MWR Advisory Council Meeting

The Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Advisory Council will be held, February 16 from 1-2 p.m. at the Centennial Club. In addition to the regular agenda the meeting is an open forum and the public is invited. Call 568-3500 for more information.

Fort Bliss Hiring Fair

The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service will host the Fort Bliss Hiring Fair Wednesday, February 17. The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Bldg. 11199 on East Fort Bliss, and is open to military family members and other DoD ID card holders only. For information, call ACS at 568-1132.

Survivor seminar, grief camp offered through SOS

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, in conjunction with Survivor Outreach Services at Army Community Service, warmly invite you to a Survivor Seminar for adults and a Good Grief Camp for children and teens who have lost a loved one while serving in, or in support of, the Armed Forces from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. February 20. The seminar and camp will take place on main post at School Age Services (SAS), Bldg. 131 on Doniphan Road. Survivors will obtain tools and education thatwill help them cope, gain a network of support, and find resources after the loss of their loved one. This event is free of charge and is open to all survivors without regard to relationship to the deceased, branch of service, or circumstances and geography of death. Child care will be available upon request. Please call ACS Survivor Outreach Services at 568-1132 for more information or visit www.taps.org/event.aspx to register. If you are an organization that supports survivors and would like to have an information table at the event, please contact ACS Survivor Outreach Services. Click here to view flyer.

AER Campaign kicks off February 24

Established in 1942, Army Emergency Relief has been taking care of Soldiers - active and retired - by providing financial assistance in times of need. AER is structured to meet a variety of needs including emergency financial aid, children and spouse scholarships, grants to wounded warriors, and benefits for surviving family members.

During these hard economic times and vast deployments AER is needed more than ever. Your tax-deductible donations will go a long way in ensuring tradition of "Soldiers Helping Soldiers."

The 2010 annual campaign will run from February 24 through March 31 and we encourage you to join us in our efforts to meet this year's goal! For more information on how you can contribute, please feel free to contact Ruth Nero at 568-7088 or come by Army Community Service, located in Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road.

Become a sponsor for inbound Soldiers and families

Are you a Soldier who wants to mentor and assist inbound Soldiers and their families who are new to Fort Bliss? Can you show them the ropes and get them acquainted with the post? Sponsorship training is available beginning at 6 a.m. on the last Thursday of every month. Trainings take place in the Army Community Service ballroom, and are scheduled for:

• February 25
• March 25
• April 29
• May 27
• June 24
• July 29
• August 26
• September 30
• October 28
• November 25
• December 30

Additional trainings can be requested by individual units. For questions or to set up unit trainings, please call Joe Hess at 568-1132 or e-mail joseph.hess1@us.army.mil.

Immigration application training for S1 personnel

From 8-11 a.m. Friday, February 26, Fort Bliss Army Community Service will host a training session on the requirements for service member naturalization and the completion of the application packet.

This training session will be conducted by the El Paso Field Office, Military Liaison Team, USCIS, and will cover all aspects of the naturalization requirements; how to correctly complete the application packet to prevent errors; and information on how to expedite these applications.

The regulation that covers Personnel Services Delivery Redesigned (PSDR) states that the S1 section of all FORSCOM units is now responsible for the completion of these naturalization applications.

This is not an information class for applicants - this is a class for the completion of the application packet. An information class for applicants will be given on the same day at ACS at 2 p.m. Please coordinate with ACS to register for these classes at 568-1132.

PEP: People Encouraging People

This is a three day newcomer’s orientation geared towards spouses. The first day is an informational class room day with lunch at the DFAC. The second day is a tour of Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, WBAMC, and a tour throughout El Paso with shopping downtown. The third day is a trip to Mesilla, N.M. Classes are scheduled for March 2-4, April 6-8 and May 4-6. Call ACS at 568-1132 to reserve your seat. Child care will be paid for all who are registered with the CDC.

AFTB presents ... Super Saturday

Army Family Team Building will offer Super Saturday, a full day of Level I training, three times in 2010. During Super Saturday, participants learn in one day what usually takes two to three sessions. Lunch is provided to participants. Super Saturday: One day, Level I, lots of knowledge.

In 2010, Super Saturday will be offered:

• April 10, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• November 20, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The classes are designed enhance your knowledge of the Army, personal development and professional development. Training hours apply toward promotion points for Soldiers E-5 and below. Classes are open to Soldiers, Family Members, and Civilians. For more information, please call 568-AFTB (2382).

Family Advocacy Program life skills classes

The Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service offers life skills classes to the Fort Bliss community. Pre-registration is required for all classes. For more information or to register, stop by ACS, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, or call 568-4878 or 568-7088. Free child care is available for all classes. Call for details and locations.

The 2010 class schedule includes:

• Strongest Link: Premarital Program - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 23, March 11 and 16, April 20 and May 6
• Strong Bonds for Couples - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 and April 1, 13 and 29
• So Happy Together - A two-day seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 10 and 11, May 12 and 13, August 11 and 12, and November 3 and 4
• Six Building Blocks of a Healthy Marriage - A one-day class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 16 and 25, March 9 and 25, April 15 and 27, and May 27
• Trans-Parenting: Coping with Divorce - A one-day class for parents divorcing with children, from 8 a.m. to noon every Monday except holidays and training holidays
• Stress Management Class - A one-day class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 18, March 18, April 22 and May 20
• Mini Life Skills Workshop: Collaboration and Communication - A one-day class from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 23
• Mini Life Skills Workshop: Effective Stress and Time Management - A one-day class from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 4
• Anger Management Class - A three-week course open to active-duty military and family members, from 8 a.m. to noon with start dates of March 3, April 14 and May 5 (Note: Further class dates will be provided at the first class attended)
• Child Abuse and Safety Briefings - Available for the Fort Bliss community upon request
• Car Seat Safety and Loaner Program: Certified car seat technician inspections available, or borrow one for 30 days

Family Advocacy Program parenting classes

The Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service offers parenting classes through the New Parent Support Program. Pre-registration is required for some classes. For class information or to register, stop by Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, or call 568-4878 or 568-1132. Child care costs are covered for children registered with Child, Youth and School Services. Call for child care details and locations.

The 2010 class schedule includes:

• Baby Care 101: A one-day class from 9 to 11 a.m. March 1, April 12, May 3, June 7 and July 12
• Expectant Siblings: A one-day class for children ages 3 to 8 and their parents, from 6 to 7 p.m. April 6, July 13 and November 13.
• Early Childhood Parenting: A seven-week course for parents with children ages newborn to 4 years old, from 1 to 4 p.m. every Monday except holidays and training holidays (pre-registration required)
• Healthy Kids: A two-day class for parents of children ages newborn to 6 years old, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22 and 29, April 19 and 26, and June 21 and 28
• Parenting School-Age and Teenagers: A seven-week course for parents with children ages 5 and older, from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday except holidays and training holidays (pre-registration required)
• Playgroups: For ages 4 months through 4 years, meets Tuesday through Thursday each week; call 568-4878 to sign up for monthly e-calendars of locations

Team Bliss Family Covenant Card

The Team Bliss Family Covenant Card offers special discounts and entitlements to families of Soldiers deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. For more information on Family Covenant Card eligibility, information on how to obtain a card, and a list of everyday discounts provided to cardholders, including discounts for Child, Youth and School Services, visit www.blissmwr.com/familycovenantcard or call Army Community Service at 568-1132.

ACS suicide intervention and prevention classes

Army Community Service offers suicide intervention and prevention classes to all civilians and family members. If you are interested in becoming a first responder for a person at risk of suicide, our Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training classes would benefit you. For information on suicide prevention or to schedule training for your organization, call ACS 568-1132.

Financial Track Club

Whether you are financially challenged or savvy, if you are interested in improving your financial health this club is for you. Come to all or select the meetings you would like to attend. This is an open forum to all Soldiers, families and civilian employees. The group meets from noon to 1 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy's West Auditorium. For more information, contact Ana Hernandez at 568-7088.

Financial readiness classes

Come to our preventive classes at Army Community Service for Soldiers and family members who are feeling overwhelmed with financial issues. ACS has a staff of financial educators to provide information on getting finances under control.

Classes take place from 1:30-3 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday at ACS. The classes provided are Banking and Checking, Planning and Budgeting, Understanding Credit, Savings, Investments, TSP, Debt Management, and Car Buying and Insurance.

Child care vouchers are given for free child care for children registered at CYSS. Call 568-8956 for assistance in getting your child into daycare and attend a financial class!

• First Term Financial Readiness Training: THIS IS A MANDATORY TRAINING FOR E1 TO E3 ON THEIR FIRST ENLISTMENT, PER AR 608-1, in-processing to Fort Bliss. This training can now be easily conducted online at www.myarmylifetoo.com. For more information, call  568-4614.

• Understanding Credit:  There are so many credit card offers and loans out there, how do you know which is best for you. This class will explain the different types of accounts that exist, the importance of viewing your credit report, knowing your debt to income and ratio, and more.  To register for the class, call 568-7088.

• Car Buying & Insurance: Car buying requires time and research. You will leave with tips, resources and facts that will make you a smarter shopper when it comes to vehicles. To register, call 568-7088.

• Saving, Investing & TSP: You don’t need to have a lot of money to save money. There are three types of saving accounts you should have: emergency, short-term goals, and retirement. If you have all three, you’re in great shape. If you only have one or neither, than come to our Saving, Investing & TSP class to learn how. To register, call 568-7088.

• Planning & Budgeting: Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to pay all your bills, you still find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, worse yet; strapped for cash? If so, this class is for you. To register, call 568-7088.

• Debt Management: Are you up to your eyeballs in debt? Do you find yourself paying more in fees than the original balance? Come learn how to minimize your debt. To register, call 568-7088.

Spouse employment orientation

Are you a military spouse new to the area and seeking employment? The Employment Readiness Program has partnered with Workforce Solutions of Upper Rio Grande to deliver orientation weekly to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Orientation is held at ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please call 568-1132 to sign up for the orientation.

Yoga and relaxation classes

The Army Center for Enhanced Performance offers FREE yoga and relaxation classes every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-noon in the ACS ballroom! All are welcome to attend. The class will be a beginners yoga class that focuses on reducing the stresses associated with military spouses by teaching energy management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and imagery, concentration, and confidence! All you need to bring is a mat, water, and willingness to set aside an hour to relax and do something good for yourself... For more information, contact Colleen Foleen, Norricia Speights or Kim Garner at ACS by calling 568-1132.

Immigration information open at ACS

The El Paso Field Office of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open an information office at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road.

This office will be open every Wednesday for appointments from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Walk-ins will be addressed based on time available. These appointments may be scheduled only through ACS and are open to service members, family members or any civilian working on Fort Bliss. These appointments are to discuss immigration issues, questions and filing instructions, not to review an application. Applications can not be submitted to this office.

USCIS conducts monthly immigration information classes at ACS the last Friday of each month. You may get a class schedule and sign up to attend this class at ACS.