Marne Division cares for Families with MFLC support

By Elvia Kelly, Fort Stewart Public AffairsAugust 18, 2011

FORT STEWART, Ga - "Caring for Soldiers, Civilians and Families is KEY to our readiness," reads the second element Caring of the Marne Division's command philosophy.

Programs like the Military & Family Life Consultants in correlation with the Child & Youth Behavioral Program work together to provide support and assistance to Family Members across the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield communities.

Whether it's situations from redeployment as many of the Division Soldiers have recently experienced in the past year, or a pending deployment such as the one planned for Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, back-to-school stress, Family issues or other challenges youth may encounter, CYB-MFLC is available to speak and help Family Members.

"Military & Family Life Consultants hear what the child or parent has to say and keeps the conversation private and confidential," said Joan Styles, Director of School Age Services. "They are available anytime and day."

Family Life counselors are available at Child, Youth & School Services centers like SAS, Pre-K centers, child development centers and youth centers.

"Their major role is to interact with children and their daily activities," she said. "They can assist a child who has behavioral issues, self-esteem issues and daily life issues."

Styles shared an example of how an MFLC counselor assisted youth a couple years ago. He was a drummer as well as a counselor for youth. He used the drums as a tool for children to release frustrations and built-up anger. After his assistance with the children, she recalls some of the children's new interest in drums.

"I have seen MFLC handle cases in which children were going through deep, emotional problems," she said. "I have seen improvement. It is really good for MFLC to spot these issues before it becomes a problem. They're not judgmental, and it's just really good to have MFLC here for the children."

The Third Infantry Division command philosophy of Caring continues to state that Caring for Soldiers, Civilians and their Families crosses a wide spectrum of topics. The topics include counseling and having a solid Family support system. And the CYB-MFLC does just that; provide a strong support system for youth and Families when in the face of challenges.

For more information about CYB-MFLC or to speak to an MFLC counselor, call any of Stewart's five numbers at 912-704-7494, 912-318-9746/9748, 912-704-8982 or 912-320-7213 at Stewart or 912-492-2880 at Hunter.