Fort Polk  Military and Family Support Center

Military and Family Support Centers are part of the network of agencies, programs, services and partnerships which supports the overall well-being of military families. Military and Family Support Centers provide information, education and support programs to help balance the demands of military life. The Military and Family Support Center should be one of your first stops once you arrive at a new installation to connect with key programs, services and support systems.

• Deployment support provides information, education and support to assist you and your family during all phases of the deployment cycle.
• Relocation assistance provides an array of services during the relocation process to meet your moving needs.
• Personal financial management provides information, education and one-on-one financial counseling to assist you and your family in maintaining your financial readiness.
• Employment assistance offers comprehensive information, tools and resources to support career exploration, education, training and licensing, career connections and employment readiness.
• Scholarship opportunities include the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or associate degree in a portable career field and occupation.
• Personal and family life education provides information and education to assist you and your family in developing resilience skills that can help as you navigate your mobile military lives.
• Information and referral can assist you in identifying and clarifying needs to determine appropriate forms of assistance and in locating services and programs available both on and off your installation.
• The transition assistance program prepares separating, retiring and demobilizing service members and their families with the information, skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life.

Military and Family Support Centers may provide other programs such as the following:

• Exceptional Family Member Program
• Family Advocacy Program
• New Parent Support Program

These services may vary by location and installation. Find your specific center on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

Army Community Service (ACS) is a social service agency that assists commanders in maintaining readiness of individuals, Families and communities within America's army by developing, coordinating, and delivering services, which promote self-reliance, resiliency and stability during war and peace. The ACS Programs are located in the in the Army Community Service Center, and the Family Readiness Center. For more information you may wish to visit the website, or by calling 1-800-241-1071, 337-531-1941, DSN 312-863-1941 to talk with an ACS representative

Services provided by the Fort Polk Army Community Service:.

Relocation Readiness --  We provide Relocation Counseling, Pre-Arrival Information, Overseas Orientation, Newcomers & Re-entry Orientations, Special Workshops, Lending Locker, Military HomeFront Plan My Move books and information for PCS/ETS, Sponsorship Support, Cultural Adaptation, and Hearts Apart & Waiting Families Art & Crafts Workshops.

Deployment Readinss -- We educate you on what to expect and the best ways to prepare Pre-deployment, Deployment, Post Deployment, Stability and Support Services, Family Assistance Center, Assist Rear Detachment, Assist Family Readiness Group's, and Operation R.E.A.D.Y.

Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) -- are available to help Service members, spouses, Family members, children and civilian staff. Consultant services include confidential intervention for grief, loss, anger, depression, martial and family issues or everyday stressors.

Family Advocacy Program -- Divorce Meditation, Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS), Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Stepping Together, Single or Suddenly Single, Victim Advocacy Program, Welcoming Baby, New Parent Support Program, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Classes, Parenting With Love-N-Logic, Children Cope With Divorce Seminar, Transitional Compensation, Family Wellness, Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory and Specialized Classes upon request.

Consumer Affairs & Financial Assistance -- Basic Prevention Education Programs, Budget Counseling, 1st Termers Financial Training, Food Vouchers, Financial Statements, Consumer Affairs and Complaint Resolution, and Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA).

Employment Readiness Program -- Resource Information, Job Search Assistance, Job Workshop, Career Counseling and Private Sector Job Bank.

Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator (AVCC) -- Installation volunteers have flexibility of hours, build self-confidence, gain leadership skills and provide a service that is needed and appreciated. Your help and assistance is given to Soldiers, retirees and their Family members. Volunteer positions are tailored to your interests, skills, and hobbies.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) -- The EFMP is outlined in AR 608-75 and works in concert with other military and civilian agencies to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for medical, social, educational, community support or services for Soldiers and their Family members with special physical, emotional or intellectual needs, and chronic illnesses.

Army Family Team Building (AFTB) -- AFTB is a volunteer driven program that provides knowledge and empowerment to Army Families. The training leads to skills, abilities and behaviors that will prepare the Army Family to adapt successfully to the Army lifestyle. AFTB is a flexible modular training program and all classes can be taught separately for a Family Readiness Group's (FRG) meeting or a unit meeting.

Unit Service Coordinator (USC) -- The Army community Service, Unit Service Coordinator serves as a link between ACS and the Unit, Soldiers and Families. The USC provides subject matter "expertise" on Family support issues and services while increasing Unit awareness of services, and facilitate contact with ACS staff in order to provide greater access to programs.

Outreach Program -- The Outreach Program offers a wide variety of social, educational and recreational classes and activities at no cost. Special Classes and Activities are planned periodically and are usually geared to the interest of the Family members.

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) -- The AFAP Conference is conducted annually. This conference provides a forum for America's Army (active duty, reserve component, retirees, DOD civilians and Family members) to identify concerns that effect the quality of life, not only here at Fort Polk but throughout the Army. It determines actions necessary to resolve and improve existing Family programs, benefits and entitlements for the TOTAL ARMY FAMILY, single Soldiers, married Soldiers and Family members.

Community Action Council (CAC) -- CAC is designed to generate community spirit and pride by encouraging involvement in community activities, projects and programs while informing the community of services available. Provide a community atmosphere that fosters a total community involvement, which aids in the retention of good Soldiers.

Army Community Service (ACS) Volunteer Program -- The ACS Volunteer Program supports and lends strength to ACS programs by providing volunteer services to the installation community, while in some instances aiding to community involvement and job services and training. Positions may include English as a Second Language Instructors, Administrative Assistants, Office Receptionists, Clerical Assistants, Lending Locker Assistants, Financial Instructors, Relocation Instructors, Counselors and Clerks, Army Family Team Building Instructors, Information and Referral Assistants, Victim Advocates, and Skill Development Class Instructors.  ACS volunteers are the most talented and valuable assets we have.

For more information you may wish to visit the ACS website, Phone 1-800-241-1071, 337-531-1941, or DSN 312-863-1941.