January 2011
  
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Dear Families,

The New Year brings a wave of resolute optimism for a year of new possibilities. It is a time of new resolve, motivation, and hopeful determination. Along with our popular existing classes, Marine Corps Family Team Building has a series of new classes and programs to refresh your motivation and determination in the military lifestyle.  Here are just a few:

·         Hearts Apart Program:

o   New for deployment support.  Your Marine might be deploying but you (and your kids) are not alone.  Read below for more information  Begins January 12.

·         How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk or Jerkette

o   Is there really any explanation for why love is blind? Do we have any hope for learning how to avoid marrying a jerk or jerkette?  YES!!!! This new program for singles covers the major areas that predict what a person will be like in a relationship and the bonding forces that must be kept in balance as a relationship grows. Monday, February 28th  8:00a-12:00p

·         GED Prep Program

o   Interested in earning your GED?  This self paced, free program will include childcare.  Information session on February 25th from 10-11 at the Education Center (Building 850).

And introducing the NEW Family Readiness Children's Room!  It is located at building 699 (MAG-13 Family Readiness Building) next to the post office. This freshly painted room has been newly furnished with Sesame Street toys, books, and furniture. It will provide an inviting setting to host many of our new children's programs. 

Marine Corps Family Team Building looks forward to serving you and your family in the New Year. 

                                                                Your MCFTB Team,

                                                    Kate, Bekah, Brooke, Sarah, & Jenny
                                                                  
                                                    

Calendar of Events
All classes are free, include free childcare, and are located in Building 598 (next to Commissary) unless otherwise noted. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!  Please call us at 269-6550.

                                                   

                                                  January
Corps Values: This three part class will focus on teaching character traits through stories, games, and crafts.  This is an interactive class for parents and children ages 3-6. January 4, 11, and 18, 1:00-2:00pm
Little Hearts Apart (ages 3-6): Children with a deployed parent with learn strategies to cope with separation. Every Wednesday beginning January 12th 10:00-11:00.  
Hearts Apart for Kids (K-5th): Kids with a deployed parent with learn strategies to cope with separation. Every Wednesday beginning January 12th 4:00-5:00.  
Hearts Apart: Coffee Hour: A bi-monthly social gathering designed for spouses & significant others of deployed Marines and Sailors. Every other Wednesday beginning January 12th, 10:00-11:00.  
Safe at Home: Women's Self Defense: Learn tips on how to stay safe at home, in your car, and when you travel when your Marine is here or deployed.  You'll also learn important self defense moves!  January 20, 6-8pm 
CPR/First Aid: Become fully certified in CPR and first aid by our own MCAS Yuma Fire Department. January 21, 9am-4:30pm
Family Care Plan: Create a plan for your children in case of an emergency.  This legal document ensures your children will be taken care of in the manner you choose- Every Marine Family needs one! January 24, 1-2:30pm
Military Hair Cutting: Bring your Marine and learn to cut give him the perfect military haircut. January 31, 6-8pm

 

                                 February                                 

Cyberbullying Brief: Learn what cyberbullying is and how you can protect your children.  February 9, 6-7:30

Couples Communication: Prepare for deployments and separation.  Walk away with practical ways to improve your communication and enhance your marriage even when apart. , February 10, 6-8pm 

Career Building Workshop:   This informative workshop will cover resume writing, interviewing tips and techniques, and explore career opportunities. February 23, 9-11am                                                Parenting & the Military Lifestyle:  A class for parents of children of all ages.  Learn how children are impacted by moves, deployments, and separations and how you can be the best parent possible either at home or from afar. February 24, 6-8pm  

Strong and Fit Kids: Class for kids (5&up) and parents.  Learn ways to get healthy and active together.  February 25, 4:00-5:30pm

GRE Prep Informational Session: Interested in earning your GED?  Learn more about the new GED program on base.  February 25, 10-11am.

                                             LINKS
L.I.N.K.S. Volunteer Information Session:  Interested in volunteering? Come learn more! January 13 or February 17, 9-11am

L.I.N.K.S. for Marines: January 12 & February 15, 9:00am-4:00pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses:  January 26 & 27, 6-9pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Couples: February 8, 9-5pm

L.I.N.K.S. for Kids: A monthly club on Monday's.  New session starting!  January 10 & February 7, 2:30-4:00pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Tweens & Teens: A monthly club! January 11 & February 8, 5:30-7:00

 

Hearts Apart

heartsapart

As we look to the year ahead, 2011 will be filled with deployments and separations for many families at MCAS Yuma.  Here at Marine Corps Family Team Building we recognize that deployments are a very personal and unique experience for everyone involved.  We also recognize the importance of the wisdom and experiences of the families to the left and right of us. 

 

Beginning January 12th Marine Corps Family Team Building is excited to launch our new deployment support series, Hearts Apart.  We will be offering Little Hearts Apart for children (ages 3-5), Hearts Apart for Kids (K-5th grade), as well as Hearts Apart: Coffee Hour for deployed Spouses. These programs are available to any family with a deployed Marine or Sailor.  Registration is required for children's programs and childcare.

 

Little Hearts Apart- Children (ages 3-6) with a deployed parent with learn strategies to cope with separation through games, stories, crafts, etc. Every Wednesday beginning January 12th 10:00-11:00. Registration required. 

Hearts Apart for Kids- Kindergarten thru 5th Grade.  This age group will also learn ways to cope with a deployment through fun activities.  Every Wednesday, 4:00-5:00pm starting January 12th.  Registration required.

Hearts Apart: Coffee Hour- A bi-monthly social gathering designed for spouses & significant others of deployed Marines and Sailors. This casual environment is perfect for meeting new friends, discussing deployment issues, and gaining insight and support from other military spouses. Childcare options available. Every other Wednesday beginning January 12th, 10:00-11:00.  

Volunteer Open House- We need you!vol

L.I.N.K.S. enhances the readiness of Marines and their families, by offering an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle.  The class is run by volunteers and includes mentorship, information sharing, small group discussions, and interactive activities.

The L.I.N.K.S. volunteer team is looking to expand!  Come to the L.I.N.K.S. volunteer open houses on Thursday, January 13 and Thursday, February 17 from 9-11am to learn more about the program, talk to current team members and find out all the volunteer opportunities available.  For more information or to register, call Brooke at 269-6503.  Childcare provided with early registration.

Family Care Plan: Is your family prepared?girl1

What happens when a military spouse falls ill while the Marine is deployed? Who can pick up the children from school? Is there a pet at home that needs to be let out or fed? The Family Care Plan addresses these issues and provides clear guidance in the care of family members in a Marine's absence.

The Family Care Plan is a mandatory document for all single active duty Marines and dual active duty couples, but strongly encouraged for all service members. The Family Care Plan ensures military members have made arrangements for the care of children or dependents in case of an emergency.

At the Family Care Plan brief, base legal will walk you through completing a Family Care Plan and answer questions on special powers of attorney.  Join us on Monday, January 24th 1:00-2:30pm at Building 598. Registration is required and childcare is available. 

Cyberbullying and Military Kidscyberbullying 

Cyberbullying is defined as an aggressive behavior carried out by an individual using electronics, such as computers and cell phones, against a victim who cannot easily defend themselves. Cyberbullying is a growing problem throughout the United States. In some instances, cyber-bullying has led to poor grades, emotional spirals, poor self-esteem, repeated school absences, depression, and in some cases suicide of the victims.

 

Yuma schools and our military children and teens are not immune to this type of bullying.   In an effort to raise awareness, the School Liaison, Marine Corps Family Team Building, and the Exceptional Family Member Program have teamed up to offer an educational awareness presentation on Cyberbullying. Guest speaker Christian Segura, retired City of Yuma Police detective and current victim advocate, will address such issues as recognizing the signs of cyber-bullying in children, preventing cyber-bullying and much more. This presentation will be held February 9th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Sonoran Pueblo.  Childcare available with registration.  For more information or to register for childcare, call 269-6502. 

  

Bloom This Month
Hearts Apart
Volunteers Needed
Is your family prepared?
Cyberbullying
MCFTB classes and events are always free.  CHILDCARE is also available FREE of charge with advance registration. 
 
Registration for our classes is required by calling 269-6550 or by emailing us here!

Hours & Location
    8am to 4:30pm      Monday-Friday    Bldg. 598
(Next To Commissary)
 

 Visit MCFTB at www.mccsyuma.org
Join Our Mailing List
"DSTRESS Hotline" 
 
 phone

Commandant Amos wants all Marines and families to know about and utilize the "DSTRESS Line".  This 24/7, anonymous, and confidential counseling and referral service is open to all Marines and families.  This hotline is "by Marines, for Marines" meaning callers will speak with customer service representatives and licensed counselors who are veteran Marines & Sailors, or others with first hand understanding of the Marine Corps.

Skype and online chat coming soon! 

1-877-476-7734 or www.dstressline.com
PREP
 
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Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) teaches newly married and soon to be married couples how to effectively communicate, work together, manage conflict, and preserve and enhance commitment and friendship.  Offered monthly by the MCAS Yuma's Chaplains.  Call 269-2371 for more information or to register

Upcoming dates:

January 26th and February 16th

Children's Author & Performer   Coming to Yuma on USO Tour 
 
 trevorromain

Trevor Romain will be performing January 26th from 7-8pm at the Sonoran Pueblo.  He has become well known with his ideas, tips,  and strategies to help parents prepare themselves for difficult topics kids face including bullying and transitions.

Childcare available.  Call 269-2350 for more information. 
New Postcard of all MCCS Children's Programing- Now available!
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Parents- be on the lookout for the new MCCS Children's postcard.  Delivered to all on base housing and available at MCFTB, the Exchange, gym, and elsewhere on base.  All kids programs in one place!