GIVE PARENTS A BREAK PROGRAM:  The Air Force Aid Society pays the cost of a monthly, (2nd Friday of each month), 4 hour session at the Child Development Center/Youth Center for active duty Air Force families meeting the guidelines of the program. You must have a referral voucher from the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), First Seargent, Chaplain, Mental Health, etc.  The purpose of the program is to offer eligible parents a few hours break from the stresses of parenting. Eligibility: Active duty AF families, to include: Air Guard and AF Reserve members (activated under Title 10 USC for 15 days or longer) are eligible for the program.  Military member being/is deployed, extended TDY, or on a remote tour. Other eligibility factors as prescribed by AF Aid guidance. Check with A&FRC if you think you are eligible for the program or for further inquiries.  

CHILD CARE FOR PCS: Active duty members or spouses must present a copy of orders to the A&FRC staff to receive a certificate of eligibility which entitles your family to receive up to 20 hours of child care (for each child) when you are within 60 days of your PCS departure or arrival date at current base.

CHILD CARE FOR VOLUNTEERS: Air Force Aid provides funding for the Child Care for Volunteers program.  Volunteers engaged in support of base programs which benefit the Air Force community such as Family Services/Airman's Attic are covered.

BUNDLES FOR BABIES: Eligibility: Active-duty AF, Navy-Marines and Coast Guard families who are expecting a child or with a newborn are entitled to receive a fifty dollar gift card to the BX to purchase baby needs. If you are assigned to an Air Force installation and attend an A&FRC Bundles for Babies class you will receive the gift card. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are eligible if they are on Title 10 orders for 15 days or more.  The Army Emergency Relief (AER) does not participate in the program. 

EMERGENCY LEAVE TRAVEL GRANT:  Eligibility, active duty on emergency leave orders (988 or 972) must be signed by first sergeant or commander.  Only active-duty members are eligible for grant based on financial need.  AF Aid may assist with a loan for dependent travel.  Member must meet all of the emergency leave eligibility requirements of the Joint Federal Travel Regulations.  The grant is not available through other relief societies or American Red Cross. Contact the AF Aid officer at the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (321) 494-5676 prior to making travel arrangements.

WOMEN, INFANT & CHILDREN (WIC): Did you know WIC comes to Patrick SFB twice a month?  Through a mutual agreement between the Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Health Department, WIC provides direct services to Patrick SFB families every other Wednesday at the A&FRC. Eligibility requirements:  Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children to age 5. The purpose of this program is to provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthy foods to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children to age 5. For income guidelines visit www.floridawic.org. Languages spoken or available:  All (by phone interpreters). For additional information, or sign up for the program, contact the WIC main office in Viera at (321) 639-5793 or Melbourne at (321) 726-2922 and let them know you are from Patrick SFB. Applications are also available in the lobby at the A&FRC and the Family Advocacy Office.

(Notice: Programs and information are subject to change without notice)

The Deployment Readiness Program:

• Pre-deployment briefings held every Friday at 1000
• Post-deployment briefings are done on a walk-in basis
• Post-deployment lunchons (see calendar at Deployed-Connection)
• Deployed Family Dinners
  • 2nd Friday at the Riverside Dining Facility (before Give Parents A Break)
  • 4th Tuesday at the Shark Center in South Housing

For more information on Readiness events for Deployment, Remote Assignments and Extended TDYs please visit the Deployed-Connection webpage (click-it!)

Family Services is composed of the PCS Loan Locker for family guests visiting the Space Coast and for DoD personnel PCSing to Patrick SFB; Airman's Attic for E-5 and below who are in need of free and donated household goods. Coupons are also available at the Coupon Corner for everyone to use. We assist over 500 people, monthly, but our ability to serve the Patrick SFB community is based on the availability of volunteers. Childcare is provided during your training period and your volunteer hours. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, or to volunteer call (321) 494-5676.