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JB MDL receives $1 million grant to aid exceptional family members

  • Published
  • By Lisa Evans
  • Army Support Activity Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  A $1 million grant was awarded to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst recently to provide assistance to military family members with disabilities.
The grant coincides with the "Year of the Air Force Family," during which the Air Force has set out to examine and improve the quality of services for those who are part of the Air Force family. 

"Our goal is to enrich the lives of those living and working on the joint base, especially since it has a direct impact on mission capabilities. We couldn't be more pleased with the news we'll be able to provide even more to our exceptional family members," said the 87th Mission Support Group commander, Col. Michael Carrell. 

"We're reaching beyond the traditional programs and taking a more encompassing approach through the quality of service we currently offer. This grant will go a long way toward that endeavor," the group commander said. 

The Family Support 360 for Military Families grant was awarded to six military bases by the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services, according to Ms. Teresa Barrow, Air Force Family Policies and Programs. 

JB-MDL will team up with New Jersey's Parent Training Information Center Project and use the grant to provide direct, intensive services to military families from birth to age 25 with developmental disabilities, said Peg Kinsell, SPAN's Director of Public Policy. 

Kinsell said the funding of up to $200,000 assistance per year can go toward education about the joint base's existing exceptional family member services as well as further assisting parents with planning and other needs, such as easing the stress of moving. 

"Moving is the problem, with different criteria and eligibilities for each state. Medicaid, education, etc., - they might have the same programs, but with different names and state requirements. These are definite barriers for military families who move around so often," Kinsell said.

JB-MDL is planning a parent meeting to get ideas from the families needing assistance to help set the priorities for the project, said Exceptional Family Program Manager Bonnie Reed. 

Feedback from those who are affected by the services is an essential component to enriching the lives of those who are part of the Air Force family.

"As we continue to celebrate the 'Year of the Air Force Family' throughout the Air Force, JB MDL has expanded that initiative to be the 'Year of the Military Family;' and this grant definitely supports their efforts," said Gregg Clark, deputy director of Manpower, Personnel and Services, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.