Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst  Military and Family Support Center

Family Deployment Support

The Military and Family Support Center Hearts Apart program offers support to family members who are currently experiencing a 30-day or more separation due to deployment, remote tour or temporary duty or who may have a deployment, remote tour or TDY in the future. 

The Hearts Apart program provides a supportive setting for activities, opportunities to learn about available resources and to network with each other during the absence of their service member.

The ongoing contact of a supportive group and/or a friendly gathering seems to offer the greatest comfort to those separated from their loved ones. The MFSC hosts a Hearts Apart event every other month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to include a light dinner and an activity. Coping with Separation is also offered every month to provide support and assist with identifying community resources and tips on how to maintain resiliency before, during and after a deployment. For more information, call 609-754-3154.

If your family is relocating to another area during your deployment, be sure they understand the reason for the separation. Be certain that your spouse and older children are aware of your financial system: bills, checkbook, lock boxes, bonds and insurance. Be sure that all identification cards are valid. Check that the automobile your spouse will be using is in good repair and that all registrations and licenses are current. You may want to check into getting a general power of attorney or a special power of attorney for your spouse.

Military Family Life Consultants Program

The Military Family Life Consultants Program is a program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to service members and their families before, during and after a deployment. The MFLCs roles are to:

• Provide confidential and private services
• Offer short-term situational problem solving and counseling for individuals, couples and families
• Understand the military life cycle and the impact that deployment and reintegration have on families
• Serve as a liaison between military and local resources

The MFSC offers Hearts Apart events and deployment support workshops as well as many other resources for deployed families.