FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Access to Fort Rucker Family services is just a click away.

Army Community Service staff members provide Soldiers and Family members here with user-friendly tools at one Web site location.

By clicking on "Families" from the Fort Rucker Web site, www.rucker.army.mil, a world of information awaits, including topics ranging from relocation, child care, recreation, shopping, banking, housing and financial readiness and employment counseling, emergency services to youth services and more.

"At ACS, taking care of Families and ensuring their readiness in all aspects of life is our utmost priority," said Sue Jackson ACS director. "A strong Family is essential to the overall Army Strong mission."

An overview video is aimed at newcomers and old-timers alike detailing the location and description of various ACS services.

Fort Rucker's library maintains about 22 computers for ID card holders to use free of charge. This is especially helpful for Families awaiting the arrival of household goods during a permanent change of station transition according to library staff.

"Our library computers are equipped with Common Access Card readers so that Soldiers and Family members can access their Army Knowledge Online accounts and other secure military sites, as well as general Internet sites," said Shannon Singell, library technician.

Library hours are Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

In addition to online access to ACS service information, staff members remain ready to meet with clients one-on-one to help with just about anything Fort Rucker Soldiers and Family members may need. The main ACS office is located in the Soldier Service Center, Building 5700, Room 390, and the Relocation Readiness Center is located in Building 5700 on the ground floor, Room 193.

The Relocation Readiness Center provides newcomers with the services, counseling, information about the local community and supplies they need upon arrival, including the lending hangar which stocks items ranging from pots and pans, microwave ovens, futons or roll-a-way beds, tables and chairs, ironing boards and irons, and just about anything a Family might need while awaiting household goods shipment.

Relocation Readiness Center program manager Ruth Gonzalez is dedicated to making relocation to Fort Rucker as stress-free as possible.

"In addition to our physical location in Room 193, we invite Soldiers and Family members to our monthly newcomers briefing held at the Landing the third Friday of every month at 8:30 a.m.," said Gonzalez.

Agencies that participate in the newcomers' welcome are the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, Lyster Army Health Clinic and Tri-Care representative, chapel, thrift shop, Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club, Directorate of Public Safety, Wallace Community College, Enterprise State Community College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Troy University, the education center, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the commissary, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program, Armed Forces Bank, Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union and chambers of commerce from the local communities. Any newcomer with questions can attend newcomers' welcome and talk to most of the services on the installation that can assist them with their relocation needs. This is a one stop shop for questions in a warm and friendly environment.

"The newcomers briefing provides an overview of ACS services in a warm, casual atmosphere," said Gonzales. "We provide breakfast and encourage all newcomers to take advantage of this informative event and visit the various booths set up to answer questions and help alleviate the anxiety level that often accompanies the relocation experience."

Free child care is available at the Child Development Center when newcomers register their children 24 hours prior to the event.

For relocation assistance and information, call Gonzalez at 255-3735. For assistance with all other ACS services, call 255-3817.