Marine Corps Community Services
Life in the military is challenging in many ways, especially when it comes to adjusting to new geographical locations. Service members and their families come from a myriad of places around the country and around the globe.
What does this mean when you move to MCAS Cherry Point? It means you must adjust to a completely new environment, everything from the local climate, to the new small town flavor of the local community, to the local cuisine and hundreds of differences from what you were used to at other installations.
Sometimes the difficulty of the adjustments is compounded by separation from parents, siblings or other family support. Sometimes it’s just the task of making new friends in a strange new world.
Veterans of these relocations will tell you that there are “up” sides to these moves that are often overlooked by younger, new military families. Most of these up sides can be summed up in one word – opportunity – because they have learned that everymilitary move is full of new opportunities.
This is where Marine Corps Community Services comes in. Just as our name suggests, we are here to serve the entire Marine Corps and Naval community aboard the installation. This includes both active duty and retired military personnel and their families. Plus, many of our services are also available to federally employed civilians as well.
We serve as the complete source of programs, events and services designed to make life more enjoyable while serving your country. It is our mission to “Enrich the lives of our military community by providing consistent, high quality programs, services and facilities that promote healthy lifestyles and improve morale, readiness and retention.” The Marine Corps has long been known as a dedicated and disciplined force in readiness; and MCCS helps our Marines and sailors to continue in this tradition by supporting families, offering quality off duty entertainment and providing health and fitness opportunities.
Let’s take a closer look at what your MCCS has to offer you and your family:
Semper Fit Department
Marine Corps Community Services is proud of its many programs offered by the Semper Fit Department. This department includes all of our health and fitness programs for adults and youths, the gyms, aquatics, community recreation and the Semper Fit Center.
The Athletics Division coordinates a variety of sports including basketball, softball, baseball, rugby and volleyball. Many of Cherry Point’s teams travel to competitions and have earned first place titles in various competitive sporting events. You and your family have a comprehensive collection of exceptional athletic fields to choose from to include: rugby, football, volleyball and baseball complete with lights, bleachers and restrooms. Any of our military members can use our fields, courts and other facilities.
The massive Marine Dome is capable of hosting three basketball games simultaneously with a volleyball court, two racquetball courts, speed bags and heavy boxing bags. The men’s locker room has a steam room and sauna, and the women’s locker room has a sauna. Several Armed Forces Volleyball and Basketball Championships are also hosted in the Marine Dome.
The Youth Sports Division provides the children of our military members a positive introduction to sports through individual and team sport opportunities with an emphasis on learning, participating and fun. Clinics and camps are led by qualified instructors that enable a child to better themselves in their sport. Orientations to parents on appropriate attitudes and behaviors as parents and spectators are given before each sport. Youth sports leagues include basketball, indoor soccer and junior golf. Instructional courses include basketball rookies, Challenger British Soccer Camps, parent/child golf clinics, Hook-a-Kid on God (Tee & Gree Levels) Clinics, Cheer Camp and Tennis 1-2-3. Start Smart Programs are offered for baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis.
The Single Marine Program, also an integral part of the Semper Fit Department, is a very active program aimed at giving our single Marines and sailors a variety of ways to spend their free time. From football and ice skating trips, to pool and chess tournaments, you never know what’s coming up. This program is housed in Cunningham’s.
Cunningham Recreation Center is a unique, multifaceted center where our patrons can eat a delicious meal at Clausen’s Pizza, Wings and More, enjoy a cold one in Pappy’s Bar and Grill or enjoy one of our many forms of entertainment including video games, big screen televisions, internet computers, billiards and more. Though an all ranks facility, Cunningham Recreation Center is targeted for the enjoyment of our enlisted Marines and sailors who are E-5 and below. There are DJs on the weekends and outrageous holiday parties throughout the year. Cunningham Recreation Center is also conveniently located to Marines living in the barracks.
Adjacent to Cunningham’s, the Single Marine program provides the Extreme Outdoor Park, considered to be one of the best in the Marine Corps. The Extreme Outdoor Park consists of a skate park, paintball complex, two beach volleyball courts, a professional horse shoe pit, a pavilion, a large deck with PA system and two outside TVs.
The Aquatics Division is the home to three swimming pools, one indoor pool and two outdoor pools, and provides a well-rounded, safe aquatic program for all authorized patrons by offering swimming lessons, safety courses, lifeguarding courses, water aerobics, and fitness and recreational swimming. The indoor combat pool is open year round and located off of “F” Street. The two outdoor pools: Cedar Creek Pool (located on Stanley Road in Nugent Cove Housing area) and Hancock Pool (located on Roosevelt Boulevard near Fire Station #2) are open from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Private parties are available at the outdoor pools and an hourly fee is charged based on the number of people attending; reservations must be made.
Fitness
The Devil Dog Gym, located mainside, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and services to include treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical cross trainers, stair machines, as well as selectorized machines and a large free-weight area. Personal trainers are available on-site or for individual appointments for all patrons. Devil Dog Gym just added a new 2,500 square foot extension with all new cardio equipment.
The Hancock Fitness Center, located close to Officer Housing and MWSG 28 headquarters, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and services to include treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical cross trainers, stair machines, as well as selectorized machines and a free-weight area.
The Fitness Connection, located in the Nugent Cove housing area, hosts our group exercise classes. Classes include cardio challenge, step aerobics, kickboxing, circuit training, toning, spinning, PTP remedial classes and unit physical training classes.
Special Events, located in the Marine Dome, hosts various road race series such as the Duathlon, Half Marathon, Warrior’s Cup and the Sprint Triathlon and team competitive events, such as All Terrain Unit Competitions and health fairs for kids and adults.
The Personal Training program is located inside the Marine Dome. Our nationally certified trainers will assess your fitness level with our computerized Micro-Fit System. Assessments consist of blood pressure, resting heart rate, strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness. Our trainers will design a personalized workout for you and monitor your progress. Programs are designed for general population as well as special population (i.e., pre/post natal, athletes, seniors, etc.). Workouts are designed based on the five components of physical fitness (muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness) combined with information acquired from your Micro-Fit results.
Health Promotion
The Semper Fit Center is headquarters for the Semper Fit Health Promotion program. The large classroom hosts up to 100 people for educational, interactive small or large group meetings or classes. A large array of resources and materials pertaining to Health Promotion services can be found here. Requests can be taken from groups or individuals for materials, or class instruction in the areas of Tobacco Cessation, Nutrition Education, STD/HIV Transmission Prevention, Physical Fitness, Hypertension Education, Injury Prevention, Suicide Awareness, Stress Management, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention, and other health related topics. The Semper Fit Center is your one-stop-shop for all your health promotion needs.
Other services offered include Unit Outreach Program, health assessments (blood pressure screening, body fat analysis, glucose screenings, cholesterol screening, fitness assessments), nutritional counseling, lectures and interactive workshops.
Marine And Family Programs Department
MCCS Marine and Family Programs Department supports the commander’s efforts to promote personal, family and unit readiness. The Marine and Family Programs Department is located in Building 232 at the corner of 4th Avenue and E Street. It is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 466-4401.
The professional and qualified staff of Marine and Family Programs provide a myriad of services and programs that focus on education, prevention, intervention and mobility and improving the quality of life of Marines, sailors and their families. M&FP personnel can answer questions about activities on and off the air station. Extensive reference materials available include listings of military and civilian support agencies plus services such as schools, recreation programs and childcare.
Marine and Family Programs can also provide the resources available to cope with marital conflicts, parent-child relationships and other problems. Counseling and group seminars are available on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
The many services provided include:
Child Development Center/Youth Activities Division: Children and Youth Program Division: MCCS provides wonderful nationally accredited programs for your families. Both Child Development Centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, while the School Age Care program is accredited by the National Afterschool Association. The Child Development Centers, buildings 4298 and 4629, are located on Woodside Drive and E Street. The Child Development Centers offer full-time, part-time, and hourly child care services at affordable rates. An additional CDC (Bldg 4859) is due to open in February 2011. This facility will be focused on infant care and will add an additional 96 spaces for Cherry Point children.
Business hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our family Child Care Program may be an option for those seeking childcare in a home environment. This program also offers a great home business opportunity for those parents who would like to work from home. The Family Child Care Director’s office is located within the Child Development Center, building 4298.
The Cherry Tree House, located on 4th Avenue, offers a variety of activities and programs for school- aged youth. The variety ranges from the following; after school program, summer, intercession and day camps; dances; Boys and Girls Club of America events; assorted special events, and family orientated events. Also housed with the Cherry Tree House is the Resource and Referral Department, which serves as the one-stop-shop for all Children and Youth Programs. All Children and Youth Program interest should begin by contacting the R&R Department at 252-466-3595/5079. This department provides child care and youth services referrals to families with children age 6 weeks to 17 years old. Information is available for both on and off –base, family care homes and other family opportunities. Cherry Point School Liaison Officer is Donna Bagley at 252-466-4196.
Personal Readiness and Community
Support Division
Career Resource Management Center: Includes the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP). Two Certified Workforce Development Professionals provide mandatory programs for separating service members up to one year from EAS; the Pre-Separation Brief and Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is held on a monthly basis and is scheduled by the unit transition counselors. Pre-Retirement is offered on a quarterly basis for those within two years of retirement. FMEAP will assist with local job search, volunteer opportunities, and resume critiques. Additional classes are offered to assist with topics such as job searching, resume writing and interviewing. A Veterans Administration benefits advisor is available by appointment to assist with transitioning military disability claims. For more information on any of these resources, please call us at 466-4401.
Relocation Assistance Program: Let a Certified Relocation Professional help you to navigate and acclimate to your new duty station. We offer a lending locker with hospitality items such as futons, kitchen supplies, irons, ironing boards, cribs, high chairs, strollers, car seats, tables, folding chairs, coffee makers, toasters and more. These items are available for check-out to families who are PCSing into and out of Cherry Point and are without household items for a short period of time. Items can be checked out for 30 days. Automated information is available in the Relocation Office on all major DOD installations throughout the world. Sponsorship information, Plan Your Move Class, Welcome Aboard Briefs, Okinawa/Iwakuni Class and Home Buying & Selling Seminars are all offered through the RAP.
Personal Financial Management Program: Provides personal financial education, training, information and referral and personal financial counseling services. These services are free of charge to all base military personnel, their family members, and retirees. This program will help individuals and families develop management skills and improve financial control of their finances. Individual counseling includes completing an individual or family budget (Spending Plan) and setting financial goals. Some classes offered: Car Buying, Credit and Debt Management, Getting out of Debt, and Savings and Investing. PFMP has a certified financial counselor ready to assist members and families with their personal financial concerns. Please call (252) 466-4401 to make an appointment. Operating hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities: Several volunteer organizations aboard the installation provide services and assistance to Marines, sailors and their family members. Volunteering is an excellent way to hone and refresh skills needed to enter the workforce. For additional information on volunteer opportunities, call 466-4401.
Retired Activities Office: Operated and staffed by volunteer retirees. The RAO volunteer staff serves as the liaison between the retiree, the installation staff and other military agencies. They assist retirees on such matters as local regulations, policies and retiree entitlement, benefits and privileges, burial assistance, and Survivor Benefit paperwork. Located in building 298, RAPIDS lobby area, 466-5548, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
New Parent Support Program: A professional team of licensed social workers and registered nurses are available who provide education and support to military families. These home visitors have extensive knowledge of the issues encountered by today’s parents and are sensitive to the unique challenges facing military families. The New Parent Support Program helps families cope with stress, isolation, deployment, reunions and meeting the everyday demands of parenthood through home visits support groups and classes. This program also offers expectant parents and the parents of newborns the opportunity to learn new skills and improve on old ones. The New Parent Support Program is a reliable source for answers to questions in the privacy of ones’ home or in the classroom. To contact the Program, or to sign up for classes or home visits, please call 252-466-3651.
Exceptional Family Member Program: A team of coordinators and counselors is available to assist the sponsor or family member with the mandatory enrollment process for persons with special needs. This includes any family member who has a physical, mental or learning disability. This program provides information, referral and coordination of services for a vast array of military, national and state resources, case management and up to 40 hours a month of family respite care. Call 466-7547 for more information.
The Prevention & Intervention Department: Offers individual, family, marital and group counseling. The Family Advocacy Program, which falls under the Prevention and Intervention Program, offers assistance to families experiencing domestic violence. The classes and programs listed below are offered through the Prevention and Intervention Department at no cost to service members and their families. Programs and classes are offered on both voluntary and mandatory basis. Please call 466-3264 for further information or to register for classes.
Individual/Marital/Family Counseling: Licensed clinical social workers provide counseling services free of charge.
Anger Management: Meets eight weeks for one and a half hours per week. The focus of the program is to identify skills used to control anger utilizing a variety of techniques.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR): The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program serves as the single point of contact to facilitate victim support services, promote sexual assault training and awareness, and provide policy and program assistance to commands located aboard the installation.
The objectives of the Installation’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program are to specifically enhance and improve:
• Prevention through training and education programs
• Treatment and support of victims
• System accountability
MCAS Cherry Point 24/7 Victim Advocate Response Line:
252-665-4713
Child Abuse: This class provides the Marine Corps definitions of child abuse and neglect. Information on discipline and on policies specific to Cherry Point is provided. Examples of inappropriate discipline are given. Identification and reporting of abuse is explained. Resources for further information and assistance are provided.
Spouse Abuse: This class examines physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse in relationships. Power and control in relationships is discussed. Indicators of abusive relationships are presented. Resources for further information and assistance are provided.
Stress Management: This class examines the causes and impact of stress. Emphasis is placed on the serious health problems that come with chronic stress. The class provides specific examples of how to manage stress in a healthier manner, and to eliminate negative coping techniques.
Effects of Domestic Violence: This seminar examines the long and short-term effects of domestic violence on children.
Men’s Early Intervention Program: An eight-week program for men who have been violent, but the severity of the violent behavior was low level and the pattern of abuse is short term. The program focuses on alternative ways to resolve conflicts without using violence and looking at alternatives to violent behavior.
Domestic Violence Men’s Program: A 16-session program provided in two phases. Participants are perpetrators of some form of spousal abuse. The goal is to eliminate violent behavior by confronting the belief system and actions of the individual and to teach them nonviolent ways to express anger. After successful completion of Phase I requirements, which takes a minimum of four sessions, participants are moved into Phase II. Failure to complete Phase I may result in termination from the program as a treatment failure. Based on recommendation from the FAP staff, some participants may be required to repeat Phase I before transitioning to Phase II. Participants may be terminated at any time throughout either phase due to failure to participate, disruptive/belligerent behavior or for unexcused absences.
Women’s Awareness Group: An eight-week or 16-week program for women who have been violent toward their husbands. The group focuses on making choices that are nonviolent, and managing anger.
Improving Self-Awareness Group: A weekly support group for those survivors experiencing domestic abuse within their relationship. The abuse may be physical, mental, or emotional. The agenda covers the topics of self-esteem, stress, anger management, children’s issues, battering, etc., as well as assertiveness training. Meeting location and information shared by participants is confidential.
Survivors of Sexual Assault: A peer support group for adults molested as children. For both men and women.
The Substance Abuse Counseling Center: Provides education, and out-patient and intensive out-patient treatment for alcohol and drug use/abuse. Treatment includes, case management, counseling, treatment planning and aftercare/12 week continuing care program. Treatment is abstinent based, uses an individualized continuum of care approach and is coupled with emphasis on personal responsibility and 12-Step self-help programs. Treatment is offered to active duty personnel, retired service members, dependents of active or retired members and family members 18 years and older on a space available basis. All treatment services offered are based on the individuals’ needs and have a variable length of stay, based on these needs. Out-Patient (OP) treatment is aimed at patients who have a substance use disorder, (pattern of misuse of alcohol) and meet the placement criteria for such treatment. The goal of OP treatment is to reduce problematic use of alcohol through an education and counseling approach that focuses on increasing the member’s awareness of his/her relationship with alcohol. Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) treatment is designed for patients who have a substance use disorder, which requires a more intensive treatment program while still meeting the placement criteria for such treatment. The goal of IOP treatment is to assist the patient’s acceptance and adjustment to having a substance use disorder. This center is accredited with the internationally recognized Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
The Drug Demand Reduction Program: primary responsibility is to support the Marine Corps illegal drug use prevention activities (Illegal Drug Use Education and Urinalysis Testing.) The Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator and Specialist are responsible and available for the ongoing assessments of tenant commands illegal drug use prevention needs. The DDRP will provide assistance to all units that require education briefs on illicit drug use and their prevention efforts. In addition, the Drug Demand Reduction Team is available to support our local community in the battle against illicit drug use. The DDRP works with the local community in support of the nationally recognized “Red Ribbon Campaign” during the month of October and “National Night Out” usually held with the town of Havelock during the month of August.
Personal and Professional Development Program: The Career and Education Office is located in Room 217, Jerry Marvel Training and Education Facility, Building 4335. This office administers the Off-Duty Voluntary Education Program using tuition assistance-offering programs ranging from high school/GED completion to doctoral degree. Transition, Relocation, Family Member Employment, Personal Finance Management, and Information & Referral Programs are located in Room 213. Comprehensive services are provided for all Personal and Professional Development programs. Call 466-3500 for more information.
The Station Library: Located on the ground floor of building 298 on E Street, is a full-service library offering programs and resources to support the professional, educational, personal and recreational interests of the Cherry Point community. The library collection contains over 70,000 volumes for readers of all ages, plus magazines, newspapers, DVDs, audiobooks, music, CD-ROMs with more than 120,000 total items available. The online catalog and a variety of research databases are available from the library Web site at http://library.usmc-mccs.org. Computer resources include a 24-workstation computer lab and wireless Internet access. The Station Library offers a variety of special programs: weekly story times, monthly Teen/Tweenie programs, an annual Summer Reading Program, plus a variety of other special events. Research assistance and interlibrary loans are available. Call 252-466-3552 for more information.
Food and Business Operations
The Food and Business department is responsible for food/beverage operations, catering and vending plus many third party contractors that operate aboard the air station such as McDonalds, Andy’s, Subway, Bonsai Express, Hot Dog Express, GI Joe Coffee and Dunkin Donuts. They also operate New City Deli, Clausen’s Pizza, Wings and More, Pappy’s Bar and Grill, The Shame, Joe’s Coffee Shop and Internet Café, Crow’s Nest at the Naval Clinic, Wing’s at Miller’s Landing, Rockers (SNCO lounge), Alfred A Cunningham (Officer lounge), the 11th Frame Grill and multiple snack bars including in FRC East, Snack-A-Tach (bldg 137), Hungry Harrier (bldg 4224), Mayberry Café (bldg 133) and the Prop Shop (bldg 250).
Miller’s Landing is the stations newest addition and houses a state-of-the-art meeting facility, Wing’s Restaurant, Rockers (SNCO lounge), Alfred A Cunningham (Officer lounge) and three ballrooms (Harrier, Hercules, Prowler) together they are capable of seating in excess of 300 people. Overlooking the Neuse River, it is the perfect place whether it is for a wedding, military ceremony, meeting or an after-hours gathering. For the ultimate sports bar visit Cunningham’s Recreation Center where you will be surrounded by more than 40 large screen TVs. Cater to your every whim with Clausen’s Pizza, Wings and More for a great pizza lunch buffet and casual dining, Pappy’s Bar and Grill serving your favorite beverages or at Joe’s coffee Shop and Internet Café which proudly serves Starbucks Coffee. While you are there, make use of the open access to the internet. Don’t have a computer? Borrow a laptop from the Single Marines Program.
Retail Division
The Retail Division operates a 62,000-square-foot department store, three convenience stores, two of which sell fuel, the Safety Store, a Military Clothing store and a package store. The Main Exchange provides a variety of merchandise and now includes the Military Clothing (Cash Sales) operation. The Package Store is also located in the MCX Complex along with Subway, GNC, Hammonds Plaque Shop, and one of our air station barber shops. The Concessionaire Complex houses the Marine Corps Exchange Furniture and Appliance Department, Information, Tickets and Travel and a massage therapist. Profits generated by the Retail Department, along with food and service activities, are used to fund our many recreation activities and facilities.
Recreational Business Operations
You and your family members will certainly enjoy the various aspects of recreational business operations consisting of: Outdoor Connection/Equipment Rental, Pelican Point Marina, Stars & Strikes Bowling Center, Sound of Freedom Golf Course, our
state-of-the art Auto Skills Center and the newly outfitted Auto Care Center.
Outdoor Connection is your one-stop solution for renting a variety of items including camping gear, party canopies, lawn mowers, folding tables and chairs, inflatable bouncers, tools and much, much more. Outdoor Connection can also fill your propane tanks cheaper than anywhere else. 466-4058
Pelican Point Marina takes advantage of one of Cherry Point’s best features – its location. Tucker, Anderson and Slocum Creeks offer many recreational opportunities. However, many military families can’t afford to own a boat or other recreational watercraft. MCCS has made it possible for our patrons to rent canoes and kayaks at Pelican Point Marina. If you own a boat, the marinas also have boat slips availableat Pelican Point, Slocum and Hancock marinas. Hancock and Slocum (party) Lodges and all nine picnic areas can be reserved through Pelican Point Marina. 466-5812
One of the gems of the air station is the huge auditorium/movie theater. The Station Theater has undergone a comprehensive renovation and remodeling and seats just fewer than 2,000 people, making it the largest single-screen movie theater in the state. The new, larger screen allows movies to be seen as they were meant to be seen, and when combined with the new Dolby digital sound system, the illusion is complete. Come out and join us for great food, great sodas and great entertainment, all at the same place, all for the lowest prices in the area. Come watch first run movies every Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday. Bring the entire family for free movie night every Tuesday night. Visit the MCCS web site for the latest movie schedule or call the movie line at 466-3884. Other businesses include an RV park, a car wash, a dry cleaner, barber shops, and a masseuse.
Our Stars & Strikes Bowling Center has 24 lanes with computerized scoring systems, and extreme bowling with
state-of-the art lighting and sound system. Join one of our many leagues or just bring in your friends and family for a wholesome night on the town. The bowling center also boasts a full-service pro shop, an arcade and the 11th Frame Grill. 466-3910
Hit the links at the “Sound of Freedom” Golf Course. Renovated in 2003, our 18-hole PGA-rated course is one of the best in eastern North Carolina and features character and undulation the likes of which are unseen in our area. A PGA professional is on hand for both beginner and veteran lessons, not to mention a large driving range (open 24 hours), practice putting green and full-service Pro Shop and Grill. You can rent sets of clubs and pull or drive golf carts to make your day complete. Be sure to ask about membership rates and punch cards, or sign up for one of our many tournaments. . 466-3044
The Auto Skills Center is a state-of-the-art, 10-bay automotive center where you do it yourself. Change your oil, balance/rotate your tires, replace your brakes or rebuild your engine. An ASE certified mechanic is available at all times, and a certified welder is available if needed. 466-2532
The Auto Care Center is your centrally located full-service center for a variety of auto repairs and tire sales. A brand new 2008 Hunter Alignment machine is now available to align the front and rear wheels of any make of automobile. Two ASE certified mechanics and two oil change and tire change specialists are available at all times, to keep your vehicle in top operating condition. Stop in for your vehicle N.C. state safety inspection. 670-1995
Planning a vacation or road trip? Be sure to visit your Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) office located next to the Naval Health Clinic. It’s your full-service travel agency with a full array of services and discounts focused on the military family. 466-2197
Marine Corps Family Team Building
MCFTB’s mission is to provide spouses and families dynamic workshops that are engaging and relevant to your success in the Marine Corps. Our goal is to ensure that you have the information, education, and resources you need as a spouse or family member of a Marine stationed here.
We have a diversified program structure that consists of L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills), Readiness & Deployment Support Program, LifeSkills Training, Family Readiness Program Training, PREP and CREDO. If you are new to Cherry Point or if you have been here awhile and find yourself wondering what there is to do in the area, MCFTB has the answer for you!
Family Readiness Program
A Marine’s family is defined as the one “born into,” “sworn into” and “married into.” Marines are responsible for ensuring that their family is able to receive communication. The Family Readiness program provides the essential training that Unit Command Teams need to establish and maintain a successful program. The Family Readiness Officer is responsible for these main areas of the program; official communication, information and resource referral, deployment support, and volunteer management. If you want to learn more about this program or how you can volunteer within your unit, contact the Family Readiness Program trainer at 466-5779.
A prepared family means that your Marine will be ready to go when the call comes. Marines look out for each other and we urge family members to do the same. Former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” Family Readiness=Mission Readiness. Are you ready?
Readiness and Deployment Support Program
In addition to unit pre-deployment briefs for Marines and family members and return and reunion workshops for spouses and children of returning service members, the Readiness and Deployment Support trainers dedicate their time to preparing families for the changes and challenges that occur within the military lifestyle.
Through a variety of briefs, workshops, and special events, Marine Corps families learn valuable coping skills, how to locate necessary resources, and what to expect through each stage of deployment. Our classes are designed to inform, empower and educate families as well as provide opportunities for fun, networking and growth.
Self-defense classes, home and car repair workshops, parenting for deployment classes, financial briefs, behind the scenes tours of Cherry Point and “In the Midst” spa and entertaining days are just a few of the many Marine Corps Family Team Building events offered to spouses and families to enhance personal growth and family readiness.
Readiness and Deployment Support Trainers are available at
466-4908/8098.
Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge
and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.)
L.I.N.K.S. for spouses is a 10-hour course offering an orientation to the military lifestyle through spouse-to-spouse mentorship and small-group discussion. Experienced Marine Corps spouses in the L.I.N.K.S. program, called mentors, are dedicated to welcoming other spouses into the community and helping them cope with life challenges in the Corps. Spouses learn about Marine Corps tradition, how to survive deployment and frequent moves, the military pay system, thriving at their new duty station and a variety of other topics that will make your journey through Marine Corps living much smoother.
New to the L.I.N.K.S. lineup – L.I.N.K.S. for Children/Teens, L.I.N.K.S. for Marines and L.I.N.K.S. for Parents.
Our classes are such a success due to our wonderful mentors. We are always looking for spouses that share our pride and love for the Marine Corps to join our team! Call to find out when the next mentor training is scheduled. 466-5588.
LifeSkills
LifeSkills training and education affords the opportunity for personal and professional growth by providing workshops on life competencies in areas such as marriage, parenting, financial awareness, personal/professional development, family care plans, and healthy living.
Current course offering include:
Matters of the Heart - A Class for Couples: This two part workshop is aimed at helping couples to improve the communication and trust in their marriage. Topics include keeping the fun in marriage, melding money personalities, establishing trust and fair fighting techniques.
Marriage Enrichment Workshop (Using the PREP Approach): This two day workshop provides an educational experience for couples that will enable them to enhance their communication and problem solving skills, prevention of marital distress, and the skills associated with effective marital functioning.
Take a Breath: This workshop covers types of stressors, typical stress reactions, effects of stress and mechanisms for coping more effectively with stress. This class can be coupled with deep breathing relaxation techniques or yoga.
Four Lenses – Effective Communication: Through the Four Lenses personality assessment, participants will learn about their own personality traits and the personality traits of the people around them. By learning about various personality types, participants will improve their communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
Four Lenses – Communicating for Deployment: This workshop is designed for individuals who want to learn ways to communicate effectively with their partner during a deployment. Potential pitfalls of long-distance communication and creative ways to maintain an intimate commection are addressed at length.
Four Lenses – Strengthening your Love Connection: Couples take the Four Lenses personality profile, learn about each other’s personality type, and gain an understanding of how their personality type affects the marital relationship. After learning about each other’s personality types, participants learn to use the gained information to enhance their communication and improve their relationship.
Four Lenses – Coloring your Children: This two part workshop is designed to help participants learn more about their personality, the personality type of their children and some appropriate discipline techniques for each type of child.
Fitness and Nutrition Classes: These classes are held in partnership with the Semper Fit department and the commissary. The fundamentals of good nutrition and physical fitness are addressed.
Spouses Night Out/Couples Night Out Series: Offers a chance for military members to get out, have some fun and interact with others within the community. Look for a different event each quarter!
Conflict Management: A workshop created to help participants learn more about the levels of conflict, types of conflict management styles, and how to resolve conflicts effectively.
Family Care Plans: Learn why family care plans are necessary, what should be included in an effective family care plan, and how to construct one.
LEARN MORE AT THESE HELPFUL WEBSITES:
Station Library: www.library.usmc-mccs.org
Spouses’ Learning Series: www.marinenet.usmc.mil
CREDO Camp Lejeune: www.mccslejeune.com/credo.html