Finding Assistance: A Challenge for Deployed Families
The hardest thing for most people to do is to admit we need help. We are trained from a very early age that self-sufficiency is the key to success in our society. Clearly, this is one of the things that makes America, and Americans, so successful. However, when it comes to families that are coping with the hardship of a missing spouse for 15-20 months, help is almost always required at some point. Still, in speaking with families VRC has assisted, the first thing we usually hear is: "I really did not want to ask for help".
There are many organizations and individuals that are both able and willing to help our military families. Churches, the VFW, American Legion, Scouts… the list goes on and on. Professionals like lawyers, plumbers and financial planners also are willing to donate time and services in response to the unique sacrifices our families make. So, if we have families in need and many willing to help, all should be well, right? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The fact is that those willing to help are often unaware that the families need help because there has been no mechanism to connect the two parties. Until now.
One of the major functions that the FamilyCenter performs is linking needful families with available resources. We serve as a broker of services and assistance so that our families can get well and stay well. During the last year, we have built an impressive portfolio of resources and knowledge. Now we need the families to step and say: "I need help!” Without that key step, there is nothing we can do, because we are unaware of the need.
I urge you, if you know a family that needs help, contact us. If you are a wife or husband of a deployed military member, contact us. As someone once said: "We encourage you to take advantage, because these advantages are put there for the taking by those who need them"