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United States Army
Installation Total Army Sponsorship Program Liaison
5450 Strom Thurmond Blvd.
Room 245
Fort Jackson, SC 29207
803-751-5578
803-751-1303
803-751-7117
312-751-7117
Moving is a way of life for service members and their families. Resources like MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, Plan My Move and Military OneSource provide important information to help make moving easier. But, for many newcomers, a sponsor adds that personal touch. A sponsor is assigned by a newcomer's gaining unit and helps the newcomer before, during and after a move. If you haven't been assigned a sponsor, you can request a sponsor through your new unit. Units try to match sponsors and service members by rank and family status. We also recognize that the service member isn’t the only one affected by a move, so spouses can also receive training to become a sponsor.
To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their duties including:
· Contacting the service member and family with an introductory email
· Staying in contact with the service member throughout the moving process
· Sending information about the new community and duty assignment, responding to questions and providing information about resources
· Confirming transportation and lodging arrangements
· Helping with post office arrangements
· Meeting service members and family members upon arrival
· Going with service members to unit check-in point
· Introducing service members to the Military and Family Support Center and loan closet, if it’s available
· Familiarizing service members and families with the installation and key locations, like the commissary
Note: Responsibilities may vary based on service-specific policies and guidance.
Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to do the following:
· Provide newcomers with a sense of belonging
· Ease the transition for inbound service members or civilians and their family members
· Increase productivity of service members and loved ones
· Help newcomers make informed decisions
· Cultivate new friendships
· Improve morale
For more information on the Sponsorship Program, contact your installation’s Relocation Assistance Program office or, in the Marine Corps, the Information and Referral office.
Many installations give kids the chance to meet a new friend and become acquainted with their new installation through the installation’s youth program. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online. For more information, visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and click on Youth Services and your new installation. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on the Youth Sponsorship Program. Families with children may also want to visit Military Kids Connect, an online community for military children and youth. The site offers games, videos and links to teen-led installation tours.
You must request a sponsor through the Army Career Tracker (https://actnow.army.mil).
Spouse Sponsorship: Army Community Services Relocation Readiness Program can provide Fort Jackson and Columbia community information upon request. Information can be obtained by calling (803) 751-5256 or sending an email to the email address listed in the Relocation Assistance Program contact.
Fort Jackson also has a Youth Sponsorship Program. Did you recently receive PCS orders and have a child that's worried about moving? Maybe you've heard them wonder:
Who will my new friends be?
What will my new school look like? What activities/sports are available? Will I fit in?
What are the other kids wearing?
The Youth Sponsorship Program connects your child to another youth in the new community to answer these questions and so much more.
Why should my child request a sponsor? A sponsor:
• Allows your child to get to know their community before they arrive.
• Provides them with someone who can show them the ropes in their new community.
• Helps reduce social isolation, leading to a healthier transi- tion with reduced stress and at-risk behaviors.
• Gives youth a youth perspective on their new community and school.
• Allows you to focus on other aspects of transition, knowing that your child’s needs are being met.
What does the Youth Sponsorship Program provide for my child?
• Their sponsor will provide them a welcome packet and information about their new community before they arrive.
• Upon arrival their sponsor will arrange for them to have a tour of the community and, once you know which school they will be attending, provide information about the school and arrange for a tour there as well.
• Various activities and events will help your child meet new people, learn about their school and community, and expose them to various activities and events.
How do I get a sponsor assigned to my child?
• Once you receive PCS orders contact your School Liaison Officer.
What is a Youth Sponsor?
Youth Sponsors are at both the youth center and the school and provide information about the community and school to their sponsoree via welcome packets, e-mail, and face-to-face communication
• Youth Sponsors ensure their assigned sponsorees have the right information to help them learn about their community and school and connect to other youth who have similar interests.
• They plan events that help transitioning youth feel more connected to their community.
• They are leaders in their school and community.
Why Should my Child Become a Youth Sponsor?
• Builds a sense of belonging in their community and to give back to others
• Teaches new coping and resilience strategies that can assist your child when they transition
• Builds leadership experience
• Provides opportunities for service learning hours
• Offers opportunities to participate in training and programs with other youth across the community
• Provides adult mentorship
• Inspires youth to be an active part of their community
How can my child become a Youth Sponsor? Contact the School Liaison Officer at 803-751-6150.
Sponsorship for Civilians is the responsibility of the gaining supervisor.
Fort Jackson Post Office does not give P.O. Boxes in advance because of the high demand. Prior to departing, you should request your local post office place a "hold" on your mail. Once arriving Fort Jackson, you may obtain a P.O. Box at the post office. Personal mailboxes may also be obtained in advanced by calling UPS (located at the PX) (803) 227-2692.
Release 2020.04.01.1.11