JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md –
With the economy under duress, it is necessary for families to seek opportunities to continue to make ends meet and sustain one's standard of living as best possible. The sequester effects everyone across the board, however, the impact on civilians can be considerable.
Joint Base Andrews is taking a proactive approach to lessen the impact by creating opportunities and raising awareness.
"In the next few weeks our civilians may face some challenging circumstances," said Kim Myers, Military Family Support Center director. "The financial impact on families may mean the difference in making a house payment, paying for gas or providing quality of life for their children. In order to support our total force, the Military and Family Support Center are postured to provide assistance."
The following financial preparation workshop will be available to all civilians:
Financially Preparing for Furlough
9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, March 20, 27
Saturday, March 30
Wednesday, April 3, 10
1-3 p.m.
Monday, March 25 & April 1, 8
Wednesday, March 27
All attendees will be offered individual consultation sessions at the time of attendance to discuss personal situations and assistance with budget creation and review. Workshops can be scheduled by calling the Military and Family Support Center at 301-981-7087.
Additionally, the Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEAA) fund can provide help in uncertain times through the Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) and Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP).
The EAP allocates Emergency loans to help employees who fall behind on basic living expenses, such as, mortgages, rent or utilities due to unforeseen emergencies such as leave without pay, government pay error, death or illness in the family. The current loan limit is $1000.
FEEA administers a childcare subsidy program for more than two dozen agencies. In accordance with Public Law 107-67, federal agencies may use appropriated funds to assist their lower income employees with child care costs - reducing the amount parents pay for childcare through subsidies paid directly to the child care provider. Visit http://www.feea.org/, for details on both programs.
In times of hardship, the Air Force family continues to watch out and be there for their brethren.
"I ask you to encourage employees to speak to a Chaplain if the stress of the circumstances they are facing is too difficult to bear," said Myers to military members. "We want our team members to know we care and there are organizations prepared to assist."