Page 4 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, August 2021

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August 2021
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Exceptional Family Member Program provides United Through Reading program helps separated Air Force families grow together

specialized services, family support, care CouRTneY RiChARDSon needed to find a location to facilitate the small children; you can read anything from
by Tech. Sgt.
The program isn’t limited to reading to
program.
944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs “I wanted to set it up but I didn’t have picture books to chapter books.
Wi-Fi, manpower, or the space,” she said. Maldonado and Crowell went on to ex-
by Staff Sgt. concerns for each family,” said Senaida Larson, 56th Force The Airman and Family Readiness “After reaching out to some people, I was plain that members can go to the library
CoLLeTTe BRookS Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center Center provides Airmen and their fami- directed to the base library, so that’s where to find a book they want to read and record
EFMP-FS coordinator. “This process helps identify imme- lies resources to help facilitate a healthy I headed.” themselves. Then they can reach out to the
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
diate and long-term needs, a family’s strengths and their work/life balance as well as tools to fortify After pitching the idea to Jennifer Crow- non-profit to have them send the book to
A family unit can be a unique dynamic, filled with mem- goals, which helps the family understand what processes family bonds. ell, 56th Fighter Wing Base Library direc- the child, free of charge.
bers who are continuously developing, growing and coming they are already doing well, while also outlining strategies Jessica Maldonado, 944th Fighter Wing tor, Crowell jumped on board. They both “This program isn’t only for parents
into their own. While each member navigates their personal to help meet their objectives.” Airman and Family Readiness director, agreed that the biggest thing they wanted and those who are deployed,” Maldonado
experience, additional services may be needed to ensure Additionally, all Department of Defense card holders is constantly looking for resources and out of this collaboration was making sure said. “You could be TDY (temporary-duty)
optimal support and care. and their families are eligible for program offers such as programs to help meet the needs of her it was accessible to everyone who has ac- at Luke, not in-status, working extended
A program in place equipped to assist with specialized local community and early intervention services, education teammates. One that caught her attention cess to the base, which made the library hours, or on a unit training assembly.
needs and care is the Exceptional Family Member Program. and outreach, and individualized care plans. The goal is to was the United Through Reading program. the best location. Maybe you don’t have kids but you have
Luke Air Force Base has two EFMP-Family Support coor- provide information, referrals and specialized support to “I’ve heard about this program but didn’t “I was really excited to be a part of this, siblings or nieces and nephews, or even a
dinators who serve as a central focal point for all EFMP- enhance the quality of life for all military members and really know the details, so I reached out because anytime we can get books in the fur baby. Record a book for them, leave a
related information. their families. to the point of contact and started asking hands of kids and families it is a win for little message at the end, and send it to
The EFMP-FS coordinators assist exceptional family “We want families to know there are community re- questions,” Maldonado said. “The more and us. Finding the space was no problem,” them to see and keep.”
members by providing resources, information and care. sources available to assist at the local, state and federal Courtesy photo more I learned, the more excited I was to Crowell said. Both Maldonado and Crowell hope that
EFMP services are tailored to each family’s specific situ- level,” said Sonya Struble, 56th FSS A&FRC EFMP-FS co- Reserve Citizen Airman Maj. Katherine get the ball rolling.” Crowell’s team set up an area in a room having this program available helps the
ation, which is identified through a Family Needs Assess- ordinator. “We always strive to decrease stress and increase Paolillo, 944th Fighter Wing inspector The mission of the United Through that lets the participants record a video in members to be able to stay connected to
ment. support for our members. We help families by creating a general, reads a book to her child us- Reading non-profit organization is to unite a calm setting. After receiving the first set their family members.
“This assessment allows us to identify and prioritize Family Services Plan, which breaks down specific goals ing the United Through Reading app at military families facing physical separa- of books, that space was open and ready “I’ve never deployed before, but I’ve been
and support needed — not only here at Luke, but during the 56th Fighter Wing Base Library on tion by facilitating bonding experiences for use. away,” Maldonado said. “When you are
Senaida Larson, far left, 56th Force Support Squadron their time of PCS. We complete a ‘warm hand over’ to the Luke Air Force Base, June 17. The 944th through reading aloud. “United Through Reading doesn’t have gone, you’re growing, and so are they. You
Airman & Family Readiness Center Exceptional Family EFMP at their next base.” Fighter Wing Airman and Family Readi- “In this program, members can record a limit in the amount of books we can give all have different experiences and routines.
Member Program-Family Support coordinator, assists a Being able to support EFMP families in transition, is ness Center and the base library teamed themselves reading books to their children, away and the amount of stories that can When you come back, how do you continue
child with golfing during the Junior Gold Camp July 11, only one aspect of Struble’s job that brings her an immense up to provide anyone with access to the and the program will send the link to the be told to family members,” Crowell said. to have those connections so the reunion
at Falcon Dunes Golf Course, Luke Air Force Base. The amount of joy and a sense of accomplishment. base a place to stop by and read a book member for them to send to their loved “Service members, grandparents, anyone isn’t as traumatic? That’s why I love this
Junior Gold Camp gives children an outlet to play sports “Being an EFMP family support coordinator was my to a loved one. The non-profit program ones,” Maldonado said. “The best part is can come in here with a book or pick a book program. The kids will continue to see your
and engage in a fun activity with EFMP representatives dream job for many years,” said Struble. “It’s so rewarding will send the recording to an email ad- that the program will also provide the book from the library and begin reading. Once face, hear your voice, and have that growth
and other children. The EFMP helps support Airmen and to help families get the support they need, while being a dress designated by the member and to the military family for free.” you are done reading, you can reach out to bond with you. Plus, you can read that book
their families by providing specialized services to aid in friendly face and an open ear.” also provide the book to the military fam- After committing to working with the program, and they will send that book
Courtesy photo enhancing their quality of life and level of resiliency. See SeRViCeS, Page 12 ily for free. the non-profit organization, Maldonado to you or your child.” See ReADiNG, Page 6

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