Family Connection Newsletter Nov2013

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    Scan QR Codeto access viamobile device

    TheCenterFleet & Family Support

    ContentsNO Updates DC Navy Spouses onudget Impacts

    reparing for a Financial CrisisREE On-Demandutoring for Military Families

    avy Wounded Warrior Safe Harborromotes Success through Transition

    eady and Resilient Navy FamiliesWebinar Series

    esident Energy Conservationrogram (RECP) Waiver Process

    mployment and Transition Corner

    Military Family Appreciation Month

    Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family AppreciationMonth. This annual proclamation marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of the militaryfamily in which the Department of Defense and the nation honor the commitment and sacricesmade by the families of our nations service members.

    Community leaders, businesses and military bases and posts are teaming up to recognize militaryfamilies through special events such as open houses, fun runs, family fun nights, communitydinners, discounts at Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, local business and sportingevents and special recognitions during community activities throughout the month of November.Contact your local MWR or Family and Family Support Center to learn more about eventsscheduled in your area.

    Families OverComing Under Stress (FOCUS) OnTe Go! Mobile AppWith frequent moves and long deployments, military families are often asked to cope withchallenging situations. Project FOCUS recently released the new FOCUS On the Go! familyresilience gaming and resource app for iPhone and iPad. FOCUS On the Go! is a rst-of-its-kind,family-centered mobile app designed to engage children and families in learning and practicingkey resilience skills. Children, adolescents and parents can play a suite of games alongside the appscartoon character, Buddy Bear, to practice identifying and talking about feelings and to collect toolsfor calming down in challenging situations. With more than 40 skill levels, there is fun for all ages.

    In addition, FOCUS On the Go! includes a parents page with a video library and downloadableactivities to further practice family resilience skills. Parents can also complete family resilience check-ins for personalized summaries of their familys strengths. Download FOCUS On the Go! For iPhonand iPad at no cost from the iTunes App Store. An Android app is expected in early 2014.

    Familyc o n n e c t i o n

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    mily Connection is a publication of the Fleet

    d Family Support Program.he Navy's Fleet and Family Support Programomotes the self-reliance and resilience of

    ailors and their families. We provide informationat can help you meet the unique challenges ofe military lifestyle.

    he appearance of external links in this newsletteres not constitute official endorsement on behalfthe U.S. Navy or Department of Defense.

    you have questions or comments, contactmothy McGough [email protected].

    sit us online at:

    We owe each day of secu rity and freedom that we enjoy to themembers of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our braveservice men and women, there are family members and loved ones

    who share in the ir sacrifice and provide unending supportPresident Barack Obama

    http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.htmlhttp://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.htmlhttp://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.htmlhttp://navymwr.org/http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.focusproject.org/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/focus-on-the-go!/id624713445?ls=1&mt=8mailto:%20timothy.mcgough%40navy.mil?subject=mailto:%20timothy.mcgough%40navy.mil?subject=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/focus-on-the-go!/id624713445?ls=1&mt=8http://www.focusproject.org/http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://navymwr.org/http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.htmlhttp://twitter.com/#!/Fleet_Familyhttp://www.facebook.com/navyffsc?ref=mf
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    Add JSS to yourMobile Network

    www.jointservicessupport.or jss/Mobile.aspx

    iPhone, iPad User

    Download JSSat the App Store

    JSS Dial-in Access 24/7?

    1-877-JSS-NOW1(577-6691)

    Relocation Tip Relocating can bdaunting task.In addition tohaving to dealwith all ofthe logisticaldetails andpotentially

    stressfulsituations, youare facing the uncertainty of a newenvironment. To relieve your anxcontact your local Fleet and FamSupport Center (FFSC) and attenSmooth Move Workshop. .

    New SpouseOrientation(NSO) can betaken as an on-demand course designed to support new Navyspouses. It provides information benets, support services, militarculture and resources to help newNavy Spouses adapt to the militalifestyle.

    CNO Updates DC NavySpouses on Budget ImpactsChief of Naval Operations (CNO) ADM Jonathan Greenert

    spoke to 150 military spouses at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Club Oct. 7. ADM Greenert took the opportunityo talk about budget impacts on readiness and family programs as well as take questions from thettendees. In FY14, tuition assistance, compensation, pay, entitlements, retirement process stays as its now, said ADM Greenert. He also stressed that the G.I. Bill is safe because it is a separate law that isot affected by Department of Defense (DoD) funding, or lack thereof.

    When asked about manning and promotions, the CNO pointed out that the Navy mans equipmentifferently from how the other services equip their manning. We have to keep personnel at a certainevel, he said. Weve been struggling to get the manning at the proper levels in the right specialties,ut now we are a balanced force. Additionally, the admiral stated that promotions will continue atace and that no force shaping programs are planned.

    Clickhere to read the entire article.

    Preparing for a Financial CrisisThe recent shutdown of the federal government caused nancial hardships for many Navy families.CONUS commissaries were closed and there was uncertainty about payment of certain benets.However, through it all, the doors of Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) were kept open. The Navyalues our families and recognizes the need to provide services, especially in times of nancial crises.

    FSCs provide condential personal nancial counseling and education to Sailors and family members.ervices include individual/family nancial counseling as well as a variety of classes on budgeting, homeuying, savings and investments, retirement planning and saving for college, just to name a few. For

    hose families preparing for retirement, the FFSC offers the new Transition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS)ourse which includes a Financial Planning for Transition workshop. Spouses are encouraged to attendhe workshop with their Sailors. To nd the Center closest to you, go to http://www.ffsp.navy.mil .

    There are also many electronic, no-cost resources to helpamilies manage their resources:

    Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-fundedrogram providing comprehensive information on every aspectf military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and reserveervice members and their families.

    Military Saves, a component of America Saves and a partner inhe Department of Defenses Financial Readiness Campaign, is aesearch-based social marketing campaign to motivate, supportnd encourage military families to save money and build

    wealth. Military Saves provides excellent resources for savings,udgeting, and general nancial tness.

    repare now, so that you are ready for the next nancialmergency.

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    http://www.jointservicessupport.org/jss/Mobile.aspxhttp://www.jointservicessupport.org/jss/Mobile.aspxhttp://www.jointservicessupport.org/jss/Mobile.aspxhttp://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.tinyurl.com/NewSpouseOrientationhttp://www.tinyurl.com/NewSpouseOrientationhttp://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.militaryonesource.mil/http://www.militarysaves.org/http://www.militarysaves.org/http://www.militaryonesource.mil/http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76996http://www.tinyurl.com/NewSpouseOrientationhttp://www.tinyurl.com/NewSpouseOrientationhttp://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/http://www.jointservicessupport.org/jss/Mobile.aspxhttp://www.jointservicessupport.org/jss/Mobile.aspx
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    FREE On-Demandutoring for Military Families

    Homework and studying help is available from a professionaltutor any time you need it. Services are free for students ofArmy, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Reservefamilies. Expert tutors are online 24/7 and available to helpin more than 16 subjects, including test prep, proofreading,math, science, English and social studies.

    Eligible military adult students can also get back-to-school,college and career transition help, including GED prep andresume writing. For more information and to create an accountvisit Tutor.com.

    Navy Wounded Warrior Safe HarborPromotes Success through ransitionMy life is not easy, but Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) Safe Harbor Program has really helped make it easier. They really do a lot for me and go above and beyond. Those words were spoken recently by Coast Guard LCDRAnthony Owens who struggles with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as local service members convened athis house to volunteer for various home improvement tasks. Owens, a NWW enrollee, continues to make anenormously positive impact within his family, his community and the military despite his health challenges. He is,in turn, incredibly grateful for the support he receives from NWW and his Shipmates.

    November marks Warrior Care Month, a time to recognize wounded warriors like Owens, as well as those who care for them, for theirservice, sacrices and achievements. This years theme, Warrior Care - Building a Ready and Resilient Force, emphasizes the Navyscommitment to the welfare of seriously wounded, ill and injured service members at bedside, during rehabilitation and throughout theirtransition back to active duty or to civilian life.

    At NWW, every month is Warrior Care Month; November is simply an opportunity to join with the entire Navy family, as well as otherbranches of service, in public celebration of these heroes. Events honoring wounded warriors and highlighting the issues they face willtake place nationwide throughout the month. For more information about Warrior Care Month activities visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil or www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor .

    Everyone in the Navy family can make a difference in the lives of wounded warriors. They can refer a service member to the program whohas experienced serious illness or injury by calling 855-NAVY WWP (628-9997). They also can help spread the word about NWW online,in conversations with neighbors, at community meetings and around the dinner table.

    Ready and Resilient Navy Families Webinar SeriesIn continuation of the Ready and Resilient Navy Families webinar series, Fleet and Family Support willhost Overview of Fleet and Family Support Programs on 21 November at 1300 EST.

    Learn about the services and programs offered for you and your family at Fleet and Family SupportCenters. To log into the webinar, Sailors and family members should follow the instructions below:

    1. Click on the following link: http://zeiders.adobeconnect.com/deploymentfamilies

    2. Type your name in the box next to the Enter as a Guest label.

    3. Click the Enter button. The classroom will open in a new screen window. This is a pop-up window, soyou may have to disable security settings .

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    http://www.tutor.com/http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/http://www.facebook.com/navysafeharborhttp://zeiders.adobeconnect.com/deploymentfamilieshttp://zeiders.adobeconnect.com/deploymentfamilieshttp://www.facebook.com/navysafeharborhttp://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/http://www.tutor.com/
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    Resident Energy ConservationProgram (RECP) Waiver Process

    RECP is a DoD and Navy driven programthat transfers responsibility for utility usageto residents living in Navy Public PrivateVenture (PPV) housing. This programmonitors residents monthly energy usage,usually electricity, for individually meteredhomes and issues monthly usage reportsto residents.

    The RECP methodology combines homesin Like Type Groups (LTG) based on similar

    characteristics, such as square footage,bedroom, and house style. Individualutility usage is measured in occupied

    homes to determine a monthlyaverage for each LTG. A normal usageband is established by adding a 10%buffer above and below the monthlyaverage for each LTG. Those below thenormal usage band receive a rebate,those above pay for their extra usage,and those within the normal usageband have no action.

    Some residents of PPV housingmay require signicant amounts of

    utilities as a direct result of unique medicalcircumstances that require the use of aqualifying life-support device. RECP waivers

    are available to households if a residentrelies upon a qualifying medical device orhas a qualifying medical condition. Servicemembers enrolled in the Navys WoundedWarrior Safe Harbor Program or anotherServices Wounded Warrior program areexempt from the RECP program uponresident request.

    To learn more about the waiver process orto download the RECP waiver form, visit theCNIC RECP website.

    Employment and ransition CornerCareer OneStop Website is Worth Checking Out!

    Returning Warrior Workshops (RWW)Returning Warrior Workshop Schedule and IA Family Events www.ia.navy.mil. CliLinks and Resources.

    IA Discussion Group ScheduleView the Fleet-wide list of classes, support

    groups and events .

    U.S. Navy IndividualAugmenteesLike us on Facebook .

    Whether you are a family memberlooking for a new job or a transitioningservice member, the Department ofLabors Career OneStop is a user-friendlysite for your job search needs. It hasfeatures to help you explore career

    types, salaries, education/training, jobsand resumes. There is even a telephonehelpline number that gets you to a realperson, not just a recording!

    While you are on the website, clickon Job Search for links to real advicein helping you land that job youwant. Have a look in the Find Jobs section. Get information on job banks,employment agencies, job fairs and

    what each one actually does to assistthe job-seeker.

    Then, go to Resumes and Applicationsfor strategies on cover letters (yes, youneed one), resume-writing and how

    to highlight your experiencesagain, to helpyou land the job you want. Make sure to click Resume Guide and then More Sample Resume This portion of the website not only offers youa visual of how a professional resume looks, itoffers plenty of work experience bullets you ca

    borrow and revise to make them more personamore you.

    The site also provides a link to the American Center page which has another array of servicfor you. Go to Career OneStop today.

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    http://www.cnic.navy.mil/RECPhttp://www.ia.navy.mil/http://cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/individual-augmentees--ias--.htmlhttp://cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/individual-augmentees--ias--.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/navyIAhttp://www.careeronestop.org/http://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/FindJobs/find-jobs.aspxhttp://www.careeronestop.org/ResumeGuide/MoreSampleResumes.aspxhttp://jobcenter.usa.gov/http://jobcenter.usa.gov/http://www.careeronestop.org/http://www.careeronestop.org/http://jobcenter.usa.gov/http://jobcenter.usa.gov/http://www.careeronestop.org/ResumeGuide/MoreSampleResumes.aspxhttp://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/FindJobs/find-jobs.aspxhttp://www.careeronestop.org/http://www.militaryonesource.mil/secohttp://www.careeronestop.org/militaryspouse/http://www.usajobs.gov/http://www.bluestarfam.org/http://www.novonicsttl.com/CNIC/FFR/VirtualOffice/N91/docs/MFIT?target=_blankhttps://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspxhttps://www.facebook.com/navyIAhttp://cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/individual-augmentees--ias--.htmlhttp://cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/individual-augmentees--ias--.htmlhttp://www.ia.navy.mil/http://www.cnic.navy.mil/RECPhttp://navymwr.org/jobs/
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    FOCUS On the Go! is an educational app that helpsfamilies become stronger in the face of challenges.

    Family members play four games alongside BuddyBear to practice identifying and talking aboutfeelings and to collect tools for calming down inchallenging situations.

    The Parents section includes a Video Library anddownloadable PDF worksheets to further strengthenfamily resilience skills. Parents can also complete theFamily Resilience Check-In for a personalizedsummary of their familys strengths.

    FOCUS On rhe Go! Mobile AppFOCUS On the Go! Mobile AppFOCUS On the Go! brings FOCUS Family Resilience Trainingskill building games to families where they live, work and play:

    Catch relaxation tools and get to know the FeelingThermometer in Bear Chill

    Search for feeling words and practice using the FeelingThermometer in Feeling Finder

    Create your story and share it with friends and familythrough email and Facebook with Comic Creator

    Solve puzzles and collect relaxation tools to help fill upBuddy Bears Cozy Cavern in Bear Necessities

    To learn more about the UCLA Nathanson Family Resilience Centersinnovative programs, visit http://nfrc.ucla.eduNathanson Family Resilience Center

    Strong Families.Healthy Lives.