IMCP - U.S. Army

Family CareInstallation Management Campaign PlanFamily Care is a key component of Spiritual Fitness. The Soldier’s readiness isunquestionably linked to his or her Family’s wellness. Garrison UMTs provide FamilyCare in several ways: Chaplain Family Life Centers, spiritual fitness programs designedfor all age levels, various helping programs and support as needed to the ArmyCommunity Services’ Survivor Outreach Services.Chaplain Family Life Centers are staffed with chaplains and civilian counselors holdingspecialized degrees and training in Marriage and Family Counseling from a faith-basedperspective. Soldiers and Family members routinely receive referrals from unitchaplains to participate in these free counseling services. Family Life Chaplains providecounseling techniques that address the entire facet of marriage and family issues.Family Life Chaplains also provide specialized training for chaplains to better equipthem and enhance their skills in marriage and family related topics.Garrison chaplains, along with unit chaplains, provide or host at Garrison Chapels orreligious education facilities many adult, youth, and children’s spiritual fitness programs.For example, many Army wives find spiritual fulfillment in Protestant Women of theChapel (PWOC) or Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) programs found at eachinstallation. Youth and children’s programs are part of the comprehensive ReligiousEducation program and are often assisted by contracted organizations such as MilitaryCommunity Youth Ministries (MCYM) and Youth for Christ (YFC). Many GarrisonChapel programs offer assistance to Soldiers and Families experiencing fiscal needs.Service that is provided include “Operation Helping Hand,” “Holiday Food Baskets” and“Food Pantries.” Each of these ministry outreaches are a means of providing monetaryand food support to members of our Army Family by the generous offerings of ourchapel communities.Another component of Family Care is Strong Bonds, a unit-based, chaplain-led retreatprogram which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening theArmy Family. The core mission of the Strong Bonds program is to increase individualSoldier and Family member readiness through relationship education and skills training.One key component of Family Care is the spiritual and emotional ministry afforded tothe Survivor Outreach Services (SOS). An Army Community Services program, SOS isprovided to Families who have made the ultimate sacrifice and is designed to care forthe needs of Families who have lost a Soldier to death from any cause. Garrison UMTssupport SOS by linking with Garrison SOS Coordinators and, together with unitchaplains, providing requested pastoral care to grieving Family members. Garrisonchaplains ensure that all chaplains on the installation are trained in grief andbereavement counseling and are prepared to offer spiritual consolation and counsel toour deserving Families.Annex E: Religious Support and Spiritual Fitness E-5