Article Contributed on: 11/26/2007 12:28:22 PM
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan present military personnel and their families with financial, emotional and family relationship challenges. The Adams County Social Services Department seeks to serve these families through its Military Family Assistance Program.
The program connects eligible families to resources such as family counseling, employment services and government assistance programs. The program also provides emergency assistance to military families in jeopardy of losing their homes, utility service or other vital services. "We hope to better meet the needs of children and spouses in military families," said Donald Cassata, Ph.D., director of the Adams County Social Services Department.
To qualify for the program, participants must reside in Adams County. In addition, eligible residents must fit at least one of the following descriptions: family of active duty military personnel, veterans and their families, widows and widowers with children of veterans, children of active duty personnel or veterans, ex-spouses with children of active duty personnel or veterans and/or non-custodial parents (active duty or veteran).
While the military does provide assistance to families, many families are not aware of the local resources that are available to them. Adams County is partnering with Family Tree, a local non-profit with over 30 years experience helping families in crisis, to administer the program.
"Active duty military personnel are sometimes reluctant to use military counseling services," states Ann Carter, Ph.D., of Family Tree. "The stress of combat often strains relationships when a spouse returns home. While some soldiers develop conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) others may have difficulty reintegrating into their family routine. Quite often, the civilian spouse may need help with the trauma of having a spouse at war."
While the program does not provide a monthly financial benefit, families experiencing financial hardship can receive financial assistance. Financial support includes school clothes and supplies, utility and housing assistance, holiday assistance and extracurricular activities for children.
If you would like more information about the Military Family Assistance Program, call 303.227.2001 or email Military.Families@dss.co.adams.co.us. You can also contact Suzy MacKenzie to learn more or schedule an interview at 303.227.2202 or Suzy.MacKenzie@dss.co.adams.co.us.