Give parents a break

  • Published
  • By Airman and Family Readiness Center
MACDILL AIR FORCE, Fla. --  The Air Force Aid Society recognizes that Air Force families are subject to unique stresses due to the nature of military life. In an effort to help these families, the AFAS, in cooperation with Friends of Military Families, have partnered to provide funding for child care for all branches of active duty military families under a program called "Give Parents a Break."

"I arrived at MacDill on a humanitarian assignment and I am a single mom," said Master Sgt. Lisa Pomeroy, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron Plans and Integration Element superintendent. "Since I was new to the area and did not know anyone, it was wonderful to have the Give Parents a Break program made available to me."

With frequent deployments, extended working hours, remote tours, parents often find it difficult to cope with demands of parenting. Additionally, families are often separated from spouses as well as from extended family members who might otherwise offer support. Therefore; AFAS and FoMF are providing funding for the Child Development Center to be open twice a month to care for children of parents who need a break due to the demands of military life and parenting. Friday nights are designated for families of deployed members ONLY; dinner is provided. Saturday may be used by families experiencing a deployment or by those experiencing a hardship; a light snack is provided.

"I trust Tyler with the Child Development Center everyday so the fact that I knew the individuals who would be caring for him, made this even better," said Sergeant Pomeroy. "It gave me a chance to have some time for myself. I highly recommend this program."
The Give Parents A Break program provides referral certificates to qualifying families. Certificates are issued for 90 days and may be renewed if necessary. Families may be referred to this program by commanders, first sergeants, chaplains, medical professionals, Family Advocacy, as well as Airman and Family Readiness Center staff.
Pre-registration with the Child Development Center is required. This includes completion of Air Force Form 1181, proof of current immunizations and receipt of pink form from the Immunization Clinic, and special needs care plan, if applicable. A current referral certificate is also required. Parents must bring diapers and wipes, if needed.

According to Mrs. Venetia Waters, Air Force Aid Program Manager, "Although this program doesn't charge the parents a fee, this program is not to be used to simply provide 'free child care' but rather as a program to help families who need temporary relief from the challenges of parenting and the stressors of life. However, while their children are having fun at the CDC, families may use this time to suit their personal needs."

Note* In agreement with Air Forces Services (Family Member Programs), GPAB will not be held if there are fewer than eight Air Force children registered for the session.
There is a late fee of $1 per minute past the closing time.

Eligibility:
· Active duty military families are eligible for the Give Parents A Break program and would include the following situations:
· The military member being deployed or on extended TDY, or remote tour of duty
· A family crisis or emergency such as serious illness of a family member, death of family member, extended illness of family member, birth of a new baby
· Having children with special needs
· Unique circumstances or hardships

Referrals:
The following may refer families for Give Parents a Break and will provide a referral certificate upon acceptance into the program:
· Squadron commander or first sergeant, chaplain
· Base doctor or other base medical professional /Family Advocacy
· Airman & Family Readiness Center
· Chaplain
· Family Advocacy
· Child Development Center