EFMP News/June 2016

EFMP News • June 2016 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 1

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

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Exceptional Family Member Program June 2016

Upcoming Events Pages 2-3

CelebratingFather’s DayPages 4-6

SPARK Autism Research StudyPage 7

SSG Cris Garcia from 2-3 IN & his son, Atticus (11), at the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley


In this issue:

Armed Forces Community Service (AFCS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

2140 Liggett Ave., 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:

Upcoming Events, pg. 2-3Celebrating Father’s Day, pg. 4-6SPARK Autism Research Study, pg. 7Summer Camps, pg. 3, 8Birth-to-Three Services, pg. 9Community Support Groups, pg. 9EFMP Enrollment Process, pg. 9Resources, pg. 10-11EFMP Spotlight, pg. 12

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-3464Carol Watrous: 253-967-9705Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Megan O’Day: 253-967-9097Lynn Shick: 253-967-3451Anthony Buggage: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policy regarding 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 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civilian community.

June Events...Sensory-Friendly Parent-&-Me Music Ages 6 months to 6 years, Mon. 10-10:30 a.m., Hillside SKIES Unlimited, 6398 Garcia Blvd., Lewis Main, 253-966-3539.Groovin’ 2, Dance Program Two Saturdays per month geared towards individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those who may need extra supports. Ages 6-15, Jun. 4 & 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m., STAR Center 3873 66th, Tacoma, $25 fee. Contact [email protected] or 253-404-3950 for details; course code: 79868.Other Tacoma Parks Specialized Recreation Opportunities June Swoon Dance (Jun. 24, 6-8 p.m. for $8, code: 79815); Cooking Classes; Week-End Adventures. For details go to metroparkstacoma.org/specialized or contact [email protected] (253-404-3950).Kids Workshop Home Depot, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1st Sat. monthly. Contact local store for details.New Sensory Storytime & Art Series Jun. 22, 3 p.m. at the Book Patch Library, JBLM-Main. http://jblmmwr.com/other_pages/libraries/2016/sensory.html What Does Your Future Hold? July 11-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., a free summer workshop presented by the Center for Independence, located at 7801 Bridgeport Way W, Suite 200 in Lakewood. Designed to empower youth ages 16-24 living with disabilities.

Application deadline is June 1. To apply contact Leah Velasco at 253-582-1253, [email protected]. Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound Meets once a month at TACID in Rm. 6, 6315 S 19th St., Tacoma. For details contact TACID at 253-565-9000 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

PC2 Event “Guardianships for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities” Jun. 2, 6-8 p.m., 3716 Pacific Ave. #A, Tacoma. For details or to RSVP call 253-564-0707.Play to Learn (Free) Collaborative playgroups for families & children under 6 on Wed. Two locations: Escape Zone (McChord Field) 10-1130 a.m. and Raindrops & Rainbows (Lewis North) 1:30-3 p.m.SKIES Registration Visit Parent Central Services, Lewis Main and McChord Field to register for SKIES classes. Registration for classes is the 1st through 4th Friday of the previous month. For a description of classes or to register your child, go to JBLMmwr.com and click on the yellow WebTrac button.Special Olympics Golf and Softball, Ages 8-18 Sign-up through June 16. For information, contact CYSS Parent Central at 253-966-2977. Hands-On Children’s Museum Located in Olympia, has free admittance the first Friday of each month (Jun. 3) and other activities

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& training throughout the month. Call 360-956-0818 or access at www.hocm.org for details.Penn State Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) TeleConsult Program A consulting team of mental health and educational professionals and researchers provides free information to anyone who has questions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavior intervention, and how to advocate for a child who is on the autism spectrum. Visit teleconsult.militaryfamilies.psu.edu to learn more about this program.Metro Parks of Tacoma, Specialized Recreation offers social groups, arts and crafts, bowling, dancing, interactive games, Special Olympics sports, week-end adventures, and much more. 253-404-3950 or www.metroparkstacoma.org/ for more information.Exploration for All: Autism Early Open, 2nd Sat. of each month 8-10 a.m. at Pacific Science Center in Seattle. https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/exploration-for-all2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - South Sound Sep. 22, 11 a.m. registration, ceremony at 12 p.m. and walk at 12:30 p.m. Two-mile walk located at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Contact Katie Lamar (206-529-3865) for details.

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commer-cial sponsor. Editorial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Armed Forces Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation offices. Submissions are welcome but will be edited 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 withhold-ing the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contrib-ute to informational interest.

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

Although the information in the issue is current at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activity for confirmation.

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June Events...“Go for Gold” at the 9th Annual EFMP Camp JBLM Aug. 6 at Shoreline Park at Lewis North. Open to the entire military Exceptional Family Member community. The Saturday camp will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to submit their names for an overnight cabin stay drawing (Aug. 5-7). Registration opens in July. For more information email [email protected] and [email protected] or call 253-967-3451. Camp Prime Time A Family camp for those who have a member with special needs, will be held Aug. 26-28. This camp is located in a wilderness setting in the Wenatchee National Forest, about a 2-hour drive from JBLM. Families stay in cabins, family style meals are offered, and there are a variety of activities. Parents are responsible for the supervision and medical care of their children throughout the three days. Transportation to and from camp is provided by the Families. Registration on Eventbrite will be available through July 6. Names will be drawn July 6th. Notifications will be made and Families have the option to accept or decline a cabin. A refundable $25 deposit will be due to the Camp Prime Time office NLT 4 p.m. on July 20. For details contact Nancy Dozier at 253-967-3464, [email protected], or in-person at the AFCS EFMP office in Waller Hall, Room 400.

Save the Dates

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Events Mt. Rainier Railroad Father’s Day BBQ, Train Ride & Live Music, Sunday, June 19, 12:45 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Located in Elbe, WA. www.mtrainierrailroad.com/SpecialEvents or 888-783-2611

Hands-On Children’s Museum of Olympia: Make a Father’s Day Card, June 12-19 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free admission for all dads & granddads, June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Websites http://redtri.com/seattle/fathers-day-activities/ http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2011/05/24/best-fathers-day-activities-in-puget-sound/

For our very special FathersFather’s Network EventsAnnual Fathers Network Campout in Anacortes over Father’s Day weekend. http://fathersnetwork.us2.list-manage.com/track

The Network’s steering committee is starting to discuss the annual conference. October 1st or 8th as potential dates. Send suggestions for a conference theme, keynote speakers or breakout topics/speakers to [email protected]

Dad Organization Events Jun. 8, 6-8 p.m. – Dads Move Tacoma Meeting TACID, 6315 S 19th St., Tacoma, WA 98466, contact Nelson Rascon for information at [email protected]

Jun. 9, 6-8 p.m. – Spokane Fathers Network Meeting The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane, contact Brian Holloway at [email protected]

Jun. 23, 7-9 p.m. – Snohomish County Fathers Network Meeting ARC Advocates for the Rights, 2500 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201, contact [email protected]

Jun. 7, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Dads Move Seattle Dads Meeting NAVOS OUTPATIENT SERVICES, 2600 SW Holden St, Seattle, WA 98126, contact Nelson Rascon, [email protected]

RadioRadio show for dads with live streaming where you can call in or chat in: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/machospouseradio


For our very special Fathers

Continued on pg. 6

The President’s Fatherhood Pledge:

Army Spouse of the Year Read about Dave Elter, army spouse of the year, with male military spouse radio show: http://www.northwestmilitary.com/news/army-west-blog/2016/05/top-spouse-is-a-man/

*I pledge to renew my commitment to family and community*I recognize the positive impact that fathers, mothers, mentors, and other responsible adults can have on our

children and youth, and pledge to do all I can to provide children in my home and throughout my commu-nity the encouragement and support they need to fulfill their potential.

Focus GroupJBLM EFMP Working Focus Group: Dads with EFM’s, June 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the AFCS Conference Room in Waller Hall. Contact Mary Herrera, EFMP Manager, at 253-967-9704 for more information.

SSG Cris Garcia from 2-3 IN & his son, Atticus (11), at the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley

This pledge can be accessed at: https://www.fatherhood.gov/pledge


Washington State Father’s Network by Louis Mendoza

Why have an effort focused on dads who have children with spe-cial needs? It’s a good question and often these dads don’t realize it’s important until they’ve met other dads who are on the same journey.Back in 1978 a couple of gradu-ate students at the University of Washington were given the assignment to create something that would address the needs of men who have a child with spe-cial needs in their lives. From that was born the Washington State Fathers Network which is now a program of Kindering Center in Bellevue, WA. The basic prem-ise is pretty simple. Generally speaking, when a couple has a child with special needs, the mom tends to have a better social net-work and taps into that network for help dealing with what can be overwhelming emotions. Men are experiencing those same emo-tions but they tend to not have the same level of peer support. They often don’t talk about their child at work or even with their friends. This creates a sense of isolation.

The Fathers Network tries to help by finding ways to connect men with other men who have chil-dren with special needs. It’s not always easy to do. Men, by their nature, are reluctant to seek out or take part in what they consider a support group. So, most of the men (we are open to all men, not just dads, who have a special needs child in their life) who join us do so because their wives tell them to. But, once they come to a meeting and find that they can talk, in a safe, confidential environment, to other men who understand what they’re experi-encing, they find the meetings to be of great value. We have seven chapters around the state and each is facilitated by a volunteer dad. Meeting dates and times vary and special events often take place. For instance, there might be a poker night or a Super Bowl party. And, there are Network wide events, some just for men, and some that are family oriented. These include an annual conference, a Father’s Day weekend campout in Anacortes, a summer BBQ and a pancake breakfast.

Involvement in the Network has been found, through research, to have specific benefits for the dads. The latest was a study conducted by the University of Washington – Bothell in 2012-13. That research reported the follow-ing results:

• 97% reported decreased anxiety

• 69% felt greater enthusi-asm for their child

• 77% felt their family rela-tionships improved

• 67% felt increased feelings of joy

So, helping men connect not only helps them personally; it benefits the entire family. For additional information, visit our website at http://fathersnet-work.org or “Dads Move” (which is based in Tacoma) at http://dadsmove.org.



Autism 200 SeriesA series of 90 minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism is offered through Seattle Children’s. They are held the third Thursday of each month at Seattle Children’s Hospital from

7-8:30 p.m. in Wright Auditorium. They are also available through the Seattle Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program for viewing at various locations throughout the region. Classes

that have already occurred can be viewed on the following website: http://www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/classes-events/autism-200-series/.

Since summer camps fill up early, now is the time to start inquiring with agencies and registering for programs you are interested in.Some Summer Camp Opportunities:JBLM ChILD Youth & SChooL SErvICES http://jblmmwr.com/cyss_parent_central.htmlWeekly summer camps are available for those who have graduated kindergarten on up. Fees are subsidized based on household income with further discounts for multiple children. Call 253-966-2977 to be placed on the wait list. Then go to https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac103/wbwsc/lewiscyms.wsc/wbsplash.html?wbp=1# and click tab right “forms”. A Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) may be required. Registration must be complete prior to enrollment.

Summer CAmp regiStrAtioN

SuMMEr CAMPS AND ProGrAMS For ChILDrEN wIth SPECIAL hEALth CArE NEEDS wAShINGtoN StAtE Edition: www.cshcn.org/resources-contacts/summer-camp-directory. This is a searchable website that may

include additional camps that were submitted after the deadline for the printed directory. We also have hard copies of the directory in our office; or, we could send you a digital copy.


EFMP Enrollment Process

Birth To Three Early Intervention Programs

Contact the Lead Agency for your county for a referral for services. Community Connections Early Intervention Service/Pierce Co.: 253-798-3790South Sound Parent To Parent/Thurston County: 360-352-1126Holly Ridge Center/Kitsap and Mason Counties: 360-373-2536Community Health Access Program (CHAP)/King County: 206-284-0331

If 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, he or she must be enrolled in EFMP under educa-tion, 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 expi-ration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improvement that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army — Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office located in the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions regarding enroll-ment or overseas screenings, please call 253-968-0254/1370/4355. This office is closed on Thursdays.

Air Force — Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNC office 62nd Medical Clinic, first floor of Airman’s Clinic Bioenvironmental hallway, second/third office on left. For a PCS screening or for questions call TSGT Michelle Sutton at 253-982-3350. Lois Fisher is the Special Needs Coordinator at 253-982-5568. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday 0800-1530; Wednesday 0800-1100. Closed 2nd Tues-day 1200 – 1530; Closed on Thursday. For Air Force Respite Care, contact AFCS-McChord at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support Services 2140 Liggett Ave., Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main; 552 Barnes Blvd., AFCS-McChord, JBLM-McChord Field.

Installation & local resources & services, Housing & school issues, IEP/504 plans, Advocacy, Support groups, Monthly newsletter, Special Needs Accommoda-tion Process and Systems Navigation (case management) are available for all service members and their families.

Exceptional Families Network has two support groups and various events and clubs in Olympia and Pierce County. For information or to RSVP contact www.exceptionalfamilies.org/events.html. Text EFN to 22828 to join mailing list. Events include:SFPS Tacoma for families with special needs, 2nd Thur., 6-8 p.m., Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. SFPS Olympia for families with special needs, 1st Tue., 6-8 p.m., Olympia Timberland Library.Coffee & Chat, 2nd Mon., 10 a.m.Family Movie and Game Night, 3rd Fri., 6:30 p.m. Games for everyone, kid-friendly movie, and popcorn by donation.Curiosity Club with Stacy, 2nd Sat., 1 p.m. Kids (ages 2-8) will make a creation and receive a book of the month. Park Play Date, 3rd Sat., 10 a.m. Weather permitting, let’s get outside and have some fun! RSVP required.Getting Loopy Yarn Club, 3rd Sun., 2 p.m. Learn how to knit/crochet or to improve. Supplies available; all ages welcome.B.B.C. Sci-Fi Appreciation Club, 3rd Sun., 3 p.m. Bow-ties, Browncoats & Changelings! Discuss Doctor Who & all things geektastic.

Parent Advisory Council, 4th Tue., 6:30 p.m. Lend your voice, ideas & input about our nonprofit’s services, events & more. Words & Whine Book Club, Last Fri., 7 p.m. Discuss our current book selection and chat with other parents. PAVE (Partnerships for Action. Voices for Empowerment.), PAVE has various support groups meet-ings and activities throughout the month (see below). Contact Susan Jackson at 253-565-2266 or [email protected] for information. www.wapave.org. CIP, Community Inclusion Program of Pierce County, Three monthly meetings in various Pierce County locations.Down Syndrome Moms Night Out Support Group, 2nd Fri. of the month, 6:30 p.m.Pierce County Parent to Parent Spanish Speaking Support Group, 1st Tue. of the month, 6-8 p.m.PURPAS, Support group for young adults with high functioning autism and their families. Meetings several times a month. SOS, Siblings Outside the Spectrum, Support group for teens who have a brother or sister with Autism, meets monthly.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS


Individuals with Disabilities

Informing Families www.informingfamilies.org Put together by a collaboration from Washington State Developmental Dis-abilities Council, Developmental Dis-abilities Administration and others. Includes special needs news, topics about special needs for all ages plus a language selection feature for non-English speakers.

A Common Voice http://acommonvoice.org Parent education classes, support groups, counseling, 24-hour hotline for families with child/youth with behav-ioral and mental health care needs

ADD Resources http://addresources.org ADHD support groups, directory of ADHD-friendly services & resources

The Arc Autism Now/Autism Society of Washington (ASW) http://autismnow.org/local/autism-soci-ety-of-washington/ Offers news, information and resources regarding autism spectrum. Lists events, support groups and trainings

Autism Speaks https://www.autimspeaks.org Funds autism research for causes and prevention, advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families

FEAT of Washington www.featwa.org/ Provides support & resources for fami-lies with someone on the autism spec-trum; includes ABA therapy through Rising Star Academy, financial support through Ben’s Fund, social/recreational programming through Experience Learning Project and guidance and support through Family Services

BioRx www.biorxhemophilia.com/company/ Provides supplies and customer service for individuals with bleeding disorders, provides advocacy and education, spe-cialized nursing

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Exceptional Families Network www.exceptionalfamilies.org Works with, supports and educates families with children who have special needs; a majority of the children have some form of autism, but all diagnoses/disabilities are welcome

Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC) http://hsdc.org/ Western Washington service hub for clients who are deaf, hard of hear-ing or have communication disorders; services include preschool, American Sign Language (ASL) classes, audiol-ogy services, speech therapy, advocacy, ASL interpreting & an assistive tech-nology store

The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America www.gluten.org Includes gluten-free (GF) support groups, finding GF products/restau-rants/recipes, monthly newsletter

The Cerebral Palsy Network http://thecpnetwork.org/ Cerebral palsy (CP) support network, offers advocacy, mentoring and educa-tion about CP

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) www.dsb.wa.gov Job counseling and adaptive skills for individuals who are blind or have low vision, services for children and youth aged birth through high school who are blind or have low vision

Washington State Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities www.washington.edu/doit/washington-state-resources-parents-children-and-youth-disabilities listing of organizations and resources that are supportive of children and youth with special needs


Resources

Wrights Law www.wrightslaw.com Up-to-date information on educa-tion and special education law and advocacy for children with disabili-ties, excellent resource for parents

Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) http://wapave.org/ Support, training, information and advocacy for individuals with dis-abilities, parents & professionals

Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury Council http://tbiwashington.org/ Offers information and resources related to traumatic brain injury

South Sound Parent to Parent http://ssp2p.org/ Birth to Three early intervention service coordination in Thurston, South Mason & Grays Harbor coun-ties, matches parents with volunteer mentors, offers equipment & toy loan program, recreational events, sup-port groups, information & referral

Pierce County Coalition for Devel-opmental Disabilities (PC2) http://pc2online.org/ Parent-driven organization that provides information for families and individuals with developmental disabilities in Pierce County, WA

Pierce County Companionship Program http://piercecountywa.org/compan-ionship Through Pierce County Parks and Recreation, a recreation program for individuals with special needs and their families

Tacoma Area Coalition of Individ-uals with Disabilities (TACID) www.tacid.org Promotes independence of individu-als with disabilities through peer support, advocacy and self-sufficien-cy programs; site posts events and support groups

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCVDDD) www.cdc.gov/ncbddd Provides information on research, prevention & treatment of birth de-fects and developmental disabilities

Other

Child Care Aware of America, ARMY Child Care in Your Neigh-borhood http://usa.childcareaware.org www.ChildCareNet.org/families/your-search NACCRRA accredited child care that is affordable

Puget Sound Educational Service District www.psesd.org One of nine regional educational agencies serving school districts and state-approved private schools in Washington; offers centralized services, pooled resources, links schools with regional, state and na-tional educational resources, builds networks and partnerships among districts and other agencies

Military OneSource www.militaryonesource.mil Answers for military life ques-tions including deployment, spouse employment, counseling, financial, retirement and more

TRICARE West Region/United Healthcare www.uhcmilitarywest.com Verify eligibility, find claims status and information, check referral and authorization status, find forms, on-line enrollment available

Madigan Army Medical Center, www.mamc.amedd.army.mil Clinic information, appointments, emergency & urgent care, routine/wellness/specialty care, patient advocacy


Resources

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Facebook.com/EFMPJBLM Facebook.com/JBLMAFCS

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

Facebook.com/JBLMcyss

EFMP SPOTLIGHT

Autism Research Study

University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Autism Center is participating in an autism research study being conducted by SPARK. If you or your child has a professional diagnosis of autism, learn more and register online at: SPARKforAutism.org/?code=uw.

Contact Emily Fox at Seattle Children’s. [email protected] (206-987-7917) or [email protected] See flyer on pg. 7 for details.

http://Facebook.com/EFMPJBLM

http://Facebook.com/EFMPJBLM

http://www.Facebook.com/JBLMAFCS

http://Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

http://Facebook.com/JBLMcyss

Documents

EFMP News/June 2016