Chaplain Lee shared the basics of the "Partners in Care" program to a nation of Faith community leaders in a teleconference led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Joshua Dubois (White House Director of Faith/Neighborhood Partnerships) regarding the Joining Forces Initiative .
He explained the program evolved from the recognition that National Guard citizen-soldiers and their families were integral to the communities in which they worked their civilian positions and lived in the neighborhoods close to and far from their military installations. A development of a partnership between the Guard Bureau Chaplains' office and local faith communities empowers the families, the citizen-soldier and the Chaplain's outreach. You can find information on the program and support materials at Maryland NGB "Partners In Care" and the Association of United States Army Publication "In addition to solely state- and professional-level initiatives, a number of states have partnered with community agencies to secure the safety net surrounding Soldiers and their families. For example, the Maryland National Guard developed a service called Partners in Care, a network of faith-based organizations whose volunteers provide practical services for Soldiers and their families. Delaware, Illinois and Montana also offer Partners in Care networks, and the concept is moving across the Army National Guard. A directory for unit leaders is maintained by the Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) Chaplains’ office in conjunction with participating churches. The directory is distributed to commanders of all units and identifies available services, locations and points of contact to help the commander refer the Soldier or family to an appropriate agency or professional. The participating congregation offers support to all referred Soldiers and families within the limits of the congregation’s resources and abilities. Services include counseling, education and mentoring, emergency food, clothing, household and auto repairs, housing and transportation. " Types of Services Offered through Partners in Care* This is an example list limited with availability varying by congregations. .
In the NewsPartners in Care sign 68th Congregation
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What is "Partners in Care"?It is an initiative of the Maryland National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ-MD) Chaplain's Office. The purpose of this initiative was to initially coordinate support for the Maryland National Guard Members and families through partnerships with local faith communities.
Who can become a partner?All faith communities are welcome to participate as "Partners in Care" congregations.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the JFHQ Chaplain in your state and a representative of the participating congregation formalizes the relationship. The MOU defines the purpose, scope and nature of the partnership. Support is offered by the participating congregation to all referred warriors and families within the limits of congregational resources and abilities, and free of charge without regard to the recipient's religious affiliation. How are connections made?Referrals of NG members and familes to "Partners in Care" congregations are made through the coordinated effort of the Commanders and Units, NG Family Readiness Office and the JFHQ Chaplain Office.
Guardsmen and families are encouraged to participate in and access their own faith community, if affiliated. Referral to a "Partner in Care" congregation by the NG in no way implies endorsement of a particular religion by the NG. What is a "Partner in Care" congregation responsible to provide?Participating congregations agree to provide their state NG with a current list of supportive services offered, as well as congregational point of contact (POC) for coordination and communication of information, referrals and support.
What is the responsibility of the National Guard contacts?The NG partner will agree to terms in the covenant and to provide training and information to congregations as appropriate to facilitate success of the partnership
The programIt is recognized and understood that NG citizen soldiers and their families ar integral parts of local communities across the state they serve and live. These citizen soldiers an their families endure the stress incumbent upon those who sacrifice in service to the defense of liberty and the safety and security of both State and Nation. It is further recognized and understood that within the communities are congregations uniquely equipped and able to provide faith-based support to National Guard members and families in times of crisis, stress and need. To that end "Partners in Care" exists.
How can I find out if my state has a "Partners in Care Program"?There currently are existing programs in other states to include Illinois, Missouri, Montant, Oregon, and Delaware. If there is not a program in your state, feel free to contact Chaplain Lee for guidelines. We encourage you participate in this worthy program!
Links to current Partners in Care ProgramsIf your state does not currently have a Partner in Care program, you are urged to take the steps to get it launched.
Links for the Partners in Care on Right Side
Other important linksFamily Readiness Programs
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