Ashy Palliparambil, Senior Manager of Resiliency Programs with USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore joined us to discuss resiliency and transition services, along with an overview of the programs available through USO-Metro.
USO-Metro is located across the DMV region including at a majority of the military installations, as well as offer lounges at the airports from BWI, DCA and IAD. Mobile USO is also available to go out to locations to set up at smaller installations or events in the region.
Center Programs:
- Beyond the Base
- Virtual Challenges on Social Media
- Your USO Meals (Yum)
- Food Pantry
- Supermarket Sweeps
Food assistance is a crucial need for military families right now. USO-Metro accepts donations of non-perishable foods to support the Fort Belvoir food pantry which supports military families when needed.
Resiliency Programs:
USO-Metro provides holistic health programs available to wounded, ill, and injured caregivers and military medical workers.
About 8 years ago, the opens an art studio at the Fort Belvoir Warrior & Caregiver center, which included an art studio. They now have art studios in both the Fort Belvoir and Bethesda locations. Ashy serves as their Art Therapist to support the programs, including things like Open Studio and Creative Art activities. Don't have to be an artist, the goal is to find what works for you.
During the pandemic they shifted some of these virtually, such as music lessons, songwriting, etc. Find a variety of outlets and mediums for the service members and caregivers to participate in, because one thing doesn't work for everyone. Working with the client to figure out their interests and how they can create that opportunity for them. Examples have included adaptive sports and activities such as ice hockey, climbing a rock wall, water skiing, etc.
They also tailor some of their larger events to offer it to the wounded, ill and injured service members and caregivers in a smaller version such as their Bingo events. They have also had some meals provided for the medical workers at the hospitals, finding ways to support those who are treating our wounded, ill and injured. They also will be starting soon to provide training and support with the Chaplains.
Transition Programs:
USO has several pillars they focus on in providing transitioning services to service members and military spouses. This list includes:
- Employment Readiness
- Employment Services
- Transition Skills Training
- Project Next STEP
- Family Transition
- Pathfinder
- Stronger Spouses
Holiday Programs:
These annual events will be coming up this Fall. Recommend clients join USO-Metro email list to receive announcements for these programs:
- Turkeys for Troops
- Trees for Heroes
- Project Elf
