FORT SILL, Okla. -- Army Family Team Building is celebrating 20 years of helping spouses thrive in their military lives.
"A lot of folks are young, never been away from family and friends and they get put into this new culture," said Merilee Nevins, AFTB, Army Family Action Plan program manager. "Our goal is to empower them to give them the skills they need to be resilient."
AFTB offers courses on military knowledge and culture, personal growth and resiliency and leadership development.
"It started from spouses who felt like there was a lot of information they weren't receiving," said Nevins. "When you don't have information is when you struggle. With the Army right now we're focused on resiliency. That's really what we're all about. Knowledge is power."
AFTB taught a new group of instructors Jan. 13 to lead others on their military paths.
"The idea is that experienced spouses have the opportunity to share their knowledge to spouses who are just coming in," said Nevins.
To be an instructor the person doesn't even have to be a military spouse. If they are, they can be married to a Soldier or Marine of any rank.
"I wanted to get better at teaching. I think everybody has their 'need improvement' spots they can make better so you go to the people who know what they're talking about, the ones who have been studying the art of giving classes," said J.D. Famoly, Army Volunteer Core coordinator.
Nevins said their goal is to reach out to families as soon as they enter military life. They're also developing online training for those who are geographically dispersed.
"It's not just for spouses. AFTB can be for mothers and fathers, grandparents, and sisters and brothers who want to know more about the military," she said.
Nevins stressed the benefits of going into a classroom versus online training as a way to not only help them adjust to Army life, but also to help the person feel less isolated.
"The most exciting thing I get to see are the interactions. They may not know anybody and after the time they spend in this setting they make those connections, not just with the instructors, but also with each other."
"It's also a way to build confidence. It's a way to understand what they're now a part of," said Tammy Walton Army Family Action Plan Volunteer Program manager Army Community Service instructor.
AFTB classes are not just at Fort Sill. Nevins said the curriculum has been updated across the Army so a spouse or family member can get the same quality information on any installation.
"They give out so much practical information that helps you tailor your expectations better on what you can expect from the Army. It helps you find the resources you need to be successful. I encourage all young spouses to take the class, at least Level 1 because you learn so much in a short amount of time so you understand how the Army works a little bit better," said Marsha Chasteen.
AFTB also offers free child care for students if the child is registered with Child Youth Services.
"As long as we know in advance we can make sure they have a spot," said Nevins.
The next AFTB class is on personal growth and resiliency Feb. 24-26.
For more information visit Army Community Service in Building 4700 on Mow-Way Road or call 580-442-2382/2039.
For a list of classes visit www.sillmwr.com. Select ACS, and go to the Army Family Team Building page from the drop-down menu. Then, click on 2015 Training Schedule.
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