Soldier and Family Assitance Center

Upcoming Events

Wounded Warrior Program Discounts

MWR would like to remind individuals with a "Wounded Warrior Card" that they are entitled to the following discounts:

  • Free games of bowling and free shoe rental at Fort Bliss Bowling Center.
  • Free club rental, free cart rental and free green fees at George V. Underwood Golf Complex.
  • Free usage of MWR Park facilities.
  • Free equipment rental at MWR Park facilities.

For more information, contact the Bowling Center at 568-6272/1685 and the Golf Complex at 562-206 or 568-1273.

Discounts for Families of Deployed Soldiers

The Fort Bliss Bowling Center and George V, Underwood Golf Complex are offering special discounts on services. The Bowling Center is offering a $1 discount on up to three games of bowling in one day. This discount is available Wednesday and Thursday. The Underwood Golf Complex is offering a $10 discount on daily green fees and lessons. This is also available on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, contact the Bowling Center at 568-6272/1685 and the Golf Complex at 562-206 or 568-1273.

Waiting Families of Fort Bliss

The Fort Bliss Waiting Families is a proactive program designed to assist families who are geographically separated from the military sponsor due to mobilization/deployment, TDY or PCS/Relocation. The focus of this group is to build friendships and ease the stress and demands on the family during times of separation. The Waiting Families Group also serves as a liaison between military and civilian agencies to ensure assistance is provided for family members.

FREE Bowling and Pizza at the Fort Bliss Bowling Alley for all registered Waiting Families on the following dates from 6 to 9 p.m.:

  • 9 August
  • 13 September
  • 11 October
  • 8 November
  • 13 December 

FREE Monthly Dinners for all registered Waiting Families from 6 to 8 p.m.

  • 29 August
  • 26 September
  • 24 October
  • 28 November
  • 19 December

To register, sign-up for the dinners, or to learn more about our Waiting Families please call Cher Poehlein at Army Community Service at 568-1132/7088.

Fort Bliss USCs Now Assisting Units with ACS Training Coordination

The Unit Service Coordinator (USC) program at ACS has been implemented to assist commanders and rear-detachment commanders with meeting the needs of their Soldiers and Family members. The USC for each unit will serve as the unit’s single point of contact to coordinate ACS services/trainings and ensure command teams get what assistance they need from ACS.

USCs coordinate ACS briefers to present trainings (Unit is responsible to coordinate location, equipment, and childcare, as needed), contact commanders on a monthly basis to offer support, attend commander’s staff meetings on a regular basis to provide updated ACS information, to be determined by commander, and provide ACS overview briefs to units and FRGs. For more information or to get in contact with your unit’s USC, call ACS at 568-1132.

Stress Management Reduction Class

Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program (FAP) will host an 8 hour stress management reduction class on September 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Active duty Soldiers, Family members and Civilian employees are invited to attend. There is no cost for class. The A.M. session is learning about stress, causes of stress and coping skills along with creative relaxation techniques. The class participants are invited to participate in the Yoga class which is held from noon to 1 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and yoga mat. The P.M. session will be hands on 15 minute Stress Out Program.

Civilian/NAF employees must submit an approved DD1556 through CPAC. Both the A.M. & P.M. sessions must be attended to receive training credit. For more information contact Norricia Speights at 568-1132 or visiting Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494. Registration is required.

Army Family Covenant Discounts for Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS)

View the eligibility chart.

For family members of deployed sponsors (considered Mission Level 1) serving in a war zone or in support of the Global War on Terrorism, you can receive the following discounts (IMCOM EXORD 08-002 - 15 NOV 07, Subject: Operationalizing the Army Family Covenant):

  • Free child care for mandatory deployment briefing and special openings related to GWOT this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • Free child care during FRG meetings this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • 16 hours a month of free child care per child 30 days before deployment thru 60 days after deployment
  • Cost of hourly care will be $2.00 per hour per child.
  • 20% reduction in the cost of full/part time care and camps.
  • SKIESUnlimited instructional classes are free while Soldier is deployed, up to 8 classes per child per year.
  • Waive fees for 2 sports enrollments per year.

For family members of sponsors who are on an unaccompanied PCS, a TCS or a TDY for 90-179 days (considered Mission Level 2), you can receive the following discounts (IMCOM EXORD 08-002 - 15 NOV 07, Subject: Operationalizing the Army Family Covenant):

  • Free child care for mandatory deployment briefing and special openings related to GWOT this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • Free child care during FRG meetings this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • 16 hours a month of free child care during designated eligible period (length of time sponsor is PCS, TCS or TDY)
  • Cost of hourly care will be $2.00 per hour per child.
  • SKIESUnlimited instructional classes are free while Soldier is deployed, up to 4 classes per child per year.
  • Waive fees for 1 sports enrollment per year.

For family members of sponsors who are part of the Rear Detachment (as identified on Rear D/Personnel Availability Report) (considered Mission Level 3), you can receive the following discounts (IMCOM EXORD 08-002 - 15 NOV 07, Subject: Operationalizing the Army Family Covenant):

  • Free child care for mandatory deployment briefing and special openings related to GWOT this does not count against 5 hours of free child care.
  • Free child care during FRG meetings this does not count against 5 hours of free child care.
  • 5 hours a month of free child care during support of designated mission
  • Cost of hourly care will be $2.00 per hour per child.
  • SKIESUnlimited instructional classes are free while Soldier is deployed, up to 4 classes per child per year.
  • Waive fees for 1 sports enrollment per year.

Copy of Soldier's orders for Mission Level 1, 2 and 3 must be given to Central Enrollment and Registration (CER), Bldg 1743, to establish eligibility.

Family members of Wounded Warriors will receive the following (IMCOM EXORD 08-002 - 15 NOV 07, Subject: Operationalizing the Army Family Covenant):

  • Free child care for mandatory deployment briefing and special openings related to GWOT this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • Free child care during FRG meetings this does not count against 16 hours of free child care.
  • 16 hours a month of free child care during designated eligible period (length of time sponsor is AW2 or WT)
  • Hourly care fees reduced to $2.00.
  • Unlimited free hourly care for medical appointments (medical appointment slip must be provided).
  • Category 1 fees for children/youth enrolled in regularly scheduled full/part day programs.
  • SKIESUnlimited instructional classes are free up to 8 per child per year.
  • 2 free team sports per year.

Present Wounded Warrior card to CER, Bldg 1743 to enroll for benefits.

Family members of Fallen Warriors will receive the following (IMCOM EXORD 08-002 - 15 NOV 07, Subject: Operationalizing the Army Family Covenant):

  • 16 hours a month of free child care during designated eligible period
  • Hourly care fees reduced to $2.00.
  • 40 hours for bereavement respite child care from the time of notification continuing for 4 weeks after burial.
  • Category 1 fees for children/youth enrolled in regularly scheduled full/part day programs.
  • SKIESUnlimited instructional classes are free up to 8 per child per year.
  • 2 free team sports per year.

Provide appropriate supporting documentation to CER in Bldg 1743.

All patrons eligible to use Army Child and Youth Services will receive registration and re-registration at no cost. All CYS patrons will receive free hourly care to attend Memorial Services for Fallen Warriors.

Army Career Alumni Program

Our ACAP representative provides the mandatory Pre-separation counseling, assists WTs in completing DD Form 2648/2648, and, if married, informs WTs and spouses about benefits and services available when separating from the U.S. Army following assignment in the WTU.

ACAP also assists in scheduling Job Search Training through DOL Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshops, VA Benefits and DTAP briefings, and provides individual support in employment counseling, job search, skill assessment, resume writing, interviewing, and evaluating/ negotiating job offers.

Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2)

AW2 Mission is to assist and advocate for our severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and their Families. We support and advise during medical treatment, rehabilitation and transition back into the Army or a civilian community. We cut through red tape; assist our Soldiers and their Families navigate federal, state and private benefit systems; and link them with selected financial, educational, employment, legal and medical resources. We serve as an advocate and change agent to implement lessons learned to adjust policy and increase the responsiveness and effectiveness of our medical and benefit system.

Benefits Counseling

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transition Service Program is designed specifically for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines making the all-important transition back to civilian life. The VA Representative supports WT’s with pre-discharge transition assistance briefings such as TAP or DTAP, reviews Service Medical Records for chronic illness or residuals of injuries caused or aggravated by military service, provides VA and other benefits presentations, and assists transitioning Service Members with filing original claims for benefits.

Chaplain Services

Provided on and off-site through WTB Chaplains, religious Services are available to support WT’s and their families. Services include counseling, religious support, pastoral care, rites and sacraments.

Supply materials and references that support counseling situation and spiritual needs are available.

Child and Youth Services

The Child and Youth Services Coordinator supports WT’s and their families by informing them of available child care services, child/youth activities, youth instructional classes, respite care opportunities, and reduced fee and free services.

In addition, youth education and school issues assistance is available. Some services are extended to non-medical attendants (WT NMA’s).

Education Counseling

Our Education Counseling representative assists WT’s and their family members with information and resources on tuition assistance, Montgomery GI Bill/Top Up, MGIB transferability, and GoArmyEd benefits.

WT’s and their family members can also receive information on scholarships, internship opportunities, Leadership Skills Enhancement Courses (LSEC), Basic Skills Education Program/GT Improvement, and Army Personnel Testing and Academic Testing.

Financial Counseling

The financial advisor provides individual assistance and counseling in the following areas-

  1. Consumer Affairs/Complaints
  2. Budget Preparation
  3. Investments
  4. Financial Management
  5. Debt liquidation services- to include evaluation of assets and liabilities for long term planning and direct contact with creditors towards reduction of debt
  6. Army Emergency Relief Referrals
  7. Emergency Food Voucher Program Referrals

We will help to resolve complex client problems and financial crisis, through the utilization of various installation and extended community resources.

Do you want to create a budget?

Free Internet Access

We will have computers available for use by personnel assigned / attached to the Warrior Transition Battalion in the summer of 2008. Need computer access now? Call us for information on computer accessibility.

Information And Referral Services

Our Information and Referral Coordinator will be your first point of contact at the SFAC. We’ll greet you, provide you with information on Fort Bliss and the local area, and direct you to the correct service providers if you need support. We maintain a resource library that contains information on events, programs, web resources, and local and national services. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you need information on lodging, installation access, other warrior support services, or anything else.

Furthermore, if there are services you need more or less of, let our Coordinator know and we’ll communicate your needs with those who can make a difference. Remember: we are here for you!

Military Personnel Support (Benefits, Entitlements,Etc.)

The SFAC Human Resources representative supports WT’s with Enlisted/Officer Records Briefs (ERB/ORB) Review and update, In/Out Processing, orders processing, and retirement services.

As part of the Official Military Personnel Support team, the Human Resources representative can research reclassifications, personnel actions, retirements, records update, assignments and all other military personnel issues for WT Soldiers. Services are available on site at the SFAC, at the Hospital, in the housing areas, community centers, or other locations convenient to the WTs and their Families.

Outreach

Our Outreach Coordinator assesses the needs of the WT community/families, links WT families with services on post or in the community, and builds a service network for isolated WT families.

As a link between the community, WTB, and SFAC, the Outreach Coordinator conducts services at William Beaumont Hospital, on Fort Bliss, in the housing areas, community centers, or other locations convenient to the WTs and their Families.

For a list of our Outreach and Special Activities, please see Upcoming Events.

Resource Library

We constantly seek resources that support WT’s and their families. Our current resources include listings of providers, websites, handbooks, and an SFAC book library.

Social Services Assistance

The Social Services Assistance Coordinator assists WT’s through crisis intervention, resolution-focused consultation, substance abuse prevention education/ intervention, and stress management program development.

The Social Services Assistance Coordinator also supports the WTB with suicide prevention training and the development of comprehensive information services. All services are available to WT’s and their families.

TSGLI (Traumatic Servicemember Group Life Insurance)

Our TSGLI representative helps eligible, severely injured Soldiers and their Families with financial and benefits counseling. The TSGLI representative provides short-term compensations for eligible traumatically injured soldiers and their families. Services are provided at the hospital, WTB, and on-site at the SFAC.

Warm, Friendly Environment!

Get a cup of coffee, relax in our book nook, or see what else is going on! We’re here for you!

Links