1. www.blissmwr.com West Fort Bliss:
Bldg Ricker Road –
250 & 248 Club Road –
Building 241 Sheridan Road –
Building 887 Marshall Road –
East Fort Bliss:
Building 478 – AER –
Building 479 – ACS –
When beginning the ACS Overview, please review each location and the programs at each one:
2494 Ricker Road – I&R, Relo, AVC, FAP, ERP, FRP, AER, EFMP
250 Club Road – This is the Family Resilience Center which is located between the outdoor swimming pool and the tennis courts, one block west of Building 2. Programs/trainings at this location or FRG Liaison, some of NPSP classes, ERP, AFTB, Care Team training, ASIST training and Resilience training.
248 Club Road – This is where the NPSP Home Visitor is located.
241 Sheridan Road – new location of SOS
887 Marshall Road – SFAC location
Biggs building 478 – AER
Biggs building 479 – Mobilization & Deployment but you also have 3 computers available for public use, fax machine and copies can be requested.
REMIND THEM Building 478 & 479 are scheduled to move by May 1st to a location closer to SGT MAJOR BLVD.
Overview and Information

2. ACS Mission – AR 608-1 The mission of the ACS Center is to:
Facilitate commander’s ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and responsive services that support readiness of Soldiers, civilian employees and their Families.
Maximize technology and resources, adapt to unique installation requirements, eliminate duplication in service delivery, and measure service effectiveness.
B.L.U.F. – Provide comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services which support readiness of Soldiers, civilian employees and their Family members.

3. Who We Serve
All 5 Services – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard
Reserve and Guard Components – on Active Duty
Retirees
Survivors
Service Members’ Family members (ID Card Holders)
DoD Civilians
B.L.U.F. – Provide comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services which support readiness of Soldiers, civilian employees and their Family members.

4. ACS Programs Army Emergency Relief Army Family Action Plan
Army Family Team Building
Army Volunteer Corps
Employment Readiness Program
Exceptional Family Member Program
Family Advocacy Program
Financial Readiness Program
Information, Referral & Follow Up
Military Family Life Consultants
Mobilization & Deployment
Relocation Readiness
Single Parent Liaison
Soldier & Family Assistance Center
Survivor Outreach Services
Additional Trainings
ACS is the civilian backbone to the Military! Why? ALL of our services are FREE and clients attending any of our classes during the normal duty day can receive FREE childcare, as long as the child is enrolled with CYS for hourly care.
Remember to affiliate FREE with ACS!

5. Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Non-receipt of pay or allowances
Lack of basic necessities-food, rent, utilities
Initial deposit & rent; mortgage
Travel expenses for emergency leave
Travel funds for Relocation
Furniture
Purchase/repair of stove or refrigerator
Repair of HVAC
AER’s Mission: “To collect and hold funds and to relieve distress of personnel of the Army of the United States and their dependents.” Certificate of Incorporation, 3 March 1942.
AER’s Operations: Private, not for profit, charitable organization to provide interest-free loans or grants to those who qualify.
Who is eligible? Active Duty Soldiers & Family members; Army National Guard & Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty over 30 days and their Family members; Retirees & Family members; Surviving Spouses and Orphans.
(after duty hours)
AER does not cover: Ordinary leave or vacations; pay fines or legal expenses; liquidate or consolidate debt; purchase home or home improvements; purchase, rent or lease vehicle; cover bad checks, pay credit card bills.
Commander’s Referral Program – This program allows the Commander or 1SG to approve up to $1500 assistance. The completed application will be review by the AER Counselor to determine eligibility. A Commander’s Referral loan must be repaid within a 15 month period and another Commander’s Referral can not be approved as long as there is a current one being paid. No more than 2 assists within a 12 month period can be authorized. The requested amount and the current balance can not exceed $2500. Repayment must be by allotment and prior to ETS date and Soldier can not be on the Restricted List. Assistance under this category will always be as a loan, no grants. AER Counselor will inform Commander/1SG of final disposition.
Spouses requesting assistance must have a Power of Attorney (POA), military ID card, LES, substantiating documents. Local policy requires spouse to have Soldier’s COC to sign the AER application.
Survivors Assistance Support – assistance in form of grants; applies to widows of active and retired Soldiers; monthly financial aid program; for surviving spouses & families of Soldiers who die on active duty – Free lifetime membership in Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC).
What is AFSC? Partnership between AER & AFSC; AER pays for lifetime premiums; Casualty Assistance Officer informs families of services; annual printout depicting benefits and entitlements – VA, SS, DIC and SBP.
Wounded Warriors - $200 check; spend at Soldier’s discretion (miscellaneous comfort items); provided by AER Officers at Various locations; while soldiers are hospitalized.

6. Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Child Car Seats
Cranial Helmets
Funeral expenses
Medical / Dental
Essential POV repairs or payments
Survivor Assistance
Scholarship Programs—Children & Spouses
Additional Authorized assists are listed on this slide.
Children’s Scholarships – Based on financial need, academics & leadership/achievement for each academic year; GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; full time undergraduate students; dependents of a Soldier on Federal Active Duty, a retiree, or a deceased active or retired Soldier.
Spouse Scholarship Program – Spouse/widow must be enrolled, accepted, or pending acceptance as full time student; based on financial need, as evidenced by income, assets, family size, special financial obligations & circumstances. Scholarships are awarded annually for up to 4 academic years.
NOT AN ENTITLEMENT OR AUTOMATICALLY APPROVED.

7. Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)
29 Years of Success – 683 issues (Pay increase, dental, Tricare, SGLI, BAH allowances, educational opportunities & more.)
Local annual conference to identify & prioritize Soldier & Family issues
Assist Army leadership in reshaping
the Army
AFAP supports the Soldiers through the Army Force Generation Model (ARFORGEN) and unit commanders by identifying concerns. Supports restoration of balance by improving predictable standardized services and programs across the Army.
AFAP supports the Family: The Army’s primary tool communicating to leadership issues of importance for Soldiers, Family members, retirees, and DA civilians. People’s perspective of adjustments and improvements that will increase recruitment, retention and work-life satisfaction.
AFAP supports the Leader: Demonstrates that Army leadership cares about the people who make up our Army Family. Makes our Army a better place to live and work.
Evolution of AFAP: Spouse action groups at Army garrisons and commands identified Family concerns. First national symposia ( ) identified HQDA level Family issues.
First Army sponsored HQDA AFAP Conference held in July AFAP General Officer Steering Committee (GOSC) established in 1984 as the result of an AFAP issue.
AFAP evolved into a 3-level, grass roots process to identify and resolve issues at installation, mid-level (Command), and HQDA. Current guidelines are in AR
AFAP involves all demographic groups & addresses a wide range of quality of life topics.
Grass Roots Process: AFAP Issue Submission at garrison level, pushed to mid-level and then to HQDA level. New issues are added and Army Staff works issues In Process Review.
Diversity of HQDA AFAP Issues
High visibility/wide impact issues – TRICARE for Life & Distribution of MGIB Benefits to Dependents.
Low cost issues w/a high quality of life return: Convicted Sex Offender Registry OCONUS; Family Care Plan Provider Access to Installations; Creation of Family Readiness Groups.
Time/relevant issues: Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Military Medical Centers; Eligibility for Surviving Spouses Educational Benefits.
Issues that create parallels to civilian standards of living: In-state College Tuition; Audio/Video Surveillance in Childcare Centers.
Costly, impractical, unsupported issues are declared unattainable: Relocation of Pets from OCONUS – Lack of support; Retirement Dislocation Allowance – Costly.
AFAP Team – Delegates, Facilitators, Issue Support, Recorders & Transcribers, Observers & Administration Staff, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
What we ask of you – gather issues; comply with taskings set forth; provide delegates; support opportunities for your personnel to follow AFAP through the levels.

8. Army Family Team Building (AFTB)
Level I – Army Basics
Level II – Personal Development
Level III- Professional Growth & Leadership Skills
AFTB Mission Statement: To educate and train America’s Army in a wide variety of knowledge, skills, and behaviors designed to make them more self-reliant…and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
What is AFTB? Training to enhance personal and family readiness of the Army; helping families reach their maximum potential; contributing to Soldier Readiness, Performance, Retention and Recruiting.
Reasons to attend classes: learn new skills; gain self-confidence & independence; handle deployments; lead unit & community organizations; promotion points for Soldiers
Reasons for Active Duty Support: The Army mission & Family mission are interrelated. Leaders must promote self-sufficient Families through information & encouragement.
Classes at Fort Bliss are held during the day, evening and on Saturdays. Unit instruction upon request.
What can you do? Post AFTB Schedule & Flyers; AFTB presentation at FRG meeting; appoint AFTB POC; schedule a unit class; be an advocate; encourage & enable AFTB instructors and Master Trainers to support your local AFTB program.

9. Army Volunteer Corps (AVC)
Volunteer Recruitment/Placement:
Fort Bliss—FRGs, VITA and more!
El Paso – Candelighters, Miracle League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more!
Volunteer Management Training
Professional Development
Installation Volunteer Awards
Manage the Volunteer Management Information System –
Like Us Facebook: Fort Bliss Volunteers
The AVC provides placement opportunities for volunteers based on interest and agency needs.
The Fort Bliss AVC assists volunteer organizations with recruitment, training and guidance for volunteer recognition.
Joining the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps enables you to gain valuable work experience while helping others.
Volunteering is important to the installation because it adds value to nonprofits; strengthens our community; it’s worth millions to the Fort Bliss Community.
Volunteers support the installation mission in a variety of capacities such as: coaches, office assistants, FRG leaders, program assistants, and much more. Volunteers are required to be registered in the central database, the Volunteer Management Information System at as well as reporting hours each month.
Prospective volunteers are required to attend the Installation Volunteer Orientation to learn about installation volunteer policies and to gain understanding of the volunteer process.
The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps provides numerous recognition opportunities for volunteers who make a positive impact in our community because we believe “Recognition is Retention”
Examples of recognition opportunities are as follows: Helping Hand Award, Volunteer of the Quarter and National Volunteer Week Awards and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, given to Soldiers based on the impact within the community and worth 15 Promotion Points.
Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps also offers Professional Development Training and Volunteer Management Classes: Volunteer Management 101, Award Writing Workshop, Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator, What’s My Communication Style and Teambuilding Activities.
The Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps program is a one stop shop for all things volunteering. Contact them for all your volunteering needs. “Change the World , Volunteer.

10. Employment Readiness Program (ERP)
Career planning assistance
Employment Information
Develop and use job search skills
Resource Library
Employment Workshops
Hiring Fairs
Workforce Solutions
Attire for Hire Program
The purpose of the Employment Readiness Program is to enable military Family members to relocate more readily; provide information and employment, education & volunteer opportunities; assist participants in planning careers that are compatible with the mobile military lifestyle; teach participants how to develop & use job search skills & strategies; connect spouses with employer, business professional & support networks
Some of the services we provide: Career Coaching; Resource Library; Weekly Job Postings ; Access to the Work in Texas Job Bank; Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP); Attire for Hire; Partnership with Workforce Solutions (in house); Special Programs – Home Business. We also assist with Basic and Federal Resume. We have 7 Computers, 1 Fax Machine / 1 Copier for participant use.
Some of the workshops we provide: Writing a Winning Resume; Ten Steps to a Federal Job; Ace your next Job Interview; Jumpstart your Job Search; Creating Connections: Networking to Get Working!; Career Exploration & Planning; How to Mobilize Your Home Business. Free childcare voucher available for participants.
We host two hiring fairs a year only for DOD ID card holders.
Attire for Hire: We have business attire (free) for individuals that may need clothes to go on an interview.
The first step is to register for our Employment Orientation (915) The orientation is held every Monday and Wednesday (must call to register).

11. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Mandatory program – Army Regulation – Must be updated every 3 years
Medical, Psychological or Educational needs
Information and Referral / Educational Resources
Support Groups / Recreational Activities
Systems Navigation Services
Respite Care
EFMP is to ensure services are available at your new duty station for your Family members. Some examples: depression, autism, diabetes and also for children who have a 504/Individualized Education plan at school.
You are only required to update EFM status if you have enrolled a Family member into the program. EFMP is NOT connected to DEERS and if not updated every 3 years, you will not fall out of the data base, but you will show delinquent and this will interfere with your reassignment.
Enrollment WILL NOT effect your career (promotion or attending schools); early enrollment is a guarantee that the needs of the EFM will be considered when making a new assignment; an EFM can be any age; EFMP enrollment WILL NOT guarantee Family Travel; EFMP enrollment WILL NOT guarantee you priority when requesting Family Housing. Having a Family member enrolled in EFMP does not prevent a deployment.
EFMP Medical – WBAMC handles the clinical aspect of the program: Enrollment/updates/Dis-enrollment and Overseas Deployment Screening. ACS handles the Social Services.
EFMP will link clients to civilian agencies as needed, provide support groups and family activities.
Respite Care is a service to provide a temporary rest period for Family members responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities.
Systems Navigation Services: Upon referral from the EFMP Manager, ongoing care management is provided to the Family member for the duration of their stay at Fort Bliss.

12. Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Victim Advocacy Services
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Respite Care / Emergency Housing
Support Groups
24/7 Support Services:
Domestic Violence/Child Abuse & Neglect
Sexual Assault
FAP: Prevention, Education, Intervention, Assessment & Treatment.
Victim Advocate Services: Crisis Intervention / Information & referral / Liaison between victim & unit / Transportation.
Restricted – go to hospital w/o everyone knowing. Unrestricted – COC is aware you are taking action. Assist Potential Offenders & provide guidance. No Contact Orders. Men can be victims of Domestic Violence which consist of the following types of abuse: emotional, mental, verbal and physical.
Factors affecting soldiers & families: financial pressures; temporary separations; geographic mobility; isolation/communication barriers; cultural differences; young marriages/young children; previous incidents; disabilities; family support; lack of command support; abbreviated/eliminated RIT; disabilities; job pressures/performance.
About Abuse & Domestic Violence:
Types of Abuse: Physical, Emotional/Psychological, Verbal, Sexual, Economic, Neglect, Spiritual
Forms of Abuse: Spouse/Intimate Partner, Child Abuse/Neglect, Dating Violence, Sibling Abuse, Parent Abuse, Elderly Abuse.
FAP Service & Support Education: Command & Troop
Restricted/Unrestricgted Reporting
Unit Training
Information Procedures
All Domestic Violence incidents should be reported
All Sexual Assault incidents will be reported
All Child Abuse actual/suspected will be reported – Installation RPOC – MP/MPI
Command Policy Letter
72 Hr. Cool Off & No Contact Orders/JAG
Assessment
Case Review Committee (CRC)
Treatment (ie Support groups, Psychoeducation)
Domestic Violence (DV) Pathway Reporting Options
DV UnRestricted:
Incident Occurs – Law enforcement notified (cilivian/military); Command may be notified at this point
FAPM is notified – Assigns an Instalation Victim Advocate
FAP Social Work service (WBAMC) is notified – Command may be notified at this point
FAP SWS calls family in for assessment – information is gathered from all sources
Case presented at CRC (w/in 30 days):
Met – initial, subsequent & reopened; coordinated intervention ACR; remains open until treatment or refusal concluded
Not Met
DV Pathway Restricted:
Case/incident occurs
FAPM is notified: FAP SWS is notified; Victim Advocate is assigned (Information & Safety Planning)
FAP SWS is notified: assessment, intervention & services
Chaplain may be notified
Medical needs addressed (if any)
Support Services provided
Case is annotated at the FAC
Unrestricted reporting may occur at any time.
The Sexual Assault (SA) Pathway
SA Pathway – UnRestricted:
Incident occurs (AD Member)
Law Enforcement notified (civilian/military) – SARC is notified & victim Advocate assigned
SARC is notified – assigns a victim advocate (safety planning and liaison services); coordinates victim care with SACC, SACP, and SANE
SACC & SACP are notified – SARC is notified & victim advocate assigned; medical support services occur (i.e. CMH, Medical); SANE activated
Law Enforcement engaged
Command Engaged
Chaplain Engaged
SA Pathway – Restricted
Case/Incident occurs (AD Members)
If SARC is notified: Victim Advocate is assigned (information & safety planning)
If MTF, SACC and SACP are notified: notifies SARC (advocate is assigned); medical support services provided; SANE activated
If MTF is notified – notifies SARC; Advocate assigned
Support services provided
Case is managed

13. Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
New Parent Support Program:
Parenting Classes / Home Visits / Play Groups / Pregnancy/Post Partum Visits / Child Safety / Car Seat Loaner / In-Home Assessment/Services
Child Abuse Awareness & Safety
Puppet Shows
Life Skills Classes: Stress Management, Anger Management, Marriage Enrichment
Adolescent Program: Anger Management
NPSP: Not just new Parent classes; Healthy Kids Classes, Baby Care 101, Expectant Sibling Classes. Home Visits – like Super Nanny. NPSP is not Child Protective Services but they do work with CPS. Purpose of Home Visits is to see how the child is doing in their home environment. Play Groups – children from 0-4 and 5 years to Teen Age (?????). Car Seat Loaner & Inspection: FAP is certified to provide inspections – height & age – Booster Seat.
Adolescent Program: Children 11 and up. Topics of classes: Bullying, Dating Violence, Anger Management, Support Groups
FAP will begin having workshops under the name of Teen Talk in The anger management program is a certified program in which many have to have it titled that way for the court and legal systems. State mandates that we have that in the listing as to have it clear for those that need the program. Many need the program for court order etc.

14. Financial Readiness Program (FRP)
Personal Financial Coaching
Financial Education
Consumer Credit Counseling
Consumer Affairs
Emergency Food Vouchers
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance
Financial Education offers 9 classes ranging from Car Buying, Understanding Credit, Budget Counseling, and Home Buying.
Service Members Civil Relief Act – this pertains to debt PRIOR to joining the Army. Contact the individual Creditor and ask them to reduce your interest rate to 6%. Remember, debt acquired prior to joining the Army.
CCC representative is on site Tuesday – Friday who will help resolve Credit Report Problems. Soldiers who are about to lose their clearance due to their Credit Report need to see Philip at ACS and if you utilize CCC off post, they will charge you a fee. Confidential Personal Budget Counseling; Debt Management Program.
Consumer Affairs – Ruth will work as your Advocate to help resolve issues you have with a business. For example: you purchased furniture and the contract indicates if the furniture breaks down within 12 months, it will be replaced for FREE. The business decides not to honor their contract and this is when you would contact Ruth who will then begin working with the business to help resolve the situation. Once she begins working as your Advocate, the client will be asked to NOT continue speaking with the business. IF the situation is not resolved, Ruth will advise Legal of the unresolved issue and the business may be blacklisted.

15. Information, Referral & Follow-Up
Face of Army Community Service
Information & Referral – Resource File
Public Computers
Fax services, copy machine and public phones
Marketing ACS Programs
The Information & Referral program is the first program you meet when visiting Army Community Service. We serve as the 4-11 of Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community. We are responsible for having the most up-to-date information our Soldiers and Families need regarding the area. Upon entering ACS we will ask you for a current ID and assess your needs. We will then refer you to a program within ACS or into the Fort Bliss community, if need be. We offer other wonderful services at the front desk, such as sending and receiving faxes or a copy machine. There is a 20 page limit per day per machine. We are also able to notarize simple documents. Please do not sign the document before coming to ACS. It must be signed in the presence of the Notary public. A public phone with DSN capability is available, as well, to our customers. We are also pleased to share our computer room with 15 computers that have CAC accessibility, Internet access and printing capabilities, limit 20 printed pages. Our computer room also have Wi-Fi connectivity. The information & referral program is also responsible for marketing ACS programs and services and does so several ways. We can come out and provide an ACS overview briefing or host an information table at one of your events. We also host an ACS open house twice a year at ACS to promote our awesome programs and services. An ACS Facebook page posts the most current events going on at ACS. We can also send you the ACS monthly calendar via . There are many, many, ways to receive ACS information and we are the program to ask.

16. Military & Family Life Consultants
Services are CONFIDENTIAL, FREE, and with NO RECORDS KEPT. Duty to warn does apply in case of threat to self, others, and any reportable abuse issues. Flexible appointment times and locations are available. ACS MFLCs Storefront MFLCs (915) (915) (915) (800) (915)
Licensed Therapists. There are MFLCs through the school system and are embedded in the units. An MFLC can meet with you 12x PER ISSUE! They can meet with you anywhere except in your car or at your home. The Storefront MFLC’s are for Guard, Reserves, Training Range, McGregor Range and also fill in as needed within the Brigades.

17. Military & Family Life Consultants
Embedded MFLC's:
1-1 BDE:
3-1 BDE:
4-1 BDE:
11th ADA:
1st CAB:
15th Sustainment:
Licensed Therapists. There are MFLCs through the school system and are embedded in the units. An MFLC can meet with you 12x PER ISSUE! They can meet with you anywhere except in your car or at your home. The Storefront MFLC’s are for Guard, Reserves, Training Range, McGregor Range and also fill in as needed within the Brigades.

18. Military & Family Life Consultants
DoDea MFLC’s: Bliss Elementary: Milam Elementary: Nixon Elementary: Logan Elementary:
Child/Youth MFLC’s:
Licensed Therapists. There are MFLCs through the school system and are embedded in the units. An MFLC can meet with you 12x PER ISSUE! They can meet with you anywhere except in your car or at your home. The Storefront MFLC’s are for Guard, Reserves, Training Range, McGregor Range and also fill in as needed within the Brigades.

19. Mobilization & Deployment
Flight Support
Reintegration Briefings
FRSA Trainings
SRRC Support
Pre-Deployment Briefings
Rear Detachment Commander Training
Family Readiness Group Training
Family Assistance Center
Care Team Training
This program is designed to help Soldiers & Family members prepare for deployment & mobilization and continue support to Families while Soldier is deployed.
Classes offered are: Pre-Deployment Briefing – assist Families in preparing for successful adjustment to the deployment; Reunion/Reintegration Briefing – helps Soldiers & Families transition from deployment to reunion; and, Care Team Training – Volunteers selected by battalion Commander are trained to provide assistance to spouses & Families who have lost a Soldier due to combat or have a severely injured Soldier who was MEDIVAC’ed to home station. Care Team members will provide assistance with food preparation, childcare, transportation, and other administrative tasks.
FAC – serves as a central point during a disaster or mobilization/deployment and is activated at the discretion of the Commanding General. The FAC will provide essential Family services, referrals and counseling.
Rear Detachment Training: ACS offers this mandatory training to all commanders and Rear Detachment Commanders during the week long Unit CDRs Course (UCC) & RDC Course quarterly. ACS programs such as Family Advocacy etc brief as well as FRG, FRSA, RDC Functions, MFLCs, and Care Team.
FRG / Care Team - FRG Leader, Key caller, and Treasurer training is conducted at the FRC monthly. Contact them at
FAC training is conducted quarterly at the main ACS Bldg # 2494 primarily for ACS staff and volunteers. Community Resources, Force Protection, and Active shooter training is conducted all in a three hour block . Commanders and FRSAs, and FRGs volunteers are welcome to attend.
SRRC (Soldier Resiliency & Readiness Center): ACS MOB DEP provides support to all units processing through the SRRC Site by providing information and FAIS sheets. Information on ACS programs is then sent out via a letter to spouses and or dependants.
FRSA trainings are conducted quarterly for all new FRSAs recently assigned.

20. Relocation Readiness Newcomer’s Orientation & El Paso Driving Tours
Sponsorship Training
People Encourage People - PEP
Lending Closet
English as a 2nd Language (ESL) & Spanish Classes
Pre-Move Counseling
Multi-Cultural Outreach
Citizenship Immigration Officer – Wednesdays
Waiting Families – Hearts Apart
Newcomers Orientation is a mandatory class for all new Soldiers E8 and below and MAJ’s and below, spouses are definitely invited to attend. Free child care is provided for those registered with the CDC.
Driving Tours of Fort Bliss, WBAMC, East Bliss and the El Paso Community
Sponsorship Training is provided to unit trainers so they may train a pool of Soldiers qualified to act as sponsors.
PEP is a 3-day Newcomers Orientation geared towards spouses. First day is ACS information & other community agencies; 2nd day is a tour of Fort Bliss to include Biggs Army Airfield and WBMAC; and, a tour throughout El Paso; the 3rd day is a trip to Mesilla, New Mexico.
ESL and Spanish classes are offered but you need to contact ACS for further information.(PENDING BUDGET)
Pre-Move Counseling is provided through Military Homefront by producing a packet on your new duty station.
Multi-Cultural Outreach fostering community support for multi-cultural families-Monthly Luncheons
The USCIS has an information office at the main ACS building who will answer questions, provide and review application packet at no cost.
Waiting Families/Hearts Apart – you qualify if you separated from your Soldier due to a deployment or geographically separated. Resources are available to help cope with the separation and how to maintain the long distance relationship. There is a free dinner once a month and other activities.

21. Single Parent Liaison
Links Single Parent Military, DA Civilians, & Retirees with educational support services
Encourages parents awareness of Child’s need for educational support services
Encourage parent involvement with educational services & programs
Identify support service needs of the single parents within the Fort Bliss & El Paso community
New program to Ft. Bliss, benchmark for the Army. Program is focused on identifying Single Parents to encourage them to maintain a sense of belonging to the Ft. Bliss community. Afford Single Parents the same opportunities that are afforded to Families and Single Soldiers.
These Soldiers are in a separate category and may have a feeling that they don’t belong; they aren’t considered a Family since they are a one parent household and they are not Single Soldiers because they have Children. Therefore, BOSP is here to assist Single Parents in realizing their importance in our Army Family. They have their own niche in the Ft. Bliss community.
Assist Single Parents in maintaining a positive involvement in their Child’s education. Identify roadblocks faced by Single Parents and make every effort to alleviate those roadblocks. Refer to appropriate agencies as needed, such as CYSS, TriCare, DoDDS, School’s Liaison, other agencies to include Ft. Bliss, El Paso area, Civilian, State and City.

22. Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC)
Military Benefits/Benefits Counseling
Education/Employment Assistance & Counseling
Financial Counseling
Information & Referral
Family Services
Transition and Retirement Services
ADA Compliant
Call for assistance.
The SFAC is a one stop shop for the Wounded Warrior and their Family members to take care of all their needs in one place. Services available are: CYS, Social Services Assistant (ASAP), Education Services (ACES), Military Human Resource (HR) Specialist, Army Career & Alumni Program (ACAP), Pastoral Service, Army Wounded Warrior Program, Traumatic Service Members Group Life Insurance (TSGLI).
TSGLI helps eligible severely injured Soldiers & their Families. Provides short-term compensation for eligible traumatically injured Soldiers & their Families. Offers free financial counseling from recipients financial point of view.
To be a AW2 Soldiers must: served in US Army (Active Duty, National Guard or Reserve); suffer from injuries or illness incurred after 10Sep2001 in support of the Global War on Terrorism; receive or is expected to receive a 30% rating for one or more injuries rated by the physical Disability Evaluation System in categories such as: loss of vision/blindness; loss limb; spinal cord injury paralysis/permanent disfigurement; severe burns; traumatic brain injury; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; any condition requiring extensive hospitalization or multiple surgeries.

23. Survivor Outreach Services
Our Purpose is to deliver on the Army’s commitment to Families of the Fallen by:
Expand and improve services to Survivors
Support Groups, mailings, phone calls, newsletters
Programs such as grief camps for kids, adult retreats, and other activities, memorials, and events
Provide training to units and promote program awareness
Financial Planning; Investment Education & Counseling
Mission of SOS: “Embrace and reassure Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family through a unified support program that enables them to remain an important part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.” (Emphasize continually & as long as they desire.)
SOS serves: Primary & Secondary Next of Kin to include spouse, children, parents, siblings, and other Family members, but we have also assisted extended Family. SOS works closely with the Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) and the CAC Benefits Coordinator to ensure everything is processed for the Survivor Family.
SOS provides training to units, care teams, CAO’s and other agencies to ensure Families of Fallen Heroes are being taken care of. We ensure Families are receiving the respect they deserve by improving responsiveness and streamlining support to Survivors. For example, SOS issues a SOS Vehicle Decal that allows Families to enter onto any Army installation and here at Fort Bliss we have a designated parking space at the Commissary and PX for Survivor Families.
Financial Planning is provided to assist the Survivor in navigating through the complex decisions of managing their money.

24. Additional Trainings
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – Suicide First Aid – not to make you a professional. Will cover Warning Signs, Risk factors, Statistics, and Myths & Facts about Suicide
Master Resilience Training (MRT) – Teaching Spouses, Civilians, and Contractors how to handle adversity
ACS Trainings – Instructor Training Course, Briefer Training Course & Facilitator Training Course
ASIST – This is a 2 day class and you must be available for both days. It is a very intense and emotional training but you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of an at-risk person & how to conduct an intervention with them. During the class you will see simulations and participate in role-playing. A briefing about the training can be provided to FRGs and Units.
Master Resilience Training (MRT) – Teaching Spouses, Civilians, and Contractors how to handle adversity. Develop critical thinking, knowledge, and skills to overcome challenges, mature, and bounce back from adversity. Students will improve their readiness; develop confidence to lead; courage to stand up for one’s beliefs; compassion to help others; improve communication and listening skills; build stronger relationships; and, maximize their potential. This training is all about YOU!
Army Community Service Instructor Training Course (ITC). Briefer Training Course (BTC), and Facilitator Training Course (FTC) – These trainings are available to prepare ACS Staff and Volunteers to teach standardized classes, brief ACS programs, and facilitate groups as needed. Students will understand the needs of learners and develop skills to ensure their success on the platform.

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