3rd Deployment Support Supper

Another successful dinner and what a spread! The women of the Goffstown Congregational Church provided a magnificent roast beef dinner replete with china and a dessert cart! Thank you, ladies for a wonderful meal and welcoming atmosphere.
Our guest was Ken Grey from NH Operation Military Kids. He provided an overview of a number of the programs they offer to support military kids and their families including educator training on military culture, Hero Backpacks, summer camps, babysitting training, etc. Thank you, Ken, for making the long drive from Littleton! Your knowledge and passion were energizing and inspiring. I'm quite sure you'll be hearing from us in the near future!

Supporting Students in Military Families

"When the heart speaks, listen. Then respond compassionately and consistently."
Mona M. Johnson

I had the opportunity to attend an educator's workshop in Manchester on Wednesday where the topic was "Supporting Students in Military Families." Presenters were both military and non-military and covered a myriad of topics from the emotional cycles of deployment, deployment and students with special needs, basic military culture, designing lessons across the curriculum and ages that are sensitive to the military students, what homecoming and reintegration are like, and so much more! A workshop that began with a disclaimer that some topics would be emotional and if anyone needed to leave the room, trained counselors would available not only tugged at my heartstrings, provided much useful information and many additional resources but affirmed the mission of GADFS.

Before the presentations, we had the opportunity to go around the room, state our name and reason for being there. Of course, I gave my name, my title and a little about GADFS as well as my role in the group. I was the only non-school or military person in the room. Unhindered by my "difference", I participated fully in our breakout activities...or at least to the best of my ability. At our first break, 2 participants came to me and commented about the amazing efforts of GAFDS. Both felt we should be held up as a model for communities everywhere. Gushing with pride enough for all of us in GADFS, I agreed! One of the military guys (I'm not good with rank) also mentioned they had never had a library in attendance! The educator also praised our efforts. She was in awe. However the big payoff came as I left the room. The last presenter, a Colonel's wife, stopped me and quietly said, "Word is out there about what you are doing in Goffstown and I want to say thank you. Please take my card and call if there is anything you need!"

GADFS, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

July Family Support Supper-KIDS!

Of course St. Matthew's playroom was abuzz with activity during the July family support supper! Kids being kids...the way life should be!

2nd Family Support Supper

On 7/15, GADFS held their 2nd monthly family support supper at St. Matt's church. Once again, parishioners and community members prepared a bountiful feast! With 4 military families in attendance, 2 preparing for deployment and 2 having experienced deployment, there was much to share. Lisa Aldridge, Transition Assistance Advisor, provided a very helpful overview of package-sending do's and don'ts as well as a general mailing timeline. As we went around the tables giving our names and reasons for attending, hearing the children proudly state, " I am here because my daddy is in the military" sincerely touched my heart.

"You are not in this alone."

As communities throughout New Hampshire prepare for the deployment of unprecedented numbers of servicemen and women, individuals in Goffstown, New Boston and Dunbarton have come together in support of the families and loved ones who will carry the weight of these deployments from the homefront. Formed in April of 2010, Goffstown Area Deployed Family Support is committed to providing support to area families who are engaged in the deployment cycle. In addition to monthly family suppers, the group has developed a call-list of "handy helpers" who are willing and able to help families with household tasks such as lawncare, air conditioner installation and de-installation, and others. The Goffstown Public Library is developing a collection of resources available to adults and children who are experiencing the deployment of a loved one. In addition, links to outside resources and support services are being compiled on a continuous basis. The group can be found on Facebook at Goffstown Area Deployed Family Support and more information is available at the Goffstown Public Library at 497-2102 or goflib@goffstown.lib.nh.us.