efmp news/may 2013

EFMP News • May 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 1

EFMP NewsYour free guide to EFMP services, entertainment and educational opportunities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

FREE

Exceptional Family Member Program May 2013

ww

ww

South SoundSupportPage 5

Online ToolsPage 8

Page 3

Compassion FatigueWhen Helping Hurts


In this issue:

Army Community Service (ACS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Rm. 400JBLM-Lewis Main

usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil

EFMP Program Manager: Mary Herrera253-967-9704

EFMP Staff Members:

Compassion Fatigue, pg. 3

South Sound Support, pg. 5

EFMP Enrollment Process, pg. 7

Online Resources, pg. 8

JBLM life...

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Jaclyn Gilley: 253-967-3553Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Timmy Milligan: 253-967-9097Mike Berkshire: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policyregarding assistance to our families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any ques-tions about available services, concerns, or if you need resources or advocacy on Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civiliancommunity.

EFMP News Editor/Graphic Design:

Johanna [email protected]

Special Families of Pierce CountyParkland/Spanaway GroupMay 6; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Topic: “The Listen-ing Program” by Renee Holt, Teacher and Mom of a son with ASD. See page 6 for directions.

Special Families of Pierce CountyDowntown Tacoma GroupMay 9; 6 - 8 p.m. Topic: “The Listening Program” by Renee Holt, Teacher and Mom of a son with ASD. See page 6 for directions.

HUB-High FunctioningAutism Support GroupMay 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A & 215A. Bring your own bev-erage; snacks will be provided. For more information please call 253-565-2266. See page 6 for additional information.

Down Syndrome SupportGroup/Mom’s Night OutMay 10 @ 6:30 p.m. Azteca, Tacoma. Dads welcome, too! This meeting is opento any parent who has a child with a chronic health care need or disability. For questions call 253-970-7264/ 253-565-2266 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

Behavior Supports: What Works, What Doesn’tMay 15; 6 - 8 p.m. PC2 Offices, 3716 Pa-cific Avenue, Suite A, Tacoma. Presenter – Dr. BethAnn Gartelz, PC2 Executive Director, will present an overview for par-ents and teachers. For more information or to RSVP, please call PC2 at 253-564-0707.


EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commercial sponsor. Edito-rial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Army Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation of-fices. Submissions are welcome, but will be ed-ited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. EFMP News is published monthly. Circulation: 1000. Send submissions to: [email protected]

Policy:We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withholding the name of the author upon request. Letters regard-ing an issue should contribute to informational interest.

We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force pro-tection and grammar.

Although the information in the issue is cur-rent at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activ-ity for confirmation.

May EventsJBLM life...Compassion Fatigue - When Helping HurtsMay 19, 4 – 5:30 p.m. @ Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 E. Portland Ave, Tacoma. Workshop sponsored by A Com-mon Voice. For additional information call at 253-537-2145

Pierce Co. Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2)May 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Coffee Klatch” get-together. This is an opportuni-ty for parents to share what is important to people in their day-to-day lives in a casual setting. Coffee, tea, soda, water, and juice will be provided. To RSVP call 253-564-0707, extension 101.

CAFAC/EFMPMay 16, 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m, @ Waller Hall, Bldg. 2140, 12th and Liggett Avenue, JBLM Lewis-Main. Summer activities on and around JBLM. For further information call 253-967-9705/968-4568.

EFMP Family Friendly MovieMay 18, noon - 2 p.m. at the McChord Theater. FREE movie. Sensory-controlled environment. Perfect for special needs and young viewers. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact 253-982-2695.


Join us on FACEBOOK! Connect with other EFMP News readers on Facebook and get regular updates on our program.

Many people report that when they are able to actively partici-pate during their medical appointment there is a higher level of satisfaction. Today, appointments with your health care provid-ers are much shorter than in the past. If you do not understand what is being presented, ask for clarification. When you under-stand your health needs, you take better care of yourself and your family members. Here are several suggestions to help you get the most out of each visit.

A proactive attitude – Better health starts with avoiding pre-ventable illness. Three helpful questions to ask your PCM are: Am I up-to-date on all screenings, exams, and vaccinations recommended for someone my age? You will also need to take into account your personal and family health history.How can I avoid (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, etc) in the future? Request specific recommendations.What can I do to improve my overall health? Ask about lifestyle modifications to make yourself stronger and healthier.

A list of follow-up questions – An office visit can make anyone nervous and forgetful, so bring a list of your questions with you. It may include: the diagnosis, tests that might be needed and why, when to expect your test results, medicines needed and why, possible side ef-fects, alternative treatments, what to expect during illness or treatment, progress, what symptoms should be of concern, additional visits, or any follow up care. . Good communication skills – A trip to a healthcare provider may result in a simple diagnosis and treatment, or it may uncover a chronic illness that can be overwhelming. You and your practitioner are partners; to deal with your illness, effective communication is essential. Feel free to ask questions, even those that might not seem medical, including things such as how your illness will affect your work, every-day life and your family.

An open mind – Many patients are reluctant to discuss mental health issues. Your PCM can help with these.

Your goal for the visit – The most important questions may be the ones you ask yourself before your initial visit. Appointments are gener-ally short and it helps to focus on one concern at a time. Ask yourself questions beforehand to help you see more clearly what your goal is. What is the main reason for this visit? Are your symptoms new, getting better, or worsening? Are you worried that the symptoms indicate something more serious? What do you hope to accomplish? Are you seeking advice, a treatment plan or a referral to a specialist?

Make the Most of Your

Doctor’s Visits


South Sound Support GroupsThurston County

Mason County Mason County Support GroupThis group is for parents and caregivers of children and/or adults with disabilities and developmental delays for those living in Mason County. Meets at Alpine Way Retirement the fourth Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

South Sound Parent to Parent1012 Homann Dr. SE, Lacey, WA 98503360-352-1126 www.ssp2p.com

SibshopsSibshops is a class designed for the siblings of children with special needs. Through crafts, snacks, conversations and activities, we help one another feel special and sup-ported. Ages 6 - 14. Groups meet at Parent to Parent the second Friday of each month: ages 6 - 9 meet from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and ages 10-14 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided.

Autism Support GroupEverything you want to learn about Autism can happen in this support group. Let’s share and learn together. Meets at Parent to Parent the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Down Syndrome Support GroupMonthly speakers and special events. Meets at Parent to Parent the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Mom to MomThis is a unique group of mothers who come together to support one another through the good and bad, in laughter and tears. Meets at Parent to Parent the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Transition SupportThis group is parent led and supports those families with children ages middle school through high school to successfully transition to community life. Meets at Parent to Parent the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

No registration is needed to attend - all support groups are FREE.


Resources

Special Families of Pierce CountySpecial Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.

The Parkland/Spanaway Group meets on May 6, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Library Processing & Administrative Center, 3005 112th Street SE, Conference Room B. Location is 1 mile off Hwy. 512, Portland Ave. Exit, at the corner of 112th Street East and Waller Road East. Childcare is not provided at this meeting. For questions e-mail [email protected].

The Downtown Tacoma Group meets on May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific, on the corner of 15th and Pacific Avenue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and an RSVP is required. To pre-register your child each month, visit: www.exceptionalfamilies.org/events.html. For further information e-mail: [email protected].

HUBA new family support group for individuals with high functioning Autism. Participants meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Parents and young adult children are invited to attend. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more information please call 253-565-2266 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities promotes the Independence of individuals with disabilities. It is located at 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma. Call 253-565-9000 for further information. The website is www.tacid.org and has a program link to an extensive schedule of workshops and support groups for peer support, em-ployment, recovery and wellness, housing, independent living, and veterans services.


EFMP Enrollment ProcessIf your family member has a health condi-tion that necessitates a specialist or spe-cialty clinic, he or she MUST be enrolled in EFMP under medical, DD Form 2792. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, they are required to be enrolled in EFMP under education, DD Form 2792-1. Enrollment forms for EFMP are renewed every three years or sooner, if there are significant changes. Disenrollment is not automatic upon expiration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improve-ment that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army – Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office. Their lo-cation is at the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions or overseas screening call 253-968-0254/1370.

Air Force - Submit your completed en-rollment forms to the EFMP/FMRC office on the first floor at 62nd Medical Clinic. For a PCS screening or for questions call SSGT McDonald at 253-982-3350. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support ServicesBldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main Bldg. 552, Airman & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord FieldInstallation & local resources & services, Housing & school issues, IEP/504 plans, Respite Care, Systems Navigation, Advo-cacy, Support groups, Monthly newsletter, Disability services, and Special Needs Ac-commodation Process are available for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.

Birth To Three Early Intervention ProgramsContact the Lead Agency for your counties for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/ Pierce County: 253-798-3790

South Sound Parent To Parent/ Thurston and Mason Counties: 360-352-1126

Holly Ridge Center Kitsap County: 360-373-2536

CHAP/King County: 206-284-0331


Resources

Individuals With Disabilities

Acommonvoice.org (Counseling)

Addresources.org (ADD/ADHD)

Autismsocietyofwa.org (Autism)

Autismspeaks.org (Autism)

Featwa.org (Autism)

Gluten.net (Gluten Intolerance Group)

Hsdc.org (Hearing Speech and Deafness Center)

Piercecountywa.org/companionship (Pierce County Parks & Recreation)

Special-families.org (SN Parent Support Group)

Stompproject.org (Specialized Training for Military Parents)

Tbiwashington.org (Traumatic Brain Injury of Washington)

Thecpnetwork.org (Cerebral Palsy)

Family AssistanceEfoodnet.org (Pierce County Food Banks)

Militaryhomefront.dod.mil

MilitaryOneSource.com

Operationhomefront.net/Washington

Uhcmilitarywest.com (Tricare Western Region)

Usacares.us (Military Family Assistance Center)

Children’s ServicesNaccra.org (ChildCare Aware of America)

Nmfa.org (National Military FamilyFamily Association)

Psesd.org (Puget Sound Educational Service District)

Ssp2p.org (South Sound Parent 2 Parent)

FacebookFacebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

SER

VIC

E M

EM

BERS FAMILIES RETIREE

S C

IVIL

IAN

S

for

mili

tary

mem

bers

and

thei

r fa

mili

esO

NL

INE

TO

OL

S

efmp news/may 2013

Documents