AFRC offers support programs

Did you know the U.S. Air Force renamed the Family Support Center a couple years ago to the Airman and Family Readiness Center to better reflect their customers and their primary focus of putting airmen first?

The AFRC's mission is to provide support services to airmen and their families, while contributing top mission readiness, resiliency and well-being of the Air Force community. They also help commanders and base leadership meet their responsibilities toward the health and welfare of the total force.

"Our team strives to prepare, empower and guide people toward meeting and balancing their needs at work and in their personal lives with a whole-person perspective," said Charles Harris, 27th Special Operations Wing, AFRC section chief.

This program is used to enhance resiliency and aid in the adaption to the challenges of the military and special operations lifestyle. They also provide service to retirees, civil service employees and their families.

One program the AFRC offers is the Discovery Resource Center — complete with a library, internet access and computer learning programs.

Customers are able to consult with AFRC professional in an atmosphere conducive to establishing a partnership based on meeting the needs of the Cannon Air Force Base community. Airmen, and their family members can find assistance and information regarding volunteering, finding employment, dealing with a crisis, moving to a new base, school issues and more. Free childcare during a permanent change of duty station or deployment, or Air Force Aid Society emergency assistance may also be available.

The Cannon AFRC is also a "Department of Defense Family Center", providing 14 law-driven, DoD and U.S. Air Force mandated programs:

Transition (separation and retirement)

· Mandatory pre-separation briefing

· Transition assistance program seminar and planning

· Resume review and job search

Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

Relocation program (PCS)

· Newcomers and Smooth Move classes

· Informational resource for personnel inbound and outbound

Casualty assistance and survivor benefits

· Casualty notification and reporting

· Survivor benefits counseling

· "Special Operations Command Care Coalition" liaison

Career focus and employment

· Web-based employment search

· Resume basics and Interview techniques

· Career focus assessment

Air Force Aid Society

· Emergency loans and financial aid

· Community programs

· PCS child care and Baby Bundles

· Give Parents a Break

Deployment preparation and support

· Pre-deployment and reunion briefings

· Hearts Apart support activities

· Car care and Give Parents a Break

Personal financial readiness

· Budgeting, investing and information on a Thrift Savings Plan

· Money management and car buying

· Credit and consumer protection

Personal and work life education

· Building resiliency and confidence

· Communication and relationships

· Family and marriage enrichment

· Heart Link

Exceptional Family Member Program

School liaison officer

Discovery Self-Help Resource Center

Volunteer program

· Short and long term volunteer listings

· assistance with volunteer recognition

Military Family Life Consultant liaison

"My favorite question is, 'What's your utilization?'" said Harris. "Last year, we provided 2,400 'formal' assists, normally an office visit, and conducted 379 classes and briefings with more than 5,400 attendees. We also counted more than 14,700 phone calls for questions and other assistance."

"All those numbers show more utilization than an average AFRC," he said. "With the unique challenges of a fully operational and constantly growing Special Operations Wing, you can see it's a big job — one we take very seriously."