april 2013 1/34 abct soldier family toolkit
DESCRIPTION
This monthly publication provides information regarding available resources, events and deals to our Soldiers and their families.TRANSCRIPT
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Sittercity!!
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RESOURCE SPOT LIGHT
Family
Assistance
Centers
Map
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1ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
SOLDIER & FAMILY TOOLKIT
Volume 13
April 2013
Free Tax
Prep and
Tips
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The intent of this toolkit is to provide you with available events, deals, resources, and important information. Please take a few minutes to glance
at these resources and visit a few sites!
Beyond
the Yellow
Ribbon
Events
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Month of the Military Child
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HOME FRONT EVENTS AND DEALS……………………………………………………………….....3
HARLEM GLOBETROTTER MILITARY OFFER………………………………………………………….4
SITTERCITY………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
TAXES.........................................................…………………………………….…………………….6
GIVE ARMY PARENTS A BREAK………….....………………………………………………………..7
APRIL, Month of the Military Child……….………………………………...…..…………..…........8
DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES……………………………………………………………..………….....9
VACATIONS & RETREATS………….………………………………………………………..………..10
ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD…………………………………………………………………………11
CARE PACKAGES / MAIL…………………………………………...…………….………………....11
CHILDREN………………………………………………………...…………………………………....11
COMMUNICATION…………………………………………………..……………………………....12
COUNSELING SERVICES………………………………………………………...……………….…..12
COUNSELING / ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR……………………………………….……………….…..13
CULTURAL RESOURCES…………………………………………………...……………………….…13
DEPLOYMENT……………………………………………………………...…………………….….....13
EDUCATION……………………………………………………………………………………………14
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………….…………………14
FAMILY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE…...……………………………………………..……………14
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT RESOURCES……………………………………………..15
HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH…………………………………………………………………………..15
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………………………………….16
LEGAL ASSISTANCE / ISSUES………………………………………………………………...……...16
MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS…………………………………………………………………..16
MORTGAGE OR RENT ASSISTANCE………………………………………………………………..16
PARENTS OF SOLDIERS……………………………………………………………………………….16
PET CARE…………………………………………………………………………………………….…17
SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS…………………………………………………………...….….17
STRESS MANAGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………….17
SUICIDE PREVENTION……………………………………………………………………………...…17
MISCELLANEOUS ……………………………………………………………………………………..17
FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER MAP………………………………………………………………...18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org
HOME FRONT EVENTS & DEALS
Check out the Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon website and
sign up for exclusive email
updates on monthly local
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
events and deals.
Build a Burger for the Troop When: April 8, 5-8 p.m.
Where: White Bear Lake VFW
About: Volunteers from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of
Suburban Ramsey County will be serving up ham-
burgers and chips for $5. Substitute fries for $1 extra.
Military Discount to see the Minnesota Wild
When: April 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
About: Lower level tickets offered for $45. Follow the
link and use your military email address to qualify.
More Info: Website
Contact: Lindsay Weier at 651-312-3495 for groups of
eight or more
Living and Learning Series for Women Veterans When: April 9, 5 p.m.
Where: 207 S. 9th St., Minneapolis
About: The second meeting, "The Invisible War," of a
four-part series focusing on topics important to
women who have served in the military.
More Info: Flyer
"My Experience as a Military Child" Poetry Con-
test When: Submissions accepted until April 10, 2013
About: Sen. Al Franken, for the 2nd year, is hosting
the contest for all children of military families across
Minnesota. Winners of the contest will receive an
invitation to join Franken at a reception in his St. Paul
office, a press release of the poem to local newspapers
and an autographed book by author Garrison Keillor.
More Info: Contest Guidelines
Military Discount to see the Minnesota Wild When: April 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
About: Lower level tickets offered for $45. Follow the
link and use your military email address to qualify.
More Info: Website
Contact: Lindsay Weier at 651-312-3495 for groups of
eight or more
Care Package Event When: April 6, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: Hugo City Hall
About: Join the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network as they
prepare care packages to be shipped to deployed Ser-
vicemembers. Donations are always welcome, and the
drop off point is Hugo City Hall - special emphasis on
Girl Scout Cookies.
Contact: Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network
Buy One Get One to see the Minnesota Timber-
wolves When: April 6, 7 p.m.; Must purchase one week in ad-
vance
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis
About: Military families receive one free ticket with the
purchase of any ticket!
More Info: Flyer
2013 Bohaty's Wildgame Dinner When: April 8, 4 p.m.
Where: Prom Center, Oakdale
About: Complimentary dinner for military members
and their spouses includes alligator, bear, elk and sev-
eral other exotic menu items.
More Info: Flyer
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APRIL 2013 MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for Children (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_children.pdf
Recommendations for Teens and Young Adults (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_teens.pdf
Recommendations for Adults and Families (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_adults.pdf
Recommendations for Educators (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_educators.pdf
POST-DEPLOYMENT AND REINTEGRATION RESOURCES
After Deployment Wellness Resources: www.afterdeployment.org www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/coming_home_adjustments_for_military_families Military OneSource: www.militaryonesource.mil Becoming a Couple Again: The Courage to Care: www.usuhs.mil/psy/RFSMC.pdf Concerned Significant Others Article: www.afterdeployment.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/library/
eLibrary_COS.pdf Real Warriors, Real Battles: www.realwarriors.net/active/afterdeployment/familylife.php Operation Healthy Reunions: www.nmha.org/reunions/resources.cfm Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD Center: www.ptsd.va.gov National Veterans Foundation: www.nvf.org Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org Adapt Parenting Program, U of MN: www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/adapt University of Minnesota Extension- Parenting Education Resource: www.extension.umn.edu/FamilyRelations/components/militaryfamilies.html Homefront and Deployed Parent: Reunion Checklists: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COMBAT STRESS, PTSD OR OTHER STRESS RELATED ISSUES: Take your stress related symptoms seriously and contact your: Chain of Command - Team leaders, squad leaders, platoon sergeants/leaders, first sergeants,
company/battalion/brigade commanders, command sergeants major Chaplains – Battalion or Brigade Chaplains or local place of worship Fellow Soldiers - Talk to your friends about your feelings. Oftentimes they are a reality check Military Family Life Consultants Military One Source Call 1-800-342-9647, or visit the Web site TRICARE Counseling - Spouses can go for free. Service members can often share a family
member's appointment for marriage counseling Veterans Administration - or Veterans Centers. Army Substance Abuse Program - Especially helpful if the Soldier or family member has a
problem with alcohol or drugs Primary Care Managers - Many family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse prac-
titioners are quite comfortable treating depression and sleep problems
Community Mental Health Service - They usually have at least one psychiatrist and a variable number of psychologists and social workers on staff as well as behavioral health technicians
DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES WWW.MNVETERANSCOALITION.COM
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INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL VACATION DISCOUNTS www.afvclub.com
LOCAL MINNESOTA SUMMER R&R:
Free & Reduced Stays at Leech Lake Resort: www.andersonsleech-lake.com 15% military discount to all cur-rent Servicemembers and up to a free week stay for all Service-members within a year of their return from deployment overseas. They offer fully equipped lake homes (whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, Cable TV, wireless internet, fully equipped kitchens) to daily planned children's activities to excellent fishing. See their website for more information.
Veterans on the Lake Resort: Where: 161 Fernberg Road, Ely, MN 55731 Toll free at 1-800-777 7538. http://www.veteransonthelakeresort.com/ A barrier-free full service resort for veterans and their families. In conjunction with the US Forest Service and the provisions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, Enjoy lake view cabins in Northern Minnesota, inside the Superior National Forest area.
ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
STRONG BONDS: COUPLE AND SINGLE SOLDIER RETREATS
The Minnesota National Guard Chaplain’s Office is offering you a truly outstanding program. Strong Bonds offers a fresh approach. It is basic and straightforward.
Strong Bonds begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, re-veals how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship, and then moves into caring, fun, and friendship.
In addition to the couples retreats the Single Soldier program is designed to help you establish relationship goals and gain essential skills to help you make a good choice prior to picking a partner for life.
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD
www.minnesotanationalguard.com
www.theredbulls.net
www.defense.gov
www.armyonesource.com
www.militaryonesource.mil
www.jointservicessupport.org
CHAPLAINS 1/34 ABCT Chaplain: MAJ Buddy Winn 651-282-4291 [email protected] State Chaplain’s Office: SFC Hickory Smith
651-282-4287 [email protected]
CARE PACKAGES / MAIL
www.usps.com/shippingdates/welcome.htm
www.operationgratitude.com
CHILDREN
www.mdva.state.mn.us/child
www.mnchildcare.org
www.ausa.org/family
www.guardfamilyyouth.org
www.operationwearehere.com/Children.html
MN MilitaryTeen Summit and Newsletter: www.btyr.org/teen-panel
Minnesota Parents Know: www.parentsknow.state.mn.us
After Deployment Adaptive Parenting Tools, U of MN, www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/adapt
Military Kids Toolkit: www.militaryfamilly.org/publications/kids-toolkit
Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org
Grants to Help Pay for Activities for Children of Deployed Soldiers:
Website: www.OurMilitaryKids.org
$500 after school activity grant for youth ages 3 – 18 during a deployment. Our Military Kids
Military & Family Life Consultant:
Darlene Wetterstrom 651-212-0943 Provides assistance in a variety of areas, including guidance on reintegration with children following deployment.
Websites specific to Military Children and Families: www.militarychild.org www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS COMMUNICATION
www.skype.com
www.magicjack.com
www.google.com/voice
www.yahoomessenger.com
COUNSELING SERVICES
Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647 http://www.militaryonesource.com. Provides assistance to soldiers and their families facing a large variety of problems or needs; Provides 6 free counseling visits; Will refer if they cannot provide the assistance needed. MOS provides guidance and assistance with career, crisis, education, elder care, legal, mind, money, moving, parenting, recreation, relationships, special needs, transi-tion and more. Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week.
Veterans Linkage Line: 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) www.minnesotaveteran.org
They will provide assistance connecting soldiers and families to necessary resources to obtain help with
crisis counseling, veteran’s benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration. Available 24 hours day, 7
days a week.
VA OIF/OEF Program & Hotline: 612-467-3757 *Available 7am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Connects OIF/OEF Veterans with local resources. When calling the number, press 2 to be con-nected to crisis center.
VA Regional Office OIF/OEF Coordinator: Duane Kamp 612-970-5249 Provides assistance with VA Benefits - available Monday through Friday.
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Counseling and Family Resources of MN: 1.888.881.8261 www.lssmn.org
Director coordinating counselors for units around MN: Debra Schloer 612-879-5317 Available Monday through Friday and has a 24 hour crisis line. *Support for individuals and families, assistance for couples, and helps for children *Specialized Financial Counseling: Money problems can create other problems. LSS offers budget, debt management, and bankruptcy counseling so that people can regain control of their finances.
Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul: 612-664-8500 Assist in a large variety of problems and needs, including counseling and financial support.
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COUNSELING SERVICES CONTINUED…
MN Guard Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): Call 24 hour line at 651-282-4078
Statewide Domestic Abuse Hotline at the House of Peace: 1-866-223-1111 Offers temporary shelter for women and children leaving domestic abuse situations. *Available 24/7.
COUNSELING / ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-437-8422 *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week
Drug Information, Treatment and Referral Hotline: 1-800-662-4357 Provides support for people dealing with drug addictions. *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week
National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700: www.ncpgambling.org Confidential hotline for people struggling with gambling, Helps connect people to resources to help them fight their gambling addiction. *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week
CULTURAL RESOURCES
The World Fact Book: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
Culture Gram: www.militaryonesource.mil
o Free access through the DoD MWR Library Tab on the side of page.
DEPLOYMENT
Focus on Family: Know Before you Go: www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_knowbefore
www.ausa.org/resources/familyprograms/Pages/default.aspx
www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryLifeDeployment.html
www.afterdeployment.org
ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
EDUCATION
Scholarship and programs: www.education4military.com
Spouse Career Center: www.militaryonesource.mil
Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org
Service Members Education/GI Bill: www.gibill.va.gov
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE Transition Assistance Advisor:
Provides assistance to soldiers seeking employment and help in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and health care services such as TRICARE from active duty and when you return. They also as-sist with dental care programs, insurance information such as SGLI and TSGLI, rehabilitative care, and help with disability claims. Available Monday through Friday
Contact Vince Hokkanen: [email protected] or 651-282-4234 Office: Cottage Grove Armory: 8180 Belden Blvd, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Work Force Centers: www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/WorkForce_Centers
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development:
www.positivelyminnesota.com
Family Medical Leave Act: www.dol.gov/whd/fmla
Jobs for Veterans Program: Career Counselor and Employment Specialist Lisa Nabbefeld: 612.752.8408 Provides assistance to soldiers seeking employment. *Available Monday through Friday
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR): www.esgr.org What: ESGR exists to maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing
outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. Their vision is to Develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Service members are encouraged to follow “best practices” to keeping their employers aware of their service commitments.
FAMILY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
State Specific Family Support: Minnesota Army National Guard State Family Programs Office:
651-268-8200. The MN Army National Guard has ten different Family Assistance Centers (FAC’s) located throughout the state. Call the FAC nearest to you for assistance or access to information regarding the many programs available to soldiers, family members, children and couples. *See FAC Map at the back of toolkit Military Family Care Initiative: www.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us Coordinates free assistance for MN soldiers and families in a variety of ways. Examples include: wood chopping, cleaning gutters, wedding or baby showers, handyman (minor home repairs) etc…
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT RESOURCES
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University: http://www.daveramsey.com/military/home or https://fpuonline.daveramsey.com
Military Debt Relief: (National) www.militarydebtrelief.org Provides direction for people with large credit card, school loan, tax, or other debt. List your debt types, estimate your total debt, and get a free quote to see how much you can save on monthly payments.
Potential Mortgage Relief (National): www.makingHomeAffordable.gov This is a website to help consumers find out if they are eligible to reduce their monthly mortgage payment as part of the "Making Home Affordable" program.
Free Credit Report: Go to http://ww.annualcreditreport.com By law, everyone is entitled to one free credit report a year.
Improve your Credit: http://www.optoutprescreen.com Sign up to be put on the national do not call list for credit and insurance solicitations. Signing up
can help raise your FICO score.
Energy Assistance Program: www.commerce.state.mn.us Get connected to the program in your area, call 1-800-657-3710
Minnesota Military Family Foundation: Leave a voicemail at 763-544-2255 or email [email protected] for help. Their mission is to seek funds to financially support deployed Minnesota military
HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH
TriCare: Military Health Care Program: www.tricare.mil
Telephonic Counseling 24/7 and other resources www.militaryonesource.mil
Military Pathways: Free Mental Health Screening: www.militarymentalhealth.org
Exceptional Family member Program: Special services for disabilities: www.armyonesource
Complimentary Health Care Services: www.nwhealth.edu Northwestern Health Sciences University and the Adler Graduate School have combined to pro-
vide a new complimentary health care service program available to all military personnel and their families. Chiropractic health care services, Oriental medicine, psychological therapy, fam-ily counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy are available to all Servicemembers and their immediate family. Senior interns supervised by faculty clinicians provide services.
ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
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MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
VA OIF/OEF Medical Outreach Coordinator: Dianne Peterson 612-467-5087
VA Medical Center Minneapolis: Troy Perdue [email protected] 612-467-1514
VA Medical Center St. Cloud: Mike Mynczywor (pronounced “minz-war”) 320-255-6480 ext. 6453
VA Medical Center Fargo: Deb Kunkel 701-232-3241 ext. 93787
VA Medical Center Sioux Falls: Elizabeth Flinn 605-335-3230 ext. 96983 LEGAL ASSISTANCE / ISSUES
Legal Assistance – ***Refer to your Family Assistance Center
www.minnesotanationalguard.org/soldiers_and_airmen/legal.php
ww.military.com/benefits/content/military-legal-matters
MN Assistance Council for Veterans will refer to legal aid: Metro area: 612-726-1327 Duluth: 218-722-8763 Mankato: 507-345-8258
MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS
Strong Bonds: Marriage Retreats: www.strongbonds.org
www.militaryonesource.com
www.5lovelanguages.com
MORTGAGE OR RENT ASSISTANCE
Rent or Mortgage Assistance - MN Assistance Council for Veterans: Website: www.mac-v.org or 612-726-1327 If you fear you may be unable to pay your rent or mortgage, call the MN Assistance Council for Veter-ans. They provide rental assistance and mortgage assistance for veterans in danger of becoming homeless. They cannot make backdated payments on mortgage or rent, so contact them as soon as you see a potential problem. They will also refer you for additional help you may need.
PARENTS OF SOLDIERS
www.bluestarmoms.org
www.operationwearehere.com/Parents.html
www.militaryfamily.org
ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
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PET CARE
www.netpets.org/militarypet/foster.php (recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense)
www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org
SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Spouses and Significant Others: www.militarysos.com
Military Spouse Magazine: www.milspouse.com
Military Wives and Women in Uniform: www.cinchouse.com
www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org
www.armymwr.com/recleisure/promotions/spousesresources.aspx
www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
STRESS MANAGEMENT
www.hooah4health.com
www.militaryonesource.mil
www.defense.gov/specials/stressawareness SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (soldier specific): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Provides the following support to anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals ***Services are free and confidential.
- Dealing with suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness or extreme sadness - Concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings - Experiencing abuse or violence, Economic problems, Post-disaster needs, Homelessness issues, Substance abuse/addiction, Physical illness, Loneliness, Relationship problems, Family problems. The hotline is staffed by trained counselors and can refer to support services that can help you.
*Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week
MISC…
Firewood - Free Firewood for Families of Deployed Minnesota Service Members The Adjutant General for the State of Minnesota has authorized the availability of firewood from the Camp Ripley for families of all Minnesota Service Members that are currently deployed (including pre-deployment and post-deployment). Families are entitled to 2 full cords of wood per year. Contact Mrs. Tami Klucas from the Family Assistance Center at 320-616-3117. This is an ongoing offer.
ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS
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Bemidji
1430 23rd St. NW
Bemidji, MN 55601
651-282-4031
Brooklyn Park
5500 85th Ave. N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
651-282-4055
Camp Ripley
15000 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN 56435
320-616-3117
Detroit Lakes
915 Lake Ave.
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218-844-1721
Duluth 4015 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811 218-723-4852 [email protected]
Mankato 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 651-268-8413 [email protected]
Marshall 500 Timmerman Drive Marshall, MN 56258 651-268-8475 [email protected]
*Rochester 1715 Marion Road Southeast Rochester, MN 55904 651-268-8587 [email protected] *Staffed one day a week on Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rosemount 13865 S. Robert Trail Rosemount, MN 55068 651-282-4748 or (651) 282-4749 [email protected] [email protected] 133rd Airlift Wing ~ Air National Guard 631 Minuteman Dr. St Paul, MN 55111 612-713-2367 [email protected]
148th Fighter Wing ~ Air National Guard 4680 Viper St. Duluth, MN 55811 218-788-7833 [email protected] 934th Airlift Wing ~ Air Force Reserve 760 Military Hwy. Minneapolis, MN 55450 800-231-3517 [email protected]
Minnesota Family Assistance Centers are geo-
graphically dispersed throughout the state to
offer resources, referrals and support to all Ser-
vice members and military family members.
FACs are connected to your communities and
the military units in the surrounding area. They
understand that asking for support is difficult
for military families — they also know that
challenges occur that require outside support.
No matter what the challenge or question, the
FAC supports military families.
Family Assistance Centers
You make the call, we make the difference.