Fort Belvoir’s Exceptional Family Member Program ended its season with a party at the Bowling Center Saturday.
The event brought out plenty of EFMP Families for a day filled with food and fun.
Carelease Kouneski, EFMP assistant, said the bowling party gave Families a chance to socialize and interact with one another.
“A lot of these children can’t always participate in regular events,” she said. “This lets them have a chance to have fun and meet others with similar needs.”
Pjay Parks and her husband, Jason, brought their children, Tatum, 12, and Shaolin, 10. The Family recently relocated from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
“Kids can be so mean sometimes, so with regular classes, you get a lot of questions about why you’re different,” Pjay said. “This way, they can have fun and be comfortable, no questions asked.”
Kelly Keesecker and her three sons " Ian, 9; Carter, 7; and Jack, 3 " spent the afternoon on the lanes as well. She said Belvoir’s efforts with the EFMP program help her feel like part of the community.
“Any time an installation really cares and creates a sense of community, it goes above and beyond making us feel welcome,” she said. “Belvoir is a very inclusive community anyway " so much that I don’t have to be extra vigilant and go searching for information. They just take care of so much. They make it so much easier for Families. It’s less stress on us, and it helps us fit in.”
Norbert Patrick’s Family has been active in the EFMP program since September 2009. For him, it’s not just a chance for his children to be involved, but it’s also allowed him and his wife a chance to discuss issues with other parents.
“We talk to others who might have the same obstacles we do,” he said. “We get tips on how to handle certain situations, and we understand that others are in the same boat. Sometimes you think you have it bad, but these conversations remind you to be thankful for the things you do have.”
Patrick said many Families would be at a loss without EFMP.
“It’s allowed my kids to get out there and helps them open up,” he said. “They don’t have to hold back, and they can be themselves.”
Kouneski said she feels EFMP does fill an important void.
“We know there’s a need for this,” she said. “Customer service is such an important portion of what we do, and it’s just our way of helping to support the overall mission.”
As children lined the lanes to take their shot at the pins, Kouneski smiled.
“Seeing these Families having fun, it just gives me chills,” she said. “Spending time with the Family is good for our Soldiers, and all at no charge to make them happy.”
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