Samira Searcy, CPO, NDCCDP, MSML’s Post

🔈Exciting News for Military Families! 🔈 The Secretary of Defense has just announced NEW initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of our military members and their families. These initiatives focus on crucial areas like: ✅ Childcare Access: Improving childcare access by increasing provider compensation. ✅ Healthcare Enhancements: Introducing healthcare flexible spending accounts (HCFSA) to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs. ✅ Spouse Employment: Expanding spouse career support through MyCAA financial assistance. ✅ Housing Improvements: Enhancing the quality and availability of military housing. For example, increasing move-related benefits like temporary lodging reimbursement. ✅ Education & Resources: Providing more educational resources for both military families and children. These initiatives focus on supporting health, career, childcare, and living conditions. READ MORE https://lnkd.in/gMy2TxAb This is a huge step forward for the community, recognizing the sacrifices military families make and offering greater support for their daily lives. Stay tuned for more updates on how these changes will directly impact you! #MilitaryFamilies #MilitarySpouses #WellBeing #SupportingOurTroops #FamilyFirst

Reflecting on P&R’s efforts to take care of our people: Expanding Early Education and Childcare Support for Military Families The United States Department of Defense prioritizes access to high-quality #ChildCare and is taking significant steps to support #MilitaryFamilies. Under Secretary Austin’s direction, the #DoD is investing in child care facilities and staffing, including: ·        Offering substantial discounts for Child Development Program staff. ·        Introducing Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for pre-tax child care expenses. ·        Rolling out universal Pre-K in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, serving over 4,000 children. These initiatives demonstrate the DoD’s commitment to the well-being of military families and providing our #MilKids with a solid educational foundation. Follow Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs for resources and learn more about DoD child care programs here: https://lnkd.in/egnu_tcD

Qualifying Leave Events with NH PFML:   ✨ Caring for your own serious health condition (when disability coverage doesn’t apply), including childbirth  ✨ Bonding with a new child through birth, adoption, or fostering   ✨ Caring for a family member with a serious health condition   ✨ Supporting a military service member in need   ✨ Managing needs arising from a family member’s military deployment   Learn more about how NH PFML supports you and your loved ones. https://lnkd.in/eAXRRxz2

For the first time in my spouse's career, we have to pay more than BAH to live in a modest, inexpensive-for-the-area rental home that's reasonable commuting distance to his workplace. Against the odds, we happen to be a two-income household. Many military families can't do this— and shouldn't have to. Please take this survey (and every other military family experience survey you come across by reputable organizations like BSF). This is how we produce the data needed to draw attention and enact change.

Hayley Ann Boswell ⭐️This hit me. Our eldest is onto her 7th school and all four of our children have faced challenges with their education due to being Defence Kidz. Thankfully, they have also thrived. As Defence families, we do not get to pick where we live. The amount of times some snarky person on the phone has said to me, "Why didn't you have them on the wait list from birth?" We, as Defence families, don't get that luxury. How about priority of placement for Defence Kidz in ALL childcare centres. Who needs respite more than a Defence spouse doing it solo? How about State School of CHOICE? We don't get to pick where we live, so how about allowing us to pick the State school that best suits our child regardless of catchment area? Small actionable outcomes that would give Defence families a little bit of power to determine the best educational outcomes for their children. These options are already available to at risk children, so the framework is there. How about our Defence Kidz?

As out-of-pocket housing costs increase, the likelihood of active-duty family respondents recommending military service dips, according to our 2023 #MFLS. 📣 BAH and off-base housing concerns not only decrease the service recommendation, but put financial stressors on our #MilitaryFamilies. #BSF is pushing for: ✏️ Revision of BAH calculation to align more quickly with fluctuating housing markets, considering evaluating at shorter intervals ✏️ Increased lead time given to families prior to a PCS move to ensure families have enough time to evaluate their housing options ✏️Address toxic conditions and safety concerns in military housing We’re working to provide better quality-of-life solutions and you can, too. When we advocate, inspire, and inform decision-makers, change is made. Take the 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey today: https://bit.ly/3TDtHaO Military Housing Coalition Military Housing Association Safe Military Housing Initiative Operation Homefront Fisher House Foundation Gary Sinise Foundation Yellow Ribbon Fund Hiring Our Heroes Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF

The gap between #BAH and #costofliving for military families including ours, has been increasing at a faster and faster rate. The same is true for the base military salaries, but the BAH gap is more significant, and more impactful day-to-day. Most #privatizedhousing management companies (who manage on base housing at most bases) take all or almost-all of the member's BAH, but require residents to pay for utilities. Based on information I gathered at our last assignment, the so-called utility allowance did not cover all (or even most) of the utility costs, even when averaged over the course of a year. If you are a #militaryspouse or #militarymember, please take the Blue Star Families survey linked below. Organizations like this can only successfully advocate for our Active Duty Military families if they have our support and our numbers!

Our military families are the backbone of our veterans' strength, but they face their own unique challenges—worry, separation, and adjusting to life after service. Behind every service member, there’s a family that serves, too. This #NationalVeteransMonth, we honor their resilience and dedication. Here are some great resources to help military families navigate mental health, reintegration, and everyday challenges: Military OneSource Offers free counseling, support, and resources for military families. www.militaryonesource.mil The National Military Family Association (NMFA) Provides advocacy and support for military families, with a focus on mental health and wellness. www.militaryfamily.org Blue Star Families A nonprofit that helps military families connect with local communities and find support. www.bluestarfam.org It's A Military Life itsamilitarylife.org A nonprofit organization committed to supporting military families and veterans, including career services and pen pal connections. Recovery.com Provides online resources for those seeking guidance or treatment for mental health issues. Let’s show them that they’re not alone. #FamilySupport #MilitaryFamilies #VeteransStrong #MentalHealthMatters #WeSupportYou

💜 Today, on National Purple Heart Day, we honor the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in service to our country. 🇺🇸 This day also reminds us of the unique challenges faced by military families, especially their children. Here are some ways schools and educators can support children from military families: Understanding Transitions: Military families often move frequently, which can be challenging for children. Providing a welcoming environment and offering support during transitions can make a big difference. Building Connections: Encourage peer support and buddy systems to help military children build friendships and feel a sense of belonging in their new school. Flexibility and Support: Be flexible with deadlines and attendance policies, especially during times of deployment or family relocation. Understanding their unique circumstances is key. Counseling Services: Ensure access to school counselors who are trained in addressing the specific emotional and social needs of military children. Celebrate Resilience: Acknowledge and celebrate the resilience and strengths of military children. Highlight their unique experiences and contributions to the school community. Parental Involvement: Foster strong communication between schools and military parents. Keeping parents informed and involved can help create a supportive network for the child. By understanding and addressing the needs of military families, we can create an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. 💜 #NationalPurpleHeartDay #MilitaryFamilies #SupportOurTroops #Education #SchoolPsychology #PsychedServices #learndo

As we wrap up Preparedness Month, remember that emergencies can happen anytime, so it’s essential to keep your military family prepared! When it comes to children, planning is key to keeping your children safe and calm during unexpected crises. The American Red Cross offers helpful resources for teaching your children about emergency preparedness. https://lnkd.in/gS6gg3gR Another critical piece of preparedness is education —check out Military OneSource’s "Before and After Disasters" guide to strengthen your family’s response. By staying informed and prepared, you’re not only protecting your family but supporting overall mission readiness! https://lnkd.in/gQFS9iEz #fiveandthrive #education #childcare #FamilyReadinessIsMissionReadiness