasured family time in the outdoors.

Teton Science Schools are working with the National Military Family Association to help empower military children and their families and honor the sacrifices they make for our country. Operation Purple Family Retreats help families reconnect after deployment.

To learn more and to apply, visit www.militaryfamily.org.

UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIPS:

The 2014 Fisher House “Scholarships for Military Children Program” and “Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program for Children of Fallen or Disable Services Members” are open for applications.

“Scholarship for Military Children Program” deadline is 28 February 2014.

“Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program” deadline is 15 March 2014.

To learn more, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

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Family Assistance Centers Family Assistance Centers are located across the State to provide assistance to ALL Military Service Members and their Families. If you know of a Service Member or Military Family that has a question or concern, please share our contact numbers, web site, newsletter, and Facebook link. We're here to help.

Asheville Military Family Resource Center 7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-7209 Rebekah Torres, (828) 274-8571 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd., 28208/(800) 621-4136 Carry Bandy, FAC Specialist, carry.s.bandy.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 14573 Gabrielle H. O'Flanagan, gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@mail.mil, Ext 14547 Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834/(800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Dawn White, dawn.m.white2.ctr@mail.mil Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., 28645/ (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11242 Frances Johnson, frances.r.johnson28.ctr@mail.mil Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27607/(800) 621-4136 Lisa Faison, lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 47100 Mark Woolbright, mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 47102 Bob Bowman, robert.a.bowman1.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 46979 Raleigh JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center 636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607/800-621-4136 Ext. 46078 Wendi Bell, wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd., 27577/(800) 621-4136 Ext.12784 Abby Millsap, abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 510 W. Morganton Rd., PO Box 1317, 28387/ (800) 621-4136 Ext. 12863 Earlene Capps, earlene.b.capps.ctr@mail.mil, Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd., 28405/(800) 621-4136 Jim Marley, james.e.marley.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 16918 Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy., 27103/(800) 621-4136 Ext. 15651 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist, sandra.b.harrison2.ctr@mail.mil

FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (800) 621-4136 PLUS EXTENSION Morrisville: Darlette McCormick Charlotte: Nikkie Newsome genesia.k.newsome.ctr@mail.mil darlette.s.mccormick.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 16313 Ext.14548 Clinton: Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 14735

Oxford: Norman Dean norman.g.dean2.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 12182

Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.p.smith14.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 15423

Raleigh: George Lane george.w.lane2.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 46714

Greensboro: Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields.ctr@mail.mil Ext.15620 Jacksonville: Judy Richardson judith.r.richardson.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 11346

FREE Additional Resources to Jumpstart your New Year MILITARY ONESOURCE - FREE COUNSELING SESSIONS

Q. What is confidential non-medical counseling?

A. Confidential non-medical counseling is short-term (up to 12 sessions) and solution-focused. It is intended to prevent the development or exacerbation of lifestyle conditions that may compromise military and family readiness. Non-medical counseling programs provide confidential, short-term counseling to active duty members, National Guard and Reserve service members, and their families. Confidential non-medical counseling addresses issues such as improving relationships at home and work, stress management, readjustment following a deployment, marital problems, parenting, grief and loss. Confidential non-medical counseling is availablethrough both Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counselor program.

Q. Who provides confidential non-medical counseling?

A. Counselors possess a master's or doctorate degree in a mental health field and are licensed or certified in a state, territory or the District of Columbia to practice independently.

Q. What is not addressed through confidential non-medical counseling?

A. Confidential non-medical counseling is not intended to address such issues as active suicidal or homicidal thoughts, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Non-medical counseling is also not suitable for those who have been prescribed psychoactive medication or who are currently receiving therapy with another practitioner. Nor is it appropriate for Family Advocacy Program cases, fitness-for-duty evaluations or court-ordered counseling.

Q: Who is eligible for face-to-face non-medical counseling?

A: Confidential face-to-face non-medical counseling sessions are available at no cost to active-duty, National Guard and reserve members (regardless of activation status) and their families located in the continental United States.

Q: Can counselors be trusted not to report to commanders?

A: Military OneSource stands by its commitment to safeguard the privacy of users of counseling services. Information is not released to commanders or anyone else without the user's consent. The only exceptions to confidentiality are legal and military requirements to report child abuse, spouse abuse, elder abuse, threats of harm to self or others and any present or future illegal activity.

Q: Can a family member use confidential non-medical counseling sessions without the service member's knowledge? If so, does the limit of 12 sessions apply to the whole family or just to the individual using them?

A: A family member or legal guardian of a service member's dependents may use confidential non-medical counseling sessions without the service member's knowledge. The service member or other eligible family members would still be able to use their own 12 sessions.

Q: What happens after the twelve sessions are completed?

A: If you need to see a counselor for a different issue, you must speak with a Military OneSource consultant to receive authorization for that issue, and the consultant will help you find a different counselor. The consultant can also help you find and access other resources, including community services, installation services or TRICARE, if appropriate.

Q: How do I initiate face-to-face counseling services?

A: The person seeking face-to-face non-medical counseling contacts a Military OneSource consultant by phone. The consultant will determine whether face-to-face non-medical counseling is the most appropriate referral. If the consultant determines that this level of service is appropriate, the consultant will authorize up to 12 sessions and provide the caller with contact information for a counselor that best matches his or her needs. Generally, counselors are located within a 30-mile radius of the caller. The consultant may offer to do a three-way call with the caller and the counselor to schedule the first session.

Q: How long is the authorization for face-to-face non-medical counseling valid?

A: The authorization for face-to-face non-medical counseling sessions is valid for 30 days. If the sessions are not initiated within 30 days, the requester will need to make another phone call to a Military OneSource consultant and begin the process again.

Q: What sort of follow-up will there be with Military OneSource after a referral to face-to-face counseling?

A: Generally, the Military OneSource consultant will follow up within seven business days after the referral to the counselor. The consultant will check with the user to see if appointments have been made and to confirm the user's satisfaction with the counselor. The user will be given the opportunity to provide feedback by an email survey, an interactive voice-response system or a direct call to the consultant.

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MFLC PROGRAM ~Provides short-term, situational, problemsolving counseling services to Servicemembers and their Families ~Provides psycho-education to help military Servicemembers and their Families understand the impact of stress, deployments, family reunions following deployments and the stresses of military life ~MFLC services augment existing military support services ~Flexible service delivery (Outreach/ Rotational and On-Demand); Services can be provided on or off military installations ~Services provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups ~Children’s Support Program addresses military impact on children ~MFLCs are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic abuse and duty-to-warn situations ~Services are otherwise confidential and private.

MFLC S​ taff: John Alleman Adult and Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Youth and Family Specialist (919) 665-9178 Personal Financial Counselor: Chip Jurgensen, CFP, NCJFSAP (919) 334-8313 cjurgensen@mflc.zeiders.com Our Personal Financial Counselor can provide FREE one-on-one financial counseling services to you and your Family.

Start the New Year with the right tools to GET THE JOB!

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT CENTER SERVICES INCLUDE: ​

Career Assessment ​

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Job Seekers Workshop ​Search Engine Navigation Help

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MOS/AFSC to Civilian Job Information ​

Individual Employment Plans Job Search Help

​Education Entitlement Information ​Certification Resources

FAMILY MATTERS

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