Sponsorship

To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources that can help newcomers master their move. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, which may include:

• 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. Make sure to check with your service branch for sponsor training requirements.

Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to:

• 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 Military and Family Support Center.

Sponsorship is also available for youth. Installation youth sponsorship programs help military-connected youth make a successful transition to a new community. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs/centers provide information and materials on programs and services available at their new location. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online with other youth. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on installation youth sponsorship programs.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center.

You may contact the battalion S-1 office at 224-538-3545. Soldier & Family Assistance Office 224-538-3513 - helps with relocation/TRICARE/EFMP.  The battalion is open for services Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  No weekends or holidays. 

What a sponsor will do for you: Welcome the new Soldier and their family and provide transportation from the local airport if required; orient you to the local area and military services such as Naval Station Great Lakes and all the facilities such as the commissary, PX, fitness center, hospitals and clinics. Your sponsor will be able to advise you on the best locations to find suitable housing in the best school districts for your family. You may not be housed on the naval base so your sponsor will help you find key places in the local community such as where to shop, set up all your utilities and major landmarks. Your sponsor will direct you to the battalion staff that can assist you with any issues concerning your relocation.  The battalion staff and your company leadership are here to ensure that your transition to this new and exciting assignment is seamless.

Please contact the Soldier & Family Assistance Office 224-538-3513 for help with Government Leased Housing Program or base Privatized Housing.