Dear Friends,

HomeFront Strong is one of five programs offered by   Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) at the University of Michigan. This year, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of M-SPAN! M-SPAN was created to develop innovative programs tailored specifically for the military and veteran community.
HomeFront Strong was launched in 2012, and has grown tremendously since then. When HomeFront Strong first started, there were very few community resources available, especially for military and veteran families. The program has been offered in 8 different cities in Michigan, with many more locations to go. Nearly 200 military and veteran spouses who have joined the program learned the resiliency skills taught through HomeFront Strong.

We are so very proud of how this program has blossomed over the years. You have been an important part of this growth and we thank you! 

Warmly,

The HomeFront Strong Team
Skills Reminder: Lean On Your Support System
Now's a great time to think about the social supports in your life. When we look at our different social support needs, we think about 4 categories: Practical, Informational, Emotional, and Companionship. There might be gaps or "job openings" for someone who we WISH existed for us. Are you looking for someone to join you for coffee? Someone to answer a question? Someone to call for help when your car has a flat tire?
If you have completed HomeFront Strong, how about looking at the social support information (page 54 of your workbook or module 6 of your online workbook) to refresh this skill? If you haven't completed HomeFront Strong yet, it might be a good time to think about who your supports are and where you have gaps. We can help you fill those!
Where in the Mitten?
We've been busy! Here are a few places we've visited recently to share information about HomeFront Strong:
 
  • Joint Forces Head Quarters, Lansing

  • National Guard Armory, Jackson

  • National Guard Armory, Ypsilanti

  • St. Clare County Community Mental Health, Port Huron

  • Meeting of the Minds, Dearborn

  • Yellow Ribbon, Lansing

  • Yellow Ribbon, Detroit 

  • John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
Would you like HomeFront Strong to be a part of your next event? Reach out to us! Contact Ali at (734) 998-5827 or HomeFrontStrong@umich.edu .
Resource Corner
Tuning Up Your Relationship: Sometimes a long-term loving relationship takes work. Relationships that are nurtured are more likely to blossom. Military One Source offers a relationship resilience tool that you and your significant other can do together. To find out more about Love Every Day, you can watch a quick video or sign up here .  
Getting Ready for Tax Day:  Tax Day is coming up. Did you know there are many organizations that can help you understand your family's military income, expenses and more? Some tax-preparing organizations also offer discounts to service members. Check out these great tax resources for free and discounted services:
  • All active-duty and reserve component service members can get a military discount at Turbotax.

  • MilTax is a free electronic preparation and filing system for any individual with a Military One Source account


  • The IRS has tax preparation services, financial education, and information on tax credits available to veterans. Learn more. 
Welcome, Ali!
HomeFront Strong is pleased to welcome Ali Thompson as the new Outreach Coordinator! Ali will be the primary point of contact at all military and veteran events and will connect new participants with the program. As both a veteran and spouse of a veteran, she holds a unique understanding of the value of programs designed for military and veteran families.
If you would like to learn more about Ali’s background, check out our website at www.m-span.org/about-m-span/our-team . If you see her at an upcoming event, come by and say hi!
Michigan Army National Guard — Check Your Mailbox!
We are delighted to partner with the Michigan Army National Guard to share more information with soldiers and their families about HomeFront Strong program. Check your mailbox for a new HomeFront Strong brochure coming your way!
Join Us
We are starting new HomeFront Strong groups!

This winter, we kicked off a group in Lansing and are planning new groups in Flint, Pontiac, Lansing, and Port Huron. If you know someone who might be interested in HomeFront Strong, please feel free to tell them about us. 
Do you know an area that would be great for a group? Let us know! 
HomeFront Strong is part of Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) , a collection of military mental health programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center .
HomeFront Strong
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105