I am honored to be a part of the Ohio National Guard Interservice Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC). As I am an Air Force spouse, you might find it a bit odd that I am part of this group, it being a Guard thing and all. OK, it's sponsored by the Guard, but it's truly inclusive. Wednesday, I was honored to sit in with people from all services, affiliations with military (spouse, children (mostly represented by parents) and family members) and volunteer organizations (this was my original entre into the group). I don't know if any other Guard units or states have these organizations, but it you don't - you should. Take a note from Ohio's page and get on board. This group is truly out to take care of the troops and the homefront. Kudos go out to LTC Bramlish and Michele Gire - not to mention the Governor's office who is incredibly supportive!
Thought I'd share a bit about the ISFAC and then write some other posts about the great things they are accomplishing here in Ohio!
An Interservice Family Assistance Committee is a voluntary
military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking
for training and assistance "to ensure Total Force Family Readiness". Their function is to provide assistance to
families of service members, both Active and Reserve Component, from the
closest source regardless of service component
The ISFAC provides an opportunity and place for Family
Programs Directors /Coordinators and Managers to network and identify care and
service providers to eliminate a duplication of efforts. The ISFAC establishes pre-planned delivery
systems in the event of mobilization or contingency through committee members'
interaction. The outcome of this
collaborative working relationship causes the expeditious assistance to service
members and their families.
The
goal of the ISFACs is to strengthen existing family assistance delivery systems
in the event of mobilization, deployment, or natural disaster through the
interaction of committee members. This
includes meeting the identified need of military personnel, family members, and
commands by providing information, referral, education, and preventative
services to enhance family readiness. These mutually supportive efforts allow for rapid coordinated services
between instillations and units.
ISFACs are a bridge in achieving
a holistic approach to Supporting Families and Service Members, enabling them to receive assistance
from the closest source regardless of component affiliation thru the Joint
Services Family Support Network.
- Increase availability of and access to services for Reserve and Guard families
- Expanded communication and established support networks among family support providers
- Resolution of family issues in an Interservice environment
- Reduced duplication of services and efforts
- Enhanced family assistance during deployments and disasters.
ISFACs encourage and provide ongoing training for
their members on topics such as critical incident stress, ombudsmanship,
personal financial management, and family advocacy. Additionally ISFACs offer key volunteers
leadership opportunities. They meet quarterly and I've learned so much each time I've attended!
Do you have something like this in your state? Service?
