Survivor Outreach Services
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Bldg. 7264
Normandy Dr.
Hours:
Mon-Fri:
7:30am-4:30pm
Phone:
(785)239-9435
Survivor Outreach Services
Survivor Outreach Services was started to provide assistance and offer support to address the needs of Families who suffer the loss of a Soldier and provide integrated support and referral services. Primary emphasis will be coordination with other army programs such as the Casualty Affairs, Retirement Services and Veterans Affairs. Briefings and information will be provided to Soldiers and Family members to ensure an integrated service delivery.
Survivor Outreach Program Manager
Army Community Service (ACS)
7264 Normandy Drive
Fort Riley, Kansas 66442
Phone: 785-239-9435
Fax: 785-239-9548
Available Online Resources
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Boys and Girls Clubs of America - Over 4000 youth centers providing low cost supervised after school recreation, youth development ad guidance services to children 6-18 years old. First year membership is free for military children. For more information visit them online at www.bgca.org or call 404-487-5725.
Children's Grief Education Association - The CGEA is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of grieving children and families and to providing education and support to those who serve them. Learn more at http://www.childgrief.org.
Comfort Zone Camp - a bereavement camp for children started by West Point alum. The camp’s program is designed to mirror the way a child grieves. Developed by grief therapists, it combines activities such as arts, crafts, and games with quieter periods of reflection, allowing children to heal through play, smiles, tears and memories. Each child is matched with a “Big Buddy,” a trained adult volunteer who spends the entire weekend with that child to provide support and encouragement. Additionally, the children participate in Healing Circles led by experienced grief professionals. More information about Comfort Zone Camp, call (866) 488-5679 (toll free) or (804) 377-3430.
KidsAid.com – KidsAid is a daughter site of GriefNet.org. GriefNet is a place where anyone dealing with grief or major loss can come for help. They have email support groups, resources and a bookstore. KidsAid is where kids can come, to get help and to help each other. Visit http://kidsaid.com/index.html. It’s on the Internet because that's the way kids can meet other kids directly. Kids all over the world can talk to each other, give advice, get help, share stories and art, and whatever else we think of.
KidsHealth.org - This site has information about children's physical and mental health. The site has articles, links, and other information for parents, teenagers, and children. Click on "Emotions and Behavior" for information about helping a child deal with death. Visit http://www.kidshealth.org.
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families - The Dougy Center was the first center in the United States to provide peer support groups for grieving children. The mission of The Dougy Center for Grieving Children is to provide support in a safe place where children, teens and their families grieving a death can share their experiences as they move through their grief process. Learn more at http://www.dougy.org.
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American Red Cross - Assists family members of deceased Soldiers in applying for federal and state benefits. They provide information on other resources, counseling relative to problems arising from the death and planning to meet financial needs. For more information visit them online at www.redcross.org.
Department of Veterans Affairs - Offers free bereavement counseling – call 202-273-9116 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday – Friday for more information or visit their website at http://www.va.gov/RCS/Bereavement_Counseling.asp.
Give An Hour - Give an Hour is dedicated to developing a national network of volunteers to respond to acute and chronic needs within our society. We are currently establishing a national network of mental health professionals and reaching out to our first target population, the U.S. troops and families affected by the current military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The mental health professionals who join us will give an hour of their time each week to provide free mental health services to military personnel and their families. Those who receive services from the Give an Hour network will be given the opportunity to give back to their own communities. Visitors can log on and enter their zip code to locate the counselor nearest them. Learn more at www.giveanhour.org.
National Suicide Prevention - The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. There are more than 120 crisis centers across the country. You can also get information online at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
TRICARE - Tricare covers eight counseling sessions, and more are available with a physician’s referral. Contact your regional TriCare office for more information visit them at www.tricare.mil.
Widowed With Children - This program offers comprehensive, step-by-step procedures for men and women following a spouse's death. This centralized information center provides a variety of referral services in Phoenix, Arizona, and also offers a monthly support group for the widowed parents to share ideas and feelings. In addition, family outings are planned throughout the year. Learn more at http://www.widowedwithchildren.org/.
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MilSpouse - MilSpouse.org is your resource library for military spouse employment, education and relocation information. Here you will find thousands of links to employment related information and other resources for military spouses and military families. Visit http://www.milspouse.org/.
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Children's Grief Education Association - The CGEA is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of grieving children and families and to providing education and support to those who serve them. Learn more at http://www.childgrief.org.
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Offers assistance for stress-related issues www.ncptsd.va.gov (part of Department of Veteran’s Affairs) or call (802) 296-6300 for more information. 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Boys and Girls Clubs of America - Several competitive scholarships are available annually. For more information visit them online at www.bgca.org or call 404-487-5725.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. We consistently champion the promise of postsecondary education to all Americans—and its value to our society. Learn more at http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/about/index.html.
Military Child Education Coalition - The Coalition's website provides a comprehensive list of scholarship available to children whose parents served in the military. Visit www.militarychild.org.
Scholarships for Military Children Program - The Program was created to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel or you are the survivor of a deceased member, and you have a military dependent I.D. card you can apply! You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis. Learn more at http://www.militaryscholar.org/.
ThanksUSA Scholarship Program - Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of financial need, academic record and demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities. Preference will be given to students who have studied a foreign language. For more information visit them online at www.thanksusa.org or call 1-877-849-8727.
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Army Emergency Relief - AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". AER provides commanders with a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers. Families may call for more information www.aerhq.org or call 866-878-6378 Monday-Friday EST, 7:30-3:30.
Armed Forces Services Corp (AFSC) - On behalf of the Service Relief Societies, the Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC) provides eligible family members with lifetime benefit and entitlement information and assistance at no cost. Their services include an analysis of available benefits, an annual benefit update, notification concerning changes to benefits or entitlements, insurance counseling, and other general assistance. Learn more at www.AFSC-usa.com.
Financial Point - Offers beneficiary financial counseling service to beneficiaries of Service Members Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. Call 1-888-243-7351 or e-mail BFCS@FinancialPoint.com to begin the process (offered by Financial Point). For more information visit them online at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/BFCS/BFCS.htm.
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Operation Homefront - Provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c) 3 founded after September 11, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers in 26 chapters nationwide. They provide emergency aid, computers program, financial assistance, moving, social outreach, and military Monday discounts. Visit www.operationhomefront.net.
Project for Financial Independence - The Project connects volunteer financial professionals who are members of one or more sponsoring organizations with members of the public who qualify for free financial planning. Learn more at http://www.consultaplanner.org.
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Army Well Being - Offers support Military Personnel and their families Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Call 800-833-6622 for more information.
Concordia Dental - 866-8499 (AD) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday - Friday.
Delta Dental - For over 50 years, Delta Dental has worked to improve oral health by emphasizing preventative care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. Visit Delta online at http://www.deltadental.com/Public/index.jsp or call 888-838-8737 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday - Friday.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHS) - IFHS supports American military personnel who have been severely wounded in the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Fund has constructed a world class state-of-the-art advanced training skills center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas to aid in their treatment and recovery. Contact them at 1-800-340-HERO (4376) or www.fallenheroesfund.org
Military OneSource - Provides one-on-one support on a variety of services for military personnel and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information visit them online at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ or call 800-464-8107.
TriCare Dental Program – United Concordia - Contact your regional TriCare office for more information visit them at http://www.tricaredentalprogram.com/tdptws/home.jsp.
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Judge Advocate General – Visit the military legal information portal, sponsored by the U. S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps to inform military members on personal legal affairs and preventive law. Use this site as part of your personal legal preparedness. The information here is not legal advice, for that consult an attorney. Go online to http://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal.
Military OneSource – provides services to military families for a variety of needs such as career development, financial concerns, children, substance abuse, transitioning to civilian life, elderly care, and more. Visit www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-342-9647 to learn more.
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American Red Cross - Today’s American Red Cross is keeping pace with the changing military. Using the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, the Red Cross sends communications on behalf of family members who are facing emergencies or other important events to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving all over the world. For more information visit them online at www.redcross.org.
Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operation Center (CMAOC) – The CMAOC mission is to assist Army families in an emotionally stressful time of bereavement. The CMAOC website serves as an information and assistance point for casualty-affected Army families and for the many dedicated professionals serving to aid surviving Army family members in their time of greatest need. Learn more at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/cmaoc/cmaoc.htm.
ArmyFRG - ArmyFRG is your direct connection to Command information for your unit. Register today for your unit's Virtual FRG site and get connected to all of the pertinent information and resources you need to stay informed and connected. Visit the site at www.armyFRG.org.
Department of Veterans Affairs - Contact the Veteran’s Service Organizations at http://www1.va.gov/vso/. Survivors Group urges public awareness and participation in all matters of concern to widows with younger children including action to influence federal legislation.
MyArmyLifeToo.com - My Army Life Too serves as the web site of choice for Army Families, providing accurate and up-to-date articles and information on various topics. Visit the site at www.myarmylifetoo.com.
National Cemetery Administration - The Department of Veterans Affairs coordinates with the National Cemetery Administration to provide burial benefits, headstones and markers, and resources for family members and loved ones. For more information visit them online at www.cem.va.gov.
Social Security Administration (SSA) - Social Security benefits are available for surviving spouses and children. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go online to www.socialsecurity.gov.
Women’s Memorial - The Memorial, at the Ceremonial Gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, is the nation's only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America from the Revolutionary War to the present. The Memorial's computerized Register guarantees each registered woman's individual story a permanent place in America's history - and every servicewoman's story is important. The Foundation is seeking names, addresses, photos and memorable experiences of women who have served to be included in the Memorial's Register. Family members, friends and organizations can register deceased servicewomen from any era or those civilian women who served with other civilian organizations. To register or for more information, please visit this website or call 703-533-1155 or 800-222-2294; http://www.womensmemorial.org/.
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American Blue Star Mothers - Mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military, non-profit service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. For more information visit them online at www.bluestarmothers.org.
American Gold Star Mothers - This is an organization of mothers whose sons or daughters served and died that this world might be a better place in which to live. For more information visit them online at www.goldstarmoms.com.
American Supports You - America Supports You, a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, recognizes citizens' support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil.
Bereaved Parents of the U.S.A. - Bereaved parents is a national non-profit self-help group that offers support, understanding, compassion and hope especially to the newly bereaved be they bereaved parent’s grandparents nor siblings struggling to rebuild their lives after the death of their children, grandchildren or siblings. To learn more visit http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/.
Families United - Families United for Troop and Their Mission is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. They are a grassroots coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families. It provides a means for our Gold Star Families, who have lost loved ones in the defense of the United Stated, to find solace in each other’s company. Learn more at http://www.familiesunitedmission.com/.
Gold Star Family Support and Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors (HUGSS) - was established to create programs to address the needs of all families who suffer the loss of a Soldier. HUGSS provides programs for adults, teens and children. More information can be found at http://www.goldstarfamilysupport.org/.
Gold Star Fathers – Supports parents of fallen Soldiers. Learn more at http://www.goldstardads.org/.
Gold Star Siblings - WAR Siblings Helping WAR Siblings. Gold Star Siblings, Inc. is a group of siblings, who have had brothers or sisters, KIA in any war. Our group is non-partisan and a non-political organization. For more information visit them online at www.goldstarsiblingsinc.org.
Gold Star Wives of America - Support spouses of Service members who died while on active duty or from service connected disabilities. Call 1-888-751-6350 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday – Friday for more information visit them online www.goldstarwives.org.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT - The official Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life information designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers. To learn more, visit www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil.
Military Widows Gazette - The Military Widows Gazette gives legislative new and information regarding benefits for the widows of military career men. For more information visit them at http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits/survivor-support-organizations.
National Military Families Association - Educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives. For more information visit them online www.nmfa.org.
Operation Homefront - Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to U.S. troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c) 3 founded after September 11, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers in 26 chapters nationwide. Learn more at http://www.operationhomefront.net/index.asp.
Operation One Family - This California program supports and connects families of fallen Soldiers through a partnership with Rotary. Learn more at http://www.operationonefamily.org.
Project Compassion - Project Compassion is a way to say “Thank you” to those American servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America — and for the loved ones they have left behind. For no fee, Kaziah will paint original oil on canvas portrait of your fallen loved one for the immediate family. Learn more at http://www.heropaintings.com/kzindex.aspx.
The Compassionate Friends - The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be supportive. The Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. There is no religious affiliation and there are no membership dues or fees. Learn more at their website at http://www.compassionatefriends.org/.
The National Society of Military Widows (SMW) - serves the interest of women whose husbands died while in active military duty, of a service- related illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces. For more information visit them online at www.militarywidows.org.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Provides a wonderful support network for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America. For more information visit them online at www.taps.org or call 1-800-959-TAPS (8277) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Veterans’ Widows International Network, Inc. - Formed to help support Veterans and retiree widows across the country. For more information visit them online at www.vetsurvivors.com or call 303-693-4745.
Widows Information and Consultation Service - WICS services include answering questions re: handling your estate, handling your emotions, finding new directions for your life and coping with problems. It offers an ongoing support group. For more information visit them online www.nw-seniorsonline.org/widow.html.
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All Faith Consortium (AFC) - is an ecumenical faith-based organization, headquartered in our Nations Capitol, serving citizens in the Washington Metropolitan area and in several major cities around the country. AFC has earned a reputation as a community leader in developing programs and facilitating solutions to help empower impoverished families and individuals to become self- sufficient. AFC's membership of more than 60 faith-based and community-based organizations is united in its commitment to achieve its national mission: "To use innovative approaches in assisting homeless veterans, single mothers, low-income adults, the elderly and youth in achieving permanent self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, training, literacy, housing, and other life-sustaining benefits." Learn more at http://www.all-faith.org/home.htm.
Baptist - http://www.nationalbaptist.com
Buddhist -
Episcopal - http://www.episcopalchurch.org/
Lutheran - http://www.elca.org/
Methodist - www.umc.org
Presbyterian - http://www.pcusa.org/
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - http://www.nccbuscc.org/
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Al-anon and Alateen – For over 50 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. To find a local meeting, visit www.al-anon.alateen.org or call 1-888-425-2666.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Learn more by visiting www.alcoholics-anonymous.org or calling 1-212-870-3400.
Narcotics Anonymous - Narcotics Anonymous is an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts with more than 33,500 weekly meetings in over 116 countries worldwide. To find a local meeting, visit www.na.org, email FSTeam@na.org or call 1-818-773-9999.
To be contacted by the Survivor Outreach Program Manager, please complete the Survivor Needs Assessment.
Helpful Websites
For more information visit:
http://www.riley.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=ACS.survivor
https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/cmaoc/cmaoc.htm
