Fort Carson - Community Services

FORT CARSON ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS)

VOLUNTEER Corps – “Make A Difference, Volunteer!!!” There are many volunteer opportunities at our ACS Center. Volunteers serve important roles in the delivery of many of the programs and services that ACS offers. As a volunteer, you can get involved by helping others learn how to help himself or herself. Regardless of your skill and interests. ACS has a place for you to contribute to our community, learn new skills, meet new people, and make new friends and maybe even figure out your future career path. Volunteer opportunities are varied and can meet diverse interest such as administrative, teaching AFTB or parenting classes, serving as Community Mayors, sewing baby bundles, serving as Victim Advocates, serving as Consumer Advocates, welcoming new families to Fort Carson, and helping people find employment opportunities. On-site childcare is provided for all volunteers. Volunteer work at ACS is a great way to get a job experience that can count on employment applications. Volunteer work at ACS not only makes a difference in the Fort Carson community – they make a difference in their own lives!! For more information about volunteering or to join the ACS Volunteer Corps, please call 526-4590.

ARMY FAMILY ACTION PLAN (AFAP) AND ARMY FAMILY TEAM BUILDING (AFTB)

The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) identifies and recommends solution to soldier and family generated issues that affect the quality of life of Total Army Family. An annual conference is held at Fort Carson every fall. Members of the community become involved in the AFAP Conference by serving as delegates, volunteer facilitators, recorders, and administrative assistants. The Army Family Team Building (AFTB) program improves personal and family readiness preparedness, to enhance overall Army readiness through training workshops. AFTB prepares everyone in “America’s Army” – all soldiers (active, reserve and retired), DA civilians and the family members of all of these groups, to function at the highest level in any situation with minimal outside support. AFTB classes are offered on a regularly scheduled basis. There is also The Family Readiness Academy with classes and resources that fit your military lifestyle. To learn about participating in the AFTB conference to help you improve your quality of life or to find out more about attending AFTB classes, call the ACS Center, 526-4590.

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM

The ACS Employment Readiness Program, located in Fort Carson Center, Bldg 1526, provides employment assistance and preparation training for the Total Army Family. Most positions at Fort Carson fall into one of the following categories: 1) Appropriated Fund (Civil Service) employment includes positions in Management, Administration, Office Work, Maintenance Repair (tradecrafts), Supply, Technical and Hospital Operations. 2) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) positions are in Club Operations, Recreations, Childcare and other areas. 3) Local Community Companies provide information for a wide range of employment opportunities in areas of Hotel and Restaurant, Banking and Finance, Administrative and Clerical, Medical, Law Enforcement, Labor and Employment Staffing. Services provided by the Employment readiness Program include a computer link with the Pikes Peak Partnership Agencies, Colorado State and Country Employment Service, CPOC, AFFES and other agencies posting employment information via the internet. Training and counseling in resume writing, interviewing techniques, “Dress for Success” and other topics, in both English and Spanish, are available to assist you in finding employment. Local colleges and universities provide information about educational programs, scholarship, and seminars. The Employment Readiness Program office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. For more information, please call 526- 0452 or 526-0467.

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM

The ACS Financial Readiness Program professional financial counselors provide services to soldiers and their family members. Services include budget counseling, financial planning and investment options, personal finance seminars and classes. Screening and registration for federal, state, county and city assistance programs are also available. All services are provided free of charge. Assistance with consumer complaints and resolution of issues concerning local businesses is another service offered. Appointments for all Financial Readiness Program services are required and may be scheduled by calling 526-4590.

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF

Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides emergency financial assistance to soldiers – active and retired – and their dependents, when there is a valid need. Assistance is available for food, rent, utilities, emergency travel, vehicle repair, and funeral expenses. AER also gives undergraduate-level education scholarship, based primary on financial need, to children of active duty and retired soldiers. AER cannot help pay for nonessential; finance ordinary leave or vacation; pay fines or legal expenses; help liquidate or consolidate debt; assist with house purchase or home improvements; help purchase, rent or lease a vehicle; cover bad checks or pay credit card bills. Requests for assistance from active duty soldiers must begin with the unit Command Financial NCO. All other should call 526-4783 for information. For emergency after duty hours, contact the Fort Carson Operations Center at 526-3400, or American Red Cross, at 1(877) 272-7337.

MOBILIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM

ACS Mobilization and Development Readiness assistance is provided for Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard soldiers and their family members. The Family Readiness Program (FRP) assists units and their families in preparing for deployment. Operation READY pre-deployment briefings are scheduled with your unit’s assigned ACS Unit Service Coordinator. Family Readiness Group Leader and Rear Detachment training are conducted on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure that leadership is prepared for challenges of Army family life due to mobilization and deployments. Family Assistance Information forms are available to Reserve and National Guard soldiers during the Soldier Readiness Program (SRP) process. Information such as, family members, spouse, next of kin, special needs, medical problems, I.D. card and pay options are collected. Family Assistance sheets are mailed to the military installation closest to your family to facilitate assistance while you are deployed. Please call the ACS Center for more information or to scheduled family readiness classes or briefings, 526-4590.

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM

This ACS Relocation Readiness Program is designed to assist soldiers and their families in making a smooth transition to their new assignment. Information is provided on Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps installations worldwide and the communities which surround them. Planning guides and literature are provided to help prepare outbound soldiers and their families for their next duty location. There are video tapes on cultures and places of interest in overseas countries with army installations. Also, take advantage of our Destination Germany and Destination Korea classes to learn more about the culture, foods, and courtesies experienced in these countries. A computerized printout is also available on the gaining installation, which contains information on childcare, on/off post housing, public schools and medical facilities. For more information, call 526-4590 or visit the Relocation Link on the ACS pages on the Fort Carson Home Page.

THE FAMILY CONNECTION

The ACS Family Connection is great place for families to gather information about Fort Carson and the Colorado Springs community, to meet new friends, to borrow household items from the ACS loan closet, and to find out how you can make the Mountain Post experience a successful tour for the whole family. We maintain a family-friendly facility for soldiers and family members to take advantage of several programs designed specifically for transitioning families: a play area for children, internet access, the Carson Care Spouse Orientation for all new spouses to the post, Welcome Packets, and a Homebuyer’s Workshop just to name a few. Come by and let’s get acquainted. We’re your one-stop resource for getting connected! We are located at Building 1354, 6070 Barkely Ave., Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don’t forget to ask for your “Welcome to the Mountain Post” gift. Call the Family Connection for more information, 526-1070 or 526-1053.

ACS LOAN CLOSET

Until your household goods arrive, items such as dishes, pots and pans, irons, ironing boards, silverware, folding tables and chairs, small appliances, and cots may be borrowed from the ACS Loan Closet. The loan closet is located at The Family Connection, Building 1354, 6070 Barkely Ave., and is open weekdays during normal duty hours. You will need your ID card and a copy of your PCS orders. For more information, call 526-1070.

MULTI-CULTURAL SUPPORT PROGRAM AND CITIZENSHIP/NATURALIZATION

This ACS Relocation Readiness program is designed to assist foreign-born family members with the following programs: English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, the German Support Group, Korean Support Group and Hispanic Support Group. The ESL classes are offered twice a week with childcare available. Citizenship and naturalization application forms are also available on post. The office provides information about the citizenship and naturalization process and works closely with the INS to assist you with your individual needs. For more information on any of our multi-cultural programs, call Army Community Service at 526-4590.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL PROGRAM

The Army Community Service Information and Referral Program (I&R) provides information about services available to Fort Carson soldiers and family members. I&R services provide the Army with a link to federal, state & community assistance programs. For more information, call 526-4590

DIAL 526 HELP

Fort Carson has an on-post 24-hour hotline for assistance. ACS staff will answer your question or refer you to agency that can provide assistance. Call the Army Community Service Center at 526-HELP (526-4357).

SOLDIER AND FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM

The ACS Soldier and Family Readiness Program (SFRP) promote individual, couple, and family wellness by offering a comprehensive program that includes awareness, education and intervention to prevent family violence. Classes are offered to commanders, troops, professionals and the community. Prevention and support services includes; New Parent’s Support Program (home visitation), Child Safety Education, Nurturing Parent Programs, Single Parent Support, Play Group, Infant Massage, Cooperative Parenting and Divorce, a Parent’s Journey, Boot Camp for New Dads, Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, a Couple’s Journey, various life skill seminars, and Victim of Domestic Violence. For more information on these programs, please call 526-4590.

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM

The ACS Exceptional Family Members Program (EFMP) is mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support and personnel services to families with special needs. Those required to enroll in program include soldiers on active duty (including U.S. Army Reserve (USAR), soldiers in the USAR -Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program and other USAR soldiers on active duty for more than 30 days, and Army National Guard AGR personnel serving under authority of Title 10, United States Code). Participants must enroll in program when they have a family member, regardless of age, who requires medical services for a chronic condition, receives ongoing specialist; has mental health concerns/psychological needs; receives educational services provide under an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or receive services provided under an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). The program is design to assist the Army Personnel Office in making assignments, to ensure that needed services are available at the receiving command BEFORE the assignment is made. The EFMP also provides advocacy, information and referral, PCS assistance, Childcare assistance through the Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT) and assistance with accessible housing issues. Soldiers with known or suspected EFM’s must report to the Installation EFMP coordinator for instructions on enrollment procedures. For more information, call 526-4590.

INSTALLATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Installation Volunteer Program can connect you with volunteer opportunities to meet new people in interesting and varied setting and to grow personally while gaining a sense of accomplishment by contributing to an important service to better people’s lives. Volunteers can used this time to enhance job skill development in areas of personal interest, and to explore and learn new job skills for career growth. The type of work a volunteer does depends on community needs. Today, volunteers serve on various boards and committees that help plan strategies and policies. Volunteers do what is needed from the most demanding to the most routine tasks that improve and preserve the quality of life for other and themselves. Today’s volunteers include women, men, young, the middle-aged, disabled, retirees and those in their golden years. People from every ethnic background, race, lifestyle and religion volunteer. Everybody has something special to contribute – be it a special skill, ability, energy, or time. Some of the many direct service volunteer activities include: providing daycare to children, tutoring, sewing, baby bundle, job training and family enrichment activities. Volunteers use a variety of methods to promote community awareness, including: talking with individuals, speaking in public and writing newsletters. Volunteers also provide technical assistance to improve the quality of life in many fields, including: environmental, education, child services, healthcare, and family support services. Opportunities for volunteer service are unlimited. The Installation Volunteer Program provides many opportunities for training, workshops and seminars to advance issues relating to volunteerism. Here’s how you can become a part of this exciting world – contact your Installation Volunteer Coordinator (IVC) at 526-8303. Remember to get involved!

MOUNTAIN POST WELLNESS CENTER

The Mountain Post Wellness Center provides a wide variety of programs for health promotion, disease and injury prevention. You can take a self-assessment of your current health habits and receive a personalized printout of recommended changes to extend the quality years of your life. Additionally, you can get fitness evaluations with individualized exercise prescriptions from a health professional, blood pressure checks, body composition measurements, cholesterol checks, nutrition classes, cooking classes, stress management, self-care, smoking cessation, massage therapy, health videos and information. Your progress is monitored and it becomes a motivator to achieve measured goals. The center is open to all beneficiaries: Active Duty, Retiree, family members and DoD civilians. Come visit us at the Fort Carson Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 1526, 2nd floor or call for additional information, 526-3887.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross at Fort Carson has two offices. The main office is located on the second floor of the Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 1526, 6303 Wetzel Avenue. The telephone number is 719-526- 2311. The volunteer office is located at Evans Army Community Hospital, Bldg. 7500, Room 1801. The telephone number is 719-526-7144. Office hours are M-F, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Many services are provided to soldiers and their family members including: Emergency Communication: In the event of an emergency critical accident, illness or death in a service member’s immediate family, the Red Cross should be called at once. The Red Cross is equipped to verify the situation and relay an emergency leave request, if necessary, to the proper military authorities. It is then up to the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave. For assistance, please call our Armed Forces Emergency Services Center toll free at 1(877) 272-7337. Access to Emergency Financial Assistance: When an emergency arises that requires the presence of the service member of his or her family the Red Cross may provide access to an interest-free loan or a grant for travel expenses. These funds are made available by the military aid societies. They may be authorized for other emergencies as well and are disbursed on the basis of need. Referrals to specialized sources of help are also available to service members and their families. This service is provided on behalf of Army Emergency Relief after duty hours. For assistance, please call toll free, 1-877-272-7337. Volunteer Services: Many volunteer opportunities are available including service at Evans Army Community Hospital, post dental clinics, main office, or local chapter. Disaster Assistance and CPR/First Aid courses: These services are provided by the Pikes Peak Chapter. Please call the chapter at 719-632-3563, M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or their satellite office at Evans Army Community Hospital, 719-526-7825, M-F, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm These Red Cross services, and more, are available to service members and their families 24 hours a day 365 days a year. For additional information about the Red Cross or to volunteer please call the Fort Carson Red Cross office at 719-526-2311 or Pikes Peak Chapter at 719-632-3563. You may also visit our websites at www.redcross.org or pparc.org.

ACAP/JAC LEGAL SERVICES ACAP/JAC

The Army Career and Alumni Program Career Transition Center (ACAP) is located in Bldg. 1118, room 133, on the corner of Ellis St. and Specker Ave. The ACAP offers assistance to transitioning personnel and their families through individual counseling, referrals to the other agencies, both on and off post, that provide services relating to the transition process. In addition, the ACAP center for counselors facilitate a half-day workshop on the resume writing process during the Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program. Visitors to the ACAP center will find an abundant supply of transition assistance materials to include: Employer Hiring Days, Job Fairs and Education Expos, computerized job search abilities to include internet access, a comprehensive library of transition related books and a friendly staff to assist them. The ACAP center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., for appointments starting at 8 a.m., and computers are available until 4 p.m. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 526-1002 or 526-0640.

LEGAL SERVICES

The office of the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides two primary services for soldiers and their families. The first is the Army Legal Assistance Program and the second is the Army Claims Program. SJA is located in Bldg. 6285 on Woodfill Road. For more information call 526-5361.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

The Fort Carson Legal assistance Office provides legal assistance to all soldiers, retirees and their family members. Services include wills, powers of attorney, landlord and tenant problems, and simple adoptions. The office is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments may be made on a call in basis Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Walk-in appointments are available for emergencies only. Our Divorce/Separation briefing is Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Attorneys are not available on Thursdays, but in an extreme emergency, an appointment can be scheduled. For more information, call 526-5572/5573.

CLAIMS

The Staff Judge Advocate Claims Office is responsible for processing all claims for damages due to shipment or storage. To file a claim bring the Notice of Loss or Damage (DD Form 1840/1840-R) to the claims section, Bldg. 6285, on Woodfill Road. The office must receive the paperwork in sufficient time for it to be processed and provided to the carrier by the 70th day after the shipment was delivered. The Claims Office conducts briefings regarding DD Form 1840/1840-R on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., also Tuesday and Thursday at 1:15 p.m. For more information, call 526-1355.

ARMY CONTINUING EDUCATION SERVICES

A full range of educational opportunities is available for soldiers and adult family members. High school diplomas or college degrees are available in a wide variety of career fields. For the soldier, the unit education counselor is the place to start in pursuing educational goals. Professional education counselors work at the unit level in the Skill Development/Education Center, located in Bldg. 1117, on the corner of Ellis Street and Specker Avenue. For information on funding, programs, testing services and career development, ask your unit career education counselor. Education counseling services are available to adult family members at the Skill Development Center. For more information call 526-8070.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA

The Armed Services YMCA, in partnership with the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region and Army Community Services, serves the Colorado Springs military community. The ASYMCA focuses its efforts toward enhancing the quality of life for military personnel and their families, offering outreach programs, special events, information and referral. Crisis intervention is offered by connecting military families to the appropriate community agencies or by helping access various military systems for assistance. The ASYMCA offices are located inside the Southeast Family YMCA at 2190 Jet Wing Drive. For more information call 622-9622.

KIDS KORNER

This childcare program provides a safe and structured learning environment for children up to 5 years old and is free to ASYMCA participants. The program focuses on socialization skills and basic preschool skills. For more information call 622-9622.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Family recreation activities include many holiday programs such as Mother’s Day Brunch, Easter Dinner, Halloween Carnival, Thanksgiving Dinner, Vanity Fair in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and more. We have won national awards for Kid’s Adventure Week, a summer day camp for military dependents which has been offered here in Colorado Springs for more than 20 years. We also offer aerobics classes, craft classes, two family nights per month at the Southeast Family YMCA, and other social and recreational programs. For more information call 622-9622.

POST NEWSPAPER

The office of the post newspaper, the Mountaineer, is located in Bldg. 1550, on Specker Ave. The Mountaineer staff is always looking for stories about Fort Carson soldiers, civilians and their families. Free classified ads are run in the Mountaineer for soldiers, their families and civilian employees of Fort Carson. To place an ad, clip the coupon in the back of the paper, fill it out and mail it into the Mountaineer, or bring it to Bldg. 1550. For more information, call 526-4144. Check out the Mountaineer online at www.carson. army.mil or at www.gowdyprint.com.

ID CARDS AND DEERS

The Fort Carson ID Card Section is located in Bldg. 1118. Family members need a marriage certificate, birth certificate or an old ID card for their ID card application. Normal Hours are Monday – Friday 0730 – 4 p.m.; . Hours may change with mission requirements. For more information, call . While at the ID card Section, soldiers should ensure all family members are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). All military family members of active duty, retired and deceased soldiers must be enrolled in DEERS prior to receive ing non-emergency medical care. Family members must be enrolled by their sponsor. For more information, call (719) 524-3704. DEERS / ID CARD OFFICE mailing address is 6151 Specker Ave, Fort Carson, CO 80913

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Fort Carson offers diversified worship services and religious activities including workshops, religious education for all ages and special ministries. The programs are designed to meet the special needs of the soldier and military family. They begin with the single soldier and touch every aspect of family life including single parents and waiting spouses. All Chaplain activities on post are coordinated through the Installation Chaplains Office, located at Bldg. 1550 on Prussman Boulevard. This includes the Command Chaplain and the Directorate of Religious Education. For more information, call 526-5279.

FORT CARSON CHAPELS

There are several chapels on Fort Carson to serve your religious needs. For information on the chapels and type of services offered, call 526-3393. To obtain assistance from your Chaplain during duty hours, contact a unit Chaplain or call 526- 5910. After duty hours, call the Staff Duty Officer at 526-3400.

PROVOST MARSHAL

The Fort Carson Provost Marshal Office operates a proactive program to discourage crime and maintain a high quality of life on post. The program is operated by the Physical Security/Crime Prevention Branch located in Bldg. 2757 South Barkeley Ave. For more information on the following programs, call 526-2158/9726. Crimes, traffic accidents and disturbances should be reported to the Military Police Desk located in Bldg. 2700, by calling 526-2333.

PROJECT LOCK

Project Lock is designed to permit sponsoring groups to conduct one-week Lock Your Car campaigns. Its purpose is to alert the public to the importance of locking cars and removing the keys to prevent the theft of personal or government property stored inside private and government vehicles.

OPERATION IDENTIFICATION

Operation Identification gives you the opportunity to use an engraver to mark your personal property. The purpose of the program is to encourage soldiers and their families to identify their property as a deterrent to theft. Marked property is also easier to recover if stolen.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Neighborhood Watch is an organized network of neighbors who work with the Military Police to prevent crime in their areas. They act as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood.

OFFICERS FRIENDLY AND MCGRUFF

Officers Friendly and McGruff visit schools and give classroom presentations to establish personal contact with children. Their visits help develop a positive relationship between the students and law enforcement personnel.

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMAND FINANCE OFFICE

The Fort Carson Command Finance Office offers soldiers a full range of pay and disbursing services. All personnel are served through their Battalion Personnel Actions Center NCO or Pay Representative. Soldiers with pay problems that cannot be resolved at the unit level can arrange for an appointment with pay inquiries through their Battalion Personnel Actions Center. Family members should start their inquiries through their sponsor’s unit. For more information, call 526-3550.

CHECK CASHING

The Fort Carson Main Post Exchange located in Bldg 6110 at Flint and Chiles Ave., will cash personal checks for up to $300 per day and temporary checks of $100.00 per day. Government checks, money orders and cashier’s checks in amounts up to $500 are also cashed. Other post facilities accept checks written for small amounts above the amount of purchase. The Main PX accepts MasterCard, Discover and Visa credit cards for purchases only. For more information on check cashing, call 576-4000 needs.

ARMED FORCES BANK

The Armed Forces Bank main office is located in Bldg. 1512, at Founders Plaza. Hours of operation are Monday, Friday and Paydays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Drive-up service is available Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon. The bank has five automatic tellers located on post and is part of the Plus System, giving customers access to their accounts nationwide. For more information, call 576- 6601 or 1-800-755-2769.

SECURITY SERVICE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

The Fort Carson Branch of Security Service Federal Credit Union has four locations: the main office is located in Bldg. 1513 at Founders Plaza, the off post offices are located at 1910 N. Academy Blvd., 1485 Kelly Johnson Blvd. and 2560 S. Circle Dr. The credit union is open to all active duty and retired military and their families. The credit union offers a full range of banking services worldwide. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Drive up hours of operation are 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 576-6401.