Resources to help military families
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EmailBeing a military family can be overwhelming at times. Here are some resources that can help make things a little easier.
Being a military family is rewarding, but it does come with challenges, especially during times of deployment, homecoming or relocation. It can be hard to navigate all the resources available to military families to help make things a little easier and help out along the way. Here are a few resources for military families to check out.
- Michigan National Guard Child and Youth Programs. Serves all branches of the military and provides resources and referrals, education outreach, child care assistance, youth council, summer camps, educational events and much more.
- Michigan National Guard Family Assistance Centers. Located around Michigan and provides information, referrals, outreach and support services to all military families regardless of branch.
- Military OneSource. A free resource to all military families to connect with support and materials on a variety of topics including deployment, homecoming, relocation, parenting, finances, relationships and much more. Support is available 24/7 and counseling is also offered.
- Military Families Near and Far. Designed for preschool children, school-age children and families to keep in touch with their service member by using popular Sesame Street characters.
- Military Kids Connect. A way for children ages 6-17 to connect with other military youth their age through message boards, interactive games and learning about deployment.
- Our Military Kids. Provides support for extracurricular activities for military children and youth during deployment.
- Operation: Homefront. Helps military families in need with specific requests.
- Tutor.com. Online tutoring and homework help for all K-12 students in U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserves, Wounded Warrior and deployed DoD civilian families. Also helps with college and career transition assistance for adult service members, spouses and college-age dependents.
- Sittercity Military Program. Army, Marine and Air Force families, including active duty, Reserve and Guard, can access the website for connecting families with high-quality local caregivers including babysitters, nannies, senior care, pet care, housekeeping and tutors.
- Zero to Three Military Families Project. Resources for providers and parents around topics such as deployment, relocation and helping families reconnect after deployment.
These are just a few of the many resources available to military families. If you are interested in activities that can help your family prepare for an upcoming deployment or homecoming, visit the Michigan State University Extension website and take a look at the 4-H Military Family Booksheets. These are helpful activities to help families during all stages of deployment, all based around children’s books.
If you are looking for more articles about deployment support, check out “Finding support for children and youth with deployed family members” for a helpful checklist on who might support your child or youth during your service member’s deployment and the emotional cycle of deployment that explains each stage of the deployment cycle and gives helpful activities you can do to keep your family connected.
For more ideas about activities and articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the MSU Extension website.
