FORT BELVOIR, Va. - The USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir hosted more than a dozen Exceptional Family Member Program participants from across the National Capital Region, Jan. 9 for a day of learning, fun and camaraderie.
The event included coordination and participation by Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall's EFMP staff. Two Marine Corps families from the Pentagon attended the event.
"We are offering them a family social," explained Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall EFMP staff member Andranita Dogan. "It's a way they can support each other. A lot of times, the problem with that is they don't have child care, so they can't come out."
Dogan stressed that the event didn't provide child care, but volunteers kept the kids occupied and busy while parents talked and learned about resources that are available to them.
While their parents networked, the kids enjoyed coloring, drawing and playing with a group of active duty and civilian volunteers from across the NCR.
"I've always been a volunteer in the community," said Marine 2nd Lt. Vu Pham, who is currently stationed at The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico. "I really enjoy volunteering, especially with kids. I really enjoy being around them. It makes my day a little brighter."
EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to military families with special needs.
JBM-HH has two EFMP program: One is managed by MCCS Henderson Hall for Marine Corps families assigned or attached to Headquarters and Service Battalion on Henderson Hall. The other is managed through Army Community Service on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Both programs frequently work together to host joint events, often combining efforts with the Fort Belvoir EFMP as well.
To learn more about the MCCS Henderson Hall EFMP, visit http://mccshh.com/efmp.html. To learn more about the ACS EFMP, visit www.jbmhhmwr.com/exceptional-family-member-program.
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