Dear Friends,
As we start this new decade, we would like to pause and reflect on the past and future of HomeFront Strong.
HomeFront Strong started in 2012 with funding from the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation. In 2014, we received funding from the Department of Defense to expand the program to more communities in Michigan and to offer a web-based version. To date,
more than 300 military and veteran spouses and partners have participated in HomeFront Strong
! It’s been a true joy to work with so many amazing military and veteran families through the years. 2020 will be our final year of funding for the program from the Department of Defense (DoD), and we are excited to make this our best year yet.
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If you know someone who might be interested in HomeFront Strong, please share our information with them. If you’ve already participated in the program, then this is the time to get the word out to your community! If you haven’t yet joined HomeFront Strong and are considering this program for yourself, now is the time! Contact us and we will connect you with a group in your area or enroll you in the web-based program.
Please share our newsletter, like our Facebook page, or tell a friend about your experiences with the program. We have new groups starting soon in Southfield, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Contact us today!
Warmly,
The HomeFront Strong Team
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Skills Reminder:
Staying Resilient
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HomeFront Strong is rooted in resiliency. Everyone who is in our program already comes to us with a healthy dose of resiliency. As a military/veteran spouse, you know how important it is to cope in spite of setbacks or barriers that "pop up". However, resiliency is more than being able to pick yourself up when things go wrong. A resilient person is also able to take ownership for their part when things go right.
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What has gone right for you this week? This month? Are you writing those things down? A journal of successes can be a great place to reflect on your resiliency and to help you mend when you feel like breaking.
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Where We've Been:
We've been busy! Here are a few places we've recently visited to share information about HomeFront Strong:
- Michigan National Guard Unit Holiday Parties, Bay City, Grand Ledge and Selfridge
- VCATs 5, 6, 8, 9 and Motor City
- University of Michigan Military Appreciation Hockey Night, Ann Arbor
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- Michigan National Guard Yellow Ribbon, Grand Rapids
- Michigan Works Orientation, Howell
Where We're Going:
Over the next few months, HomeFront Strong will be at many events throughout the state, including:
- Meeting of the Minds, Dearborn
- Michigan National Guard Yellow Ribbon, Lansing
- John D. Dingell VA Hospital, Detroit
- Ann Arbor VA Hospital, Ann Arbor
- VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Wyoming
- VA Outpatient Clinic, Lansing
If you have a military or veteran event, an FRG meeting, or other event scheduled and are looking for information about programs that support spouses and families, reach out to us and see how we can participate at your next event. Contact Ali at (734) 998-5827 or
HomeFrontStrong@umich.edu
.
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Each month we highlight a few resources that might reduce barriers for military and veteran families. Chances are that you qualify for many resources in Michigan and across the country:
- Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is the state funded program for veterans who are registered in Michigan. This agency can help veterans who need a DD-214 and cannot find their copy, connect veterans to resources and benefits, give tips on recreation, and assist with financial and legal issues. MVAA can also help connect spouses to resources! Find places to plan your next family vacation, gain access to state parks, learn about home loans, and more. Visit their website to see what resources are available to Michigan Veterans and families or subscribe to their newsletters here.
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- Military One Source offers information, answers and support for members of military families. This program can help with relationship counseling, financial counseling, spouse scholarships and career benefits and can give options for child care. See what Military One Source has to offer to you by searching their website.
- One of our favorite offerings from Military One Source is their free resiliency tool designed to nurture and grow your relationship with your significant other. Love Every Day, accessible here, is an engaging activity to see how well you two know each other, have fun in your relationship, and build communication skills with your partner.
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Plan for the Coming Months!
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March is the Month of the Military Caregiver
. All over the country, Americans honor our military caregivers’ sacrifices and successes. HomeFront Strong has worked with many military caregivers and are honored to have you in our program! If you are a military caregiver, we encourage you to share your pride with your friends, family, and neighbors.
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April is the Month of the Military Child
. Each year we see amazing photos of school events that highlight and pay tribute to the experiences of military children. If your child’s school does not yet have activities scheduled, now is the time to reach out to your teachers and administration with suggestions. The Department of Defense Education Activity offers ideas on how schools can integrate this important month into their school curriculum. Sharing this information might make your child’s school a more military/veteran friendly environment! Visit
DoDEA's website
for more information.
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We are starting in-person HomeFront Strong groups soon in Southfield, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. Do you live in these areas? Do you know another military or veteran family who could benefit from HomeFront Strong? There's still time to join our next groups! Contact Ali at 734-998-5827 or email
HomeFrontStrong@umich.edu
to find out more.
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Are you following us on Facebook?
Make sure to
follow our page
to see regular posts and helpful info about military life!
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HomeFront Strong
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105
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