This guide is designed to teach military spouses how to create a network that will strengthen them with a community of support. Here you will find resources to help you navigate the quality-of-life areas that regularly affect military families: child care, education, mental health, housing and employment. In addition, we would like to share with you some resources on legal aid and introduce you to your biggest resource when it comes to navigating the world of military family life – Military and Family Readiness. Although you might not require assistance with childcare or job-related matters at the moment, it’s possible that you or a spouse you know will in the future. Consider this guide as a useful tool for when the need arises.
Military and Family Readiness Center
Military and Family Readiness are comprised of a team of professionals to offer support for everything from financial counseling to preparedness for the workforce.
For a full list of M&FRC staff, services and programs click here.
Housing
Moving can be a stressful event for any family but we are here to make it easier! The Military & Family Readiness Center offers regular classes on making your move smoother (appropriately titled Smooth Move). Whether you decide to live off-base or in base housing, let us be your guide! Give M&FRC a call at 316-759-6020 for more info on your options. For more information on McConnell base housing – including amenities, home specs, and contact info, visit this link.
Child Care Resources
There are a number of different programs available to military spouses when it comes to child care. The Child Development Center, School Age Care, Youth Center and Family Child Care programs are here to support you with your child care needs.
For more information on Military & Family Readiness and School Liaison child care programs visit here.
Employment
M&FRC offers support to military spouses in reaching their employment, educational, and career objectives by providing employment guidance, support for starting their own businesses, and assistance in entrepreneurial ventures. They provide information on the job market, monitor employment trends, offer workshops on developing skills, connect individuals with job opportunities, establish relationships with local businesses, and provide resources both on and off the military base. Both one-on-one meetings and group sessions/workshops are available to family members and civilian workers.
For a resource guide on spouse employment visit this link.
Legal Aid
Legal service is available to active duty personnel, retirees, and dependents. Additionally, members of the Guard (Title 10 status only) and Reserve members on active duty orders are also eligible. The legal office cannot assist military members or their families with establishing commercial enterprises, criminal issues, ethics violations, Law of Armed Conflict, issues the military has an interest in, legal concerns of other parties, drafting or reviewing legal documents, or representation in civil court. Check out legal resources available to military spouses in the Legal Assistance Cheat Sheet.
Mental Health
Military and Family Life Counseling Program Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, or psychologists who provide confidential, non-medical and short-term counseling support to service personnel and their dependents. They support a range of issues including relationships, crisis intervention, stress management, grief, academic challenges, occupational and other individual and family issues. Other support for mental health includes the base chaplain, Family Advocacy Program, Military One Source and more.
For a full list of mental health resources visit here.
Education
Did you know that military spouses are eligible for the My Career Advancement
Account Scholarship? The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. To learn more click here.
Education options may also be available to spouses through VA benefits. VA Military Life Cycle (MLC) modules are available for units, commands, and military organizations through your local VA Benefits Advisor. These modules are short (1 hour or less), focused courses on specific VA benefits and services available. For more info on the VA Military Life Cycle modules click here.
Additional Resources
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)
McConnell AFB Helping Agency Page
McConnell AFB Integrated Resilience Office
Social Media and Keeping Up-to-date with Base Events
The 22d Force Support Squadron is here to support you and your family during your time at McConnell Air Force Base. We are here to offer regular programming, classes, recreational activities, and so much more!
Here are some channels to keep in touch with the latest news on what’s happening at McConnell:
McConnell Spouses Group on Facebook
New to Wichita? Here’s Your ICT Starter Pack!
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