Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, NY

April 2012

ACS Green Press

~A tree free newsletter
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil Inside this issue:
Mandatory ACS Program- 2 ming Need To Know from your USC Regarding Resilience : Tips, 3 tools and techniques for practicing resiliency everyday ACS Friends and Neighbors Fort Drum Kids Military Kids in the Community Military Kids in the Community Monthly Feature: Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Child Youth Behavior Consultants Military Kids on the Move On the Payroll Advantage Kids After School Program ACS Events and Classes ACS Contacts 13,14 15 4

Honoring the Military Child

The Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program is partnering with CYSS to hold their Child Safety and ID day at the Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) Youth Center in honor of the This months newsletter feaMonth of the Military tures children of Fort Drum Child on Saturday April 21 who are part of the nearly 1.7 from 1-4pm. Come on million children in military out and learn about safety, Army Community Service Families of which approxiget free identification kits (ACS) offers programs and mately 900,000 have had one or both parents deploy multiple services for the entire Family and take advantage of the times. Every day military chil- including programming spe- giveaways. While youre there, attend the CYSS cifically designed for children face challenges that are dren. Programs such as the Month of the Military specific to their lifestyles and they do so with pride for their Exceptional Family Member Child Carnival. There will be games, prizes, food and Program, New Parent Supparent or parents who serve fun for your child and the port and Family Advocacy our nation in various military child in you. branches. As Family Members, Program focus on the well ACS salutes Fort Drums Teachers, Civilian Employees, being of the Military Child, Military Children! and Volunteers, or anyone who not only in April, but every month of the year. works with military children, In 1986 Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child. Since then, every April our nation honors and recognizes military children as the young heroes they are. we have an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices these special children make because of the honorable service of their Soldier . Military children endure frequent moves, loss of friendships and family separation as well as many other stressors that stem from the service of their parent or parents.

5 6 8,9 10

11 12

EFMP DRAMA CLINIC For children ages 8-18 on the Autism Spectrum to build social skills
Adult Training 10:00-12:00 Actor Workshop 12:00-2:30

March 24 and 31, May 26 and June 2

ACS Ball Room

This is a free event

Page 2

ACS Green Press

April 2012

What You Might Need To Know from your ACS Unit Service Coordinator (USC)
Army Community Service utilizes a Unit Service Coordinator (USC) to reach out to command teams to find out the type of information and referral needed to best support their Soldiers and Families. The USC goes directly to the unit and completes a desk side needs assessment to determine the units specific needs. spections. In fact, AR 608.18 mandates that all new commanders have a Family Advocacy Program overview brief within 45 days of assumption of command. AR 608.18 also mandates that troops receive Domestic Violence Awareness Training for a minimum of 1 hour as well as Child Abuse Detection and Awareness Training for a minimum of 1 hour annually. 600-20 5-10, 1-2 hours) and the Relocation Readiness Programs (RELO) Overseas Orientation Brief (AR 608-1422, 1.5 hour). Over the next few weeks the USC will be contacting their assigned Command Teams to arrange meetings and to

The Required Financial Readiness Program (FRP) trainings as per AR 608-14The USC sits down with command 39 are the Financial Readiness for 1st teams to determine which training is Termers (8 hours), Checkbook/Money appropriate to offer based on the De- Management (Command-referred 1.5 ployment Cycle Support Training Ma- hours) PCS Financial Planning (1.5 trix, mandatory unit trainings and indi- hours) and Army Emergency Relief Comvidual needs the command teams iden- mand Referral Training (AR 930-4, 1 tify based on the overall needs of their hour) Soldiers at that specific time. Other trainings required include MobiliMany of the ACS classes and trainings are required for commands to pass inzation and Deployment (Mob/Dep) Predeployment and Reunion Briefings (AR

Think ACS First! If you are part of your unit command team and would like a visit from your Unit Service Coordinator, please contact Sarah Lynch at 772-5374

21st Annual International Festival of Food

Volunteer Support Fund
Friday, April 20, 2012 4:30-8:00 PM at The Commons Pick up at will call the night of the event! All proceeds benefit Fort Drum Community Volunteers by paying for childcare! Pre-Sale tickets available March 7-April 4th Through Unit Representatives, ACS, Off the Beatin Path, or American Red Cross Window at Clark Hall Tickets: $10 age 12 and older ($15 at the door) $5 for kids 3-11

Page 3

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques for practicing resilience everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848

Energy Management
Hope you had a wonderful February filled with hopeful, optimistic thoughts! Have you been noticing yourself recognizing Activating Events? Have you identified any Thinking Traps or Iceberg Beliefs that may need closer attention in order to maintain productivity? Remember, resilience is a practice not an overall body of knowledge. Practice makes perfect! Energy Management is a crucial part of maintaining a happy, healthy self. Take the time to find ways to reduce your stress in a way that works for you. If you are finding it difficult to do this, you may want to search your mind for a Thinking Trap and/or an Iceberg Belief that may be inhibiting you. For Today we are going to talk about example, the Me, Me, Me Thinking Energy Management. What do you Trap may find you feeling as if taking do to relax and alleviate stress in your care of self is not a priority. Or if one life? Are you a runner? Do you knit Controlled Breathing techniques for Enof your Iceberg Beliefs is, I should be or play an instrument? Or are you one ergy Management include the following: able to handle it all, you may find Enof many that have not yet found that Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Meditaergy Management a sign of weakness. outlet? Energy Management is a tion and Positive Imagery. Give it a try: In either case, your Thinking Trap critical resilience competency as it Do controlled breathing for two min- and/or Iceberg Belief would be harmhelps to build self-regulation. The goal utes ful thinking and should be reevaluated. of Energy Management is to develop As you breathe in, make fists and Remember the old but very true saying strategies that lower the intensity of you cant fully take care of others tense your hands and lower arms emotions so that you can think and Keep your muscles tight for the count until you take care of yourself. respond more clearly and with greater of fifteen control. The challenge is that no one As you exhale, relax the muscles Have a great month good luck and can tell you exactly what strategies will quickly and concentrate on the feeling good thoughts! work for you. You may need to take of relaxation the time and try a few and see which Do twice; take a minute break and you find to be relaxing and calming. then move on to the next muscle Research has found that in a pinch, group breathing techniques and mental For each group tense the muscles for games may be the best place to start. fifteen seconds, then relax them for These are good strategies that can be thirty seconds kicked into action as soon as an Activating Event happens. Principles for designing mental games include the following: Must require your full attention, should be hard and fun and must be games you can do within a few minutes. A few examples include: Math games: Count back from 1,000 by 7s. Alphabet games: Work your way through the alphabet, naming someone for each pair of initials. Categories games: Name all the sports figures, war heroes, etc. you can in two minutes. Lyrics: Recite upbeat song lyrics.

After each muscle group, take a minute break before continuing to the next muscle group

Upcoming MRT Dates April 9 May 21 June 11 August 13 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 9:30am-2:30 pm 9:30am-2:30 pm 9:30am-2:30 pm 9:30am-2:30 pm

All Modules will be held at ACS Times include 1 hour lunch break

refrigerators available for use

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Page 4

ACS Friends and Neighbors-Promoting Community

Fort Drum Kids in the Spotlight

Since April is The Month of the Military Child, Instead of Spouse in the Spotlight, ACS wanted to introduce our readers to some of the kids that are part of our community.

Rashaun Vinson is 11 years old and in the 5th grade at Carthage Middle School. His favorite subject at school is Science. Rashauns favorite color is red. He is extremely sociable, which is an important trait for any military child when it comes to making new friends. Someday, you might see Rashaun speeding away in a red race car because, as a small child, Rashaun dreamed of being a race car driver; right now he is keeping his options open. Rashaun enjoys building with Legos and putting together model cars. He also loves eating. In fact, if you asked what one of the best things about being in the military is, he would respond all the activities on post, especially ones with FOOD! Rashaun is frequently found on Tuesdays at the Winners Circle for Family Night at the Commons.

Tiffany Allen is the middle child and only girl of the bunch. She is a 3rd grader at Carthage Elementary and even though she doesnt have a favorite subject at school, she loves everything about school and learning. Tiffanys favorite colors are pink and purple and is usually up for anything from riding her bike to reading, playing video games to doing arts and crafts. Tiffany plans to become a fashion designer when she grows up. She also hopes to go to college when she is 13. This may be attainable because when she was in Virginia her school skipped her from the 1st to 3rd grade; she was part of the Gifted and Talented Program and was student of the month during the 2009-10 school year.

Rahman White is the youngest of three children. He attends the Strong Beginnings Program through CYSS. Rahman loves any sport with a ball, playing with Bayblades, drawing and playing his Nintendo DS. Another thing Rahman absolutely loves to do is EAT! His favorites line up with anything his Dad likes. In fact in the picture above, he is wearing his Dads hat!

When Rahman grows up, he wants to be in the military just like his father. Rahmans mother will tell you that he is a very happy kid, who is always singing and saying hello to the people he meets but She and her friend started an environ- most of all he loves his mama! mental club called Save the Planet. They Rashaun, Tiffany and Rahman are meet once a week and decide what the children of Christina and Rahsmall projects they can do around the man White. Christina is prior milineighborhood, like pick up cans and tary and is now a stay at home mom bottles or plant flowers. Tiffany is a looking for a job. Rahman has very positive, cheerful young lady but been in the military for 24 years. when asked what she likes or doesnt like about the military, she states that she doesnt like all the moving and having to make new friends.

Page 5

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Military Kids in the Community: Making Lasting Impressions

Fort Drum Kids Name the Zoos Latest Baby!

The story began in September of 2011 when the Watertown Zoo received information about an abandoned male mountain lion cub being held by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. Apparently, the cub was found by utility workers after either being abandoned or separated from his mother. Fortunately for the Watertown Zoo, as well as many young fans, the kitten came to live in upstate NY. In January 2012 the zoo had a competition to name the kitten. After being prompted by their teacher to enter the contest, the children from Chapel Annex Drive came up with a long list that included names like Sponge bob, fluffy, or even the same name as the child who suggested the name. For instance, Susie thought the Kitten should be namedyou guessed it- Susie! The list was narrowed down to the ten most popular names submitted by the kids and the name Ninja was suggested by five different kids from Chapel Drive Annex. The five kids who suggested the name were, Elias Chavez, Nicolette Austin, Alonzo Alvarez, Richard Barker and Nora Bernat had no idea what would happen next. The Staff at the zoo narrowed the list further to five names which included Linus, Sorky, Climby, Tsavaorite, and and you what? Ninja was one of the five names chosen to be voted on by the public. Too make a long story short, the five kids who suggested Ninja as a good name for the kitten were not the only people to think that. When Northern NY cast their votes Ninja was the winner! The military kids at Chaple Drive Annex have enjoyed their moment of fame with a television news piece as well as a visit from the zoo staff who brought them stuffed baby Ninja animals! The Chapel Drive Center is planning a field trip to visit Ninja this Spring. I asked the kids about naming Ninja and below is what they had to say:

They can climb to the tippy top of a tree like a Ninja. Richard Baker

Ninja is a good name. They run fast and battle and climb big rocks just like a Ninja. Elias Chavez

The whole gang with the teacher who gave them the idea, Ms. Amy Thomas.
The bab y lion lost his mama he lives at and the zoo an d hes cute.we named him Ninja! Nicolette Austin

etty and Mountain lions are pr e mine! Ninja has blue eyes lik Nora Bernat

and awesome and a perfect name for a lion. Alonzo Alvarez

Its cool

Page 6

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Military Kids in the Community: Making Lasting Impressions

Jiu Jitsu Nation of Watertown: Proudly Serving Military Families
(NAGA) NY State Championships in Albany, two of the four kids that competed were from military families. Gabriel Smith whose father is stationed at Fort Drum, took a gold medal in both gi and no gi categories while JJ Comely, after training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for only three months, took a bronze in both the gi and no gi categories. ficult dealing with these feelings can be. As children they have a hard time expressing how they feel while dealing with these issues. We at Jiu Jitsu give them a positive, structured avenue to do so, while at the same time serving as a positive role model. Marc also noted that Jiu Jitsu Nation has a number of active duty Soldiers who are also instructors Curtis Mosely holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and teaches our fundamentals classes. Our kids boxing program is taught by SFC Marques Daniels who is one of our professional fighters as well as the 2010 All Army Combative Champion. I asked Marc to explain what the kids gain from his classes and he said, Over time spent with these kids we notice a number of changes. Most often it has to do with respect and confidence. They must maintain good grades as well as keeping a balanced home life which is great to see in todays youth. Kids who train in Jiu Jitsu arent out getting into trouble on the streets! Marc

Pictured from left to right with Marc Stevens: Gabriel Smith, Matt Simmons, JJ Comley, Carter Comley, Nick Rogers

I asked Marc to tell me about the service he provides to Fort Drum. He responded, We work hand in Jiu-Jitsu Nation located on Arsenal Street in hand with military kids to help them deal with the added pressures of havWatertown, provides beginner and advanced martial arts classes for ages 4 and up ing parents who are deployed and serving their country. and accommodates all skill levels. Marcs desire to reach out to military children motivates him to offer significant military and family discounts. Jiu Jitsu currently offers both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing for kids. Both classes teach kids discipline, self confidence, self-control and provide Here at Jiu Jitsu Nation our kids program an outlet for energy, frustration and aggression. Children of military famicurrently has about 50 little ninjas, as I lies have to deal with mom and or like to call them, of which about half are dad being away from home on the military kids. In fact, this past weekend at the North American Grapplers Association front lines during war. Marc understands and empathizes with how difOwner, trainer and competitor, Marc Stevens and his instructors exhibit a real passion for mixed martial arts and for the students they teach. I recently spoke with Marc about the military kids in his program and he had this to say:

Its not what you think you are that holds your back, its what you think you are not. Denis Waitley

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about ~Angela Schwindt

Page 7

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Monthly Feature: Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program

The Family Advocacy Program is a strength based military community agency that provides a variety of holistic and educational programs to Soldiers and their Families. The program serves to assist in the development of strong Army Families as well as aid in the prevention and treatment of Family violence. The Family Advocacy Team is dedicated to preventing spouse and child abuse through awareness, education, prompt reporting, intervention and treatment. The overall mission is to provide services to support readiness of Soldiers and their Families to promote selfreliance, resilience and stability in order to enhance relationships and improve quality of life. Here at Fort Drum, we offer a number of exceptional educational programs to help support Families in all stages. The New Parent Support Program consists of a team of professional nurses and social workers who provide supportive and caring services to military Families with children from birth to three years of age. Services offered include: home visits, infant massage and Parents Alone Support Group. The Family Advocacy Parent Educators offer parenting classes designed to give parents the knowledge they need to establish healthy routines, positive disciplines, communication skills, and nutrition for healthy growth and development. Classes offered include: Baby Boot Camp, Terrific Toddlers (Birth to four), Middle Years (Four-Twelve), Scream Free Parenting and For Fathers Only. Dont Stress! Family Advocacy also offers skill enhancing classes to help build resilience and coping skills for everyday situations. Services offered include: Resilience Classes, Stress Management, Conflict Resolutions, Reintegration Classes, Anger Management, and Couples Communication.

Providing a Framework for Success through Parenting Workshops by Dani Reed Family Advocacy Program Educator
I often hear parents say they wish children were born with manuals; to make raising them easier. Here at the Family Advocacy Program we dont necessarily have the manual; however we do have workshops and classes to give parents the tools to become better parents. The military community includes approximately 1.8 million children and youths under the age of 18 nationwide. Raising a happy, healthy child is one of the most challenging jobs a parent can have-- and also one of the most rewarding. Good parenting helps foster empathy, honesty, self-reliance, self-control, kindness, cooperation and cheerfulness, while allowing the natural consequences of a child's behavior to do the teaching. Our programs include: For Fathers Only is an 8 hour workshop is designed to give fathers tools on positive discipline and building self esteem in a stimulating environment. Through lecture, workshop exercises, small group activities and one-on-one coaching, Fathers will be challenged, prodded and encouraged to redesign their approach to their parenting skills. They will become a more effective parent and more deeply connected to the most important people in their lives, their Family. nursing and weaning toddlers, explore the possibility of another baby and review community resources for toddlers and their parents. Middle Years is designed for children 5 -12 years old. This 6 hour workshop is designed to give parents strategies on positive discipline, sibling rivalry, communication skills, establishing family rules and nutrition for healthy growth and development.

Baby Boot Camp is an 7 hour workshop designed to assist new parents that Terrific Toddlers is for parents with have children ages 0-3 years old and exchildren birth to 4 years old. During pecting parents with information regardthis 6 hour workshop well talk about ing basics of infant care. Topics include: discipline (teach and protect) and man- infant massage, baby proofing the home, aging the array of new emotions includ- breast feeding, good nutrition and much, ing temper tantrums. And we'll discuss (Continued on page 8) predictable sleep challenges, talk about

Page 8

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Parenting Workshops Continued...

(Continued from page 7)

much more. Scream Free Parenting is not just about lowering your voice. Its about learning to calm your emotional reactions and focus on your own behavior more than your kids behavior. This 6 hour workshop gives parents tools for a lifelong parenting process. It involves the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes towards the learning process for parents. Our parenting workshops are worthwhile for every parent, because they can help you do the best job possible in raising your children, building trust and improving your confidence in your parenting ability, which is the most important job you will ever have. Become involved and contact FAP: 772-4244.

We also participate in special events like the upcoming Child Identification and Safety Day at CYSS, 21 April 1:00-4:00. For most parents, nothing is more important than the safety of their children. Keeping kids safe is everybody's responsibility, so whether you're a parent or not we all need to be aware and do all we can to protect children. So the first step in the educational process is to raise the awareness level of parents. Participating vendors will be there to offer information and answers questions. Children will have fun at the Month of the Military Child Carnival and the Special Teddy Bear Clinic for a medical checkup where kids will receive a certificate of good health. A great day involving fun for parents and children, no reservation is necessary, this event will be enjoyed by the entire family.

Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon Must inevitably come to pass Paul J. Meyer Recognized as Most admired Man of the Decade

New Parent Support Program A

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) New Parent Support Program was developed to help military families with young children to adapt to parenthood and to thrive as healthy families. The program staff consists of Registered nurses and social workers who offer home visits, classes, playgroups and workshops for new parents. One of the more popular classes offered by the New Parent Support Program is the Infant Massage Class. recent workshop was held during the month of March. The benefits of infant massage include: RELAXATION: The massage releases tension, fussiness and irritability. It can aid in the digestive process and help reduce colic and gas. Massage is a wonderful way to lessen stress in both the infant and the parents. PROMOTES HEALING: Massage helps aid teething distress and improves lung congestion for little ones, with a cold. PROMOTES COMMUNICATION: Parents become more aware of babys non-verbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a message of love and security.

IMPROVES BABYS SLEEP: As the infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the reENHANCES BONDING: Massult. Whether you are interested in learnsage conveys nurturing and love, the ing massage or you would just like someOn a quarterly basis, New Parent Sup- essential ingredients for emotional and one to talk to about your successes and port Home Visitors provides an Infant physical growth and well-being. concerns as a new parent the New Parent Massage educational 4- week workAIDS GROWTH AND DEVELSupport Staff can provide you with the shop series. It is made available to OPMENT: Studies have shown in- support you are looking for. If you parents with infants, from 8 weeks to creased weight and immune function. would like to learn more about the pro8 months old. Grandparents and exMyelination of nerves is also ingram Contact Ms. Terry Herzog for inpectant mothers and fathers are welcreased. All of these components, in formation at (315) 772-0748. come, as well. The workshop is held turn, are needed for brain and muscle at an on-post community center development. within the housing areas. The most

Page 9

ACS Green Press

April 2012

A new baby is like the beginning of all thing, hope, a dream of possibilities. `anonymous

ACS Welcomes baby Chase Aidan Brown! Born February 22 2012. Chase and his mom, who is a Soldier with 66 MP CID, came by to pick up their baby bundle and give the ACS staff a chance to see his beautiful face! More good news for mom She just found out she was promoted to Staff Sergeant!

Baby Bundles are a terrific program for expecting parents! If you are an E-5 or below, expecting a baby, register for your free baby bundle full of goodies for you and your new baby! There is no rank restriction if you are expecting multiple births! for more information call 772-4244

Page 10

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Spring Clean Your Closet Annual ACS Spring Clothing Drive Donation Drop Times and Locations: Community Centers-April 2-23, Mon-Fri 8-5 pm ACS - April 9-23, Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30 pm

Giveaway:
27 April from 1:00-4:00 or until everything is gone For More information: Call Sarah Lynch 772-5374

our donations are appreciated!

Child Youth Behavior Military Family Life Consultants: Here to Support the Military Child
The Military child is often regarded as being extremely resilient. They adapt and overcome many unique challenges, such as multiple moves, deployments and changing schools to just name a few. Many studies show that the Military child becomes a very well adjusted adult, but the path is not always easy for the children or the parents. Did you know that support is readily available to you? Do you have a child or young adult who you feel could benefit from discussing their challenges with a counselor who specializes in child and youth behavior? Did you know that you may not need to look any further than our on-post Child, Youth and School Age Services (CYSS)? Currently, Fort Drum CYSS as four (4) Child & Youth Behavioral Military Family and Life Consultants (CYBMFLC) available to help you and your children with situational, short-term, problem solving support. All of the CYB-MFLCs are Masters and Ph.D. level counselors who can address the following types of issues: available to you, free of charge with complete confidentiality. The CYBMFLCs does not keep files or report findings with the exception of duty-towarn situations. They are simply here to help make the Military childs path manageable and enjoyable, which will serve to be a great support to parents as well. Because of their expertise, School Adjustments ACS Mobilization and Deployment Deployment and Separation has also paired with the CYB MFLCs Reunion Adjustment to provide pre and post-deployment Sibling and Parent Communication trainings for children ages 6 through 18 years of age. Behavioral Concerns If you feel you could benefit from the Fear, Grief and Loss CYB MFLC program, please contact them at 315-523-3141 for more Daily Life issues program information. All of these services and more are

Page 11

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Military Kids on the Move! A Relocation Guide for Parents

Moving is an accepted part of being
in the military. To adults who anticipate, expect and sometimes want to move, moving can be both an adventure and a trying experience. If moving is an adventure for the adult, what does moving mean to the child? For some children, moving can also be viewed as an adventure; however some children can experience a range of emotions from worry to excitement, sadness, curiosity, stress and hope. It can also mean leaving friends, going to a new school, and feelings of fear. Preparation and careful planning in all areas can help make moving a positive experience for all. Do your homework so you can sell the new community to your child. Use www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil to get more information about the new location. This web page will link you to everything you need including information on schools, housing, employment and the local community. can be viewed as a safe, centralized virtual "file drawer" where a student (or parent) can keep track of all the details that are not only difficult to organize, but are so necessary when students move or apply for college, jobs or military service. Above all TALK to your kids!! Have frank discussions BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the move. Fear of the unknown exists before and after you get to your new location. Its important to keep the lines of communication open. Share your thoughts and let your child know that youll work through things together. For more information on moving contact the Relocation Program at 7726566 or drum.mwracsrelo@conus.army.mil.

When registering your children in their new schools have copies of their tests, writing samples and their school records. If your children are young, include samples of their artwork and printing. It is also a good idea to copy the front, back and cover page of their textbooks. This helps your new school The best thing you can do is visit your place students in the right classes. The Relocation Readiness office! They can web page www.schoolquest.org is a give you information on your next duty secure storage site for students educastation and help educate and guide you tional, extra-curricular activities, awards through the moving process. The less and volunteer and work information. anxious you are the less anxious your children will be. Remain optimistic and Please note, though, this NOT a replacement for a school transcript. It positive about the moving experience.

Did You Know the ACS Employment Readiness Program Serves Teens?
Every year millions of teens work in part time or summer jobs. Summer employment provides a great opportunities to develop skills, enhance responsibility, and learn the value of money. The Employment Readiness Program (ERP), in conjunction with the CYSS Hired program, works to teach skills such as resume writing, job searching, and interviewing to the teens participating in the program. ERP can also meet one on one with teens to assist with their personal job search regardless of participation in the Hired! Program. Some of the workshops and classes offered by ERP could benefit teens and enhance their marketability both now and in the future. Computers for the Workforce is a free career development series offering classes in Internet, Word and Excel. Some basics skills in Word and Excel can benefit a teen whose summer job is in an office setting. The Build Your Own Business Workshop is great for a teen who is interested in opening a landscaping business, or who might be the next Mark Zuckerberg with an idea like Facebook. Annually, ERP hosts a career fair just for teens. In fact, the Teen Career Fair will be held on 4 April at the ACS from 10 am -2 pm. The Teen Career Fair has local business representatives who have summer positions to recruit for. Often the teens are hired directly from this Career Fair. If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact ERP at 772-9611 or 772-1090. Think ACS First!

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Page 12

Look Whos on the Payroll: Employment Readiness Success Stories!

Congratulations to the following Employment Readiness clients who have recently landed a job! Alyssa Evans stream Joanna Brown Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes Molly Manning USO Kristen Crabtree Fairfield Inn and Suites Sharon Grillett Pier 1 Crystal Smith Hilton Garden Inn

If you are one of our clients who has recently become employed, we want to hear about it! Give us a call so we can highlight your accomplishment and inspire others!

Local Business Shout Out:

Advantage After School Program -Where Education and Fun Come Together
Nearly 300 local youths are finding safe, educational, and fun after school activities right in their own schoolyard at the Indian River School Advantage After School Program. Designed by the Army in an effort to reduce military deployment stress, the program targets schools and communities with populations of military children. The goal is to reduce the conflict soldiers encounter between mission workforce requirements and parental responsibilities. It allows Army Families to feel secure knowing their children are in a safe environment learning valuable skills under the supervision of well-trained staff and professional educators. However, Army dependents are not the only beneficiaries of the program. Funded jointly through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the US Army Child and Youth Services Army Youth Programs in Your Neighborhood (AYPYN) initiative, any child enrolled at Indian River Middle School may participate at no cost. The Indian River School District and the Childrens Home of Jefferson County, contracted to oversee the program, have teamed up to create diverse, fun and exciting activities that meet the needs and interests of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. It helps them achieve social, emotional, physical and academic success while developing healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Research has shown without supervised, structured activities during the after school hours, youth are at greater risk of being victims of crime or becoming a participant in juvenile crime and risky behavior including alcohol and drug use. AYPYN is designed to provide students with dynamic activities which stimulate them intellectually and increase self reliance - all while having a great time with their peers. A wide variety of activities span the range of nearly every childs interests. Creative Wear enables youth to design, create and sew clothing. Two culinary arts sessions focus on preparing foods from different regions and working with chocolate. Ballroom Dancing is an amazing opportunity for kids to learn to dance to various styles and rhythms. National Treasures exposes them to the lifelong hobby of coin collecting and the tools to help them find the rare coins that may pass through their hands. A healthy snack is served while students enjoy positive interaction with their classmates. They are also given time to complete homework assignments. Tutoring with certified teachers for any student needing extra help is also available. Kids can register for up to four tutoring sessions per week. Special interest clubs engage the children in specific activities and events targeted to individual interests. Some of the programs offered include Life Skills Development Club which focuses on responsibility, respect, and building healthy relationship skills. Community Service Club identifies and organizes projects which allow the students to serve their school and community as well as The Speakers Forum The Youth Council and others. Advantage After School runs Monday through Friday from 2:15 to 5:15 PM. Program registration forms are available in the Indian River Middle School office. For more information call Paul Passino, Program Director, at (315)778-6252.

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Page 13

ACS Classes and Events for the First Two Weeks in April
DATE
Monday April 2:

Class

Time

Location/Details

Newcomers Orientation 0900-1130 ACS Survivor Outreach Family Night 1800-2000 ACS DEADLINE FOR AER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN Drum Family Welcome Tour Stress Management 1st Term Financial Readiness Teen Job Fair Mothers To Be Breakfast Employment 101 CONUS PCS Brief An Evening at the Spa Gold Star Wives In her Shoes: living with domest violence Hearts Apart Support Group Master Resilience Module 2 Stalking Awareness ESOL Class Drum Family Welcome Tour VMIS 101 Build Your Business Workshop For Fathers Only Workshop Scream Free Parenting CONUS PCS Brief Thrift Savings Plan 1st Term Financial Readiness Career Fair Prep Career Dev Seminar Key Caller Training Key Caller Training ESOL Class For Fathers Only Parenting Class CONUS PCS Brief Insurance Workshop 0930-1400 1330-1530 0830-1600 1000-1300 0900-1000 0930-1130 1530-1600 1600-2100 0930-1130 0930-1200 0930-1430 1330-1530 0900-1200 0930-1400 0900-1000 0930-1130 1100-1300 1230-1330 1530-1600 1400-1530 0830-1600 0930-1130 1000-1130 1400-1530 0900-1200 1100-1300 1530-1600 0900-1300 Departs ACS ACS Call for location ACS ACS ACS Clark Hall A2-A6 The Spa Fort Drum ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS Departs ACS Ed Center rm 104 ACS ACS CYSS Clark Hall A2-86 ACS Call for location ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS Clark Hall A2-86 ACS

Tuesday April 3:

Wednesday April 4:

Thursday April 5:

Friday April 6:

Monday April 9:

Tuesday April 10:

Wednesday April 11:

Thursday April 12:

Friday April 13:

ACS Green Press

April 2012

Page 14

ACS Classes and Events for the Last Two Weeks in April
DATE
Monday April 16:

Class
AFTB Spring Marathon Resume Writing Computer Lab ESOL Class Anger Management AFTB Spring Marathon DRUM Family Welcome Tour EFMP Support Group CONUS PCS Brief 1st Term Financial Readiness AFTB Spring Marathon Positive Discipline Positive Discipline ESOL class AFTB Spring Marathon Overseas PCS Brief Volunteer of the Month Volunteer of the Year Ceremony CONUS PCS Brief AFTB Spring Marathon Autism Support Group International Spouses Group Budget Management Advanced Key Caller ESOL Class Computer Basics for Job Seekers Introduction to Word In her Shoes: Living w/Dom Viol CONUS PCS Brief 1st Term Financial Readiness Car Buying Course ESOL Class Federal Employment Class Family Wellness Support Group For Fathers Only Parenting Class Computer Basics Excel CONUS PCS Brief Family Wellness Support Group In Her Shoes: Living w/Dom Viol Child Abuse Training Scream Free Parenting OPSEC For Families Event Planning

Time
0900-1600 0930-1030 0930-1200 1330-1530 0900-1600 0930-1400 1130-1300 1530-1600 0830-1600 0900-1600 1030-1130 1230-1330 0900-1200 0900-1600 0930-1100 1030-1130 1700-2000 1530-1600 0900-1600 0900-1100 0930-1200 0900-1200 1300-1430 0900-1200 0930-1130 1400-1600 1530-1600 0830-1600 1400-1500 0900-1200 0930-1130 1000-1100 1100-1300 1300-1500 1530-1600 1800-1900 0930-1130 0900-1030 1230-1330 1030-1200 1300-1430

Location/Details
ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS Clark Hall, A2-86 Call for Location ACS CYSS CYSS ACS ACS ACS ACS Commons Clark Hall A2-86 ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS Clark Hall A2-86 Call For Location ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS Clark Hall A2-86 ACS ACS CYSS CYSS ACS ACS

Tuesday April 17:

Wednesday April 18:

Thursday April 19:

Friday April 20:

Monday April 23: Tuesday April 24:

Wednesday April 25:

Thursday April 26:

Friday April 27: Monday April 30:

Army Community Service P4330 Conway Road Fort Drum, New York 13602

Army Emergency Relief Army Family Team Building http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122037720 Army Volunteer Program Coordinator http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Army-volunteerCorps/13651504365912 Exceptional Family Member Program http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-FMWR-ExceptionalFamily-Member-Program /104951319542718 Employment Readiness Program http://www.facebook.com/#!/fortdrumemployment Family Advocacy Program (New Parent Support Program) SAPRP Financial Readiness Program http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-financial-ReadinessACS/1956662120473 Information and Referral Military & Family Life Consultants Mobilization and Deployment http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Mobiliztion-andDeployment/178420512193448?ref=ts&v=wall Outreach http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-ACSOutreach/180373271991692

772-6560, 772-8873 or 772-2855 772-6710, 772-9229

772-2899

772-5488, 772-0819

772-9611, 772-2737

772-4244, 772-6929, 772-2279 772-0596, 772-4070, 772-0748 772-5605, 772-5914 772-0050, 772-5196, 772-8526

772-6556, 772-6557 212-6919 772-2848, 772-0470, 772-2919

772-5374

Relocation Readiness 772-5475, 772-6553, 772-6902 http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fort -Drum -Relocation -Readiness Program/171335822906429 772-6566 Soldier Family Assistance Center http://www.facebook.com/Fort.Drum.FMWR/SFAC Survivor Outreach Services http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumsurvivoroutreachservices 772-7781

772-6357