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Military and Family Readiness Center

The Military & Family Readiness Center supports individuals, families, and leadership with programs and services to strengthen communities, encourage self-sufficiency, enhance mission readiness and ease adaptation to the Air Force and Space Force way of life. The center serves singles, couples and families alike. For additional information go to: The 45th Force Support Squadron's page: GoPatrickFL.

NEWCOMERS FAIR INFORMATION VIDEO

Af Aid Society programs

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)

Deployment Readiness

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!)

Volunteer!

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.

Transition Assistance (TAP)

The Transition Goals, Plans, Success Workshop is designed to ensure all separating/retiring service members are informed of the services and benefits available to assist them and their spouses with the transition to civilian life. The transition team encourages eligible members to attend as early as two years before their date of retirement or one year prior to separation. The TAP GPS workshop consists of three components, Pre Separation Counseling, the 5-day workshop and Capstone review. Topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing, financial management, veteran's benefits, job search, Tricare, and more are discussed. For class dates, times and registration, call (321) 494-5676 or (321)-494-3472.

Spouse employment

The Military Spouse Employment Advocate Program is designed to assist active-duty family members with finding employment.  A representative is located in the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Services offer Include: Initial Assessment, Career Planning, Resume Review, Job Search Assistance, and Referral to other programs. For additional information or to make an appointment, call (321) 494-5676.


Exceptional Family Member Program

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a DOD-mandated enrollment program designed to support individual, family and unit readiness. EFMP provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs by taking an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help service members and their families with special needs. It's comprised of 3 components who work together to support military members and their families: Medical, Assignments, and Family Support. Some services offered at Patrick SFB include: Respite Care Assistance, Education Classes and Workshops, Outreach Services, and Community Support.

Who is an Exceptional Family Member? 
An Exceptional Family Member is an adult or child with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria. This may include family members that:
• Require special medical services for a chronic condition such as asthma, attention deficit disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc.
• Receive ongoing services from a medical specialist
• Have significant behavioral health concerns
• Receive early intervention or special education services through an individualized education program or individualized family service plan

Available Family Support:
• Relocation: Assist incoming and outgoing families with information and referrals about medical and educational needs.
• Information & Referrals: About base and community programs that will assist EFMs in their specific needs.
• One—on—one consultations: Available to any AD member, DoD civilian, or military family member seeking info to support family members with special needs.
• Education & Support: Educational meetings, workshops and formal and informal discussions. You’re NOT alone!
• Respite Care: Can provide information on several respite care options for Active Duty AF EFMP families.

 

 

Contact Information

Phone number:
321-494-5676

Employment Program

The program supports military, civilian and family members short and long-term employment, by referring for education/training, and obtaining career goals in the private and public sector.  Offer labor market information, skills and interest identification, Job Search workshops, alternatives to paid employment (e.g., volunteerism and education), on-and-off base resources available.

MFLC

Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) - (321) 301-0406

Military Family Life Counselors are Masters or Doctorate-level licensed counselors. Personnel eligible to meet with counselors are Active Duty families, Active Duty individuals, Active Duty couples and children.

They provide short-term, non-medical counseling services to members and their families at no cost. They also provide psycho-education to help military service members and their families understand the impact of Deployments, family reunions following deployments and other stresses related to military life.

MFLCs augment existing military support services. They can provide service on or off the military installation and services to individuals, couples, families and groups. All services provided are private and confidential with the exception of child and domestic abuse.