Army Community Service

United States Army Garrison Stuttgart
Army Community Service
Proudly Serving Military And Families Of All Branches
Panzer Kaserne, Building 2915

Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday, 0800-1700
Closed on US Federal Holidays
Main Desk DSN 431-3362, Commercial 07031-15-3362
Fax DSN 431-3331, Commercial Fax 07031-15-3331
From the US: 011-49-7031-15-3362

Marvin A. Dickerson, Jr., Army Community Service Division Chief
DSN 431-3306, Commercial 07031-15-3306
Marvin.Dickerson@eur.army.mil

What's Going On at ACS: Events & Classes

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Stuttgart Newcomers Orientation - Winter
Family Advocacy Programs - Dec	ACS Calendar - Dec
Family Advocacy Programs - Jan	ACS Calendar - Jan

The ACS Mission Statement
"ACS will assist commanders in maintaining readiness of individuals, families, and communities within America's Army by developing, coordinating, and delivering services which promote self-reliance, resiliency, and stability during war and peace."

For more information about our programs and services please read below:

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

AER is a non-profit organization which provides emergency loans and grants to Soldiers in crisis. Financial assistance is generally for emergency food or travel, but may be available for auto repair, insurance, rent or utility bills. AER is the U.S. Army's emergency financial assistance organization and is a key element in "helping the Army take care of its own." AER provides commanders with a valuable asset in accomplishing basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of Army personnel.

Point of contact is AER Officer Michael Hamm, DSN: 431-2085, Commercial 07031-15-2085, room 211, or email michael.hamm2@eur.army.mil

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)

The AFAP program contributes to readiness and retention by having Soldiers and Families actively involved in making the Army a better place to live and work. AFAP ensures grassroots Soldier and Family input directly to Army leadership on critical well-being concerns by gathering real-time input from delegates representing Active, Guard and Reserve Soldiers, retirees, Department of Army civilians, and Family members.

The program convenes the annual AFAP conference where delegates evaluate and prioritize issues they consider of greatest importance to Army well-being. The program gives grassroots constituents the opportunity to influence Army quality of life. AFAP delegates recommend what they want to see happen when an issue is resolved. It creates a continuous process of community improvement at local levels that have resulted in changes to legislation, Army and Department of Defense policies, and new or improved services at Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) level. AFAP monitors the progress of issues via Commander's Steering Committees at local levels and a General Officer Steering Committee chaired by the Vice Chief of Staff, Army HQDA. All issues recommended as completed or unattainable must be approved by the chairs of these committees.

Since 1984, AFAP has been the driving force behind hundreds of legislative, regulatory and policy changes, and program and service improvements, all geared towards improving the quality of Army life and enhancing readiness and retention. Among the changes benefiting all Army services that have come through AFAP are pay increases, dental benefits, TRICARE reform, life insurance, housing allowances, and enhanced educational opportunities. AFAP benefits all military service members.

Point of contact is AFAP Program Manager, Lisa Ordukaya, DSN 431-3643, commercial 07031-15-3643, room 208, or e-mail lisa.ordukaya@eur.army.mil

Army Family Team Building (AFTB)

The AFTB program curriculum consists of over 40 modules of instruction taught by Family members and professional Army Community Service (ACS) staff members to other Family members. It is designed to provide them with the information, knowledge, and skills needed to gain self-reliance and to better us the community support programs provided to assist them throughout their spouses' career.

The AFTB curriculum is divided into three distinct levels of instruction that are available HERE on this Internet web-site.

• Level 1 is designed for new spouses entering the Army and helps them maneuver through the military maze. It is the "Heart" of the program.

• Level II is designed for emerging leaders and provides them with the tools and skills to take on leadership roles within their military community.


• Level III is designed to provide more senior spouses with the skills to advise and mentor volunteers and serve in senior level leadership positions.

Point of contact is AFTB Program Manager, Lisa Ordukaya, DSN 431-3643, commercial 07031-15-3643, room 208, or e-mail lisa.ordukaya@eur.army.mil

Army Volunteer Corps (AVC)

The AVC serves as the commander's consultant on volunteer issues; hairs the Volunteer Advisory Council, trains installation volunteer managers; develops a volunteer job bank; recruits, interviews, and refers volunteers to organizations; and is responsible for the annual Volunteer Awards ceremony. Volunteering helps the organization by expanding program capabilities. Volunteering benefits military members, civilians, retirees, spouses and youth to:

• Gain a sense of satisfaction / achievement by meeting challenges.
• Learn about the Army and the community.
• Acquire new skills and or expanding old ones.
• Obtain work experience.
• Build new friendship, and become a cohesive part of the community.

Point of contact is Laura Davis, DSN 431-3330, commercial 07031-15-3330, room 210, or e-mail laura.jean.davis@eur.army.mil

Employment Readiness Program (ERP)

ERP provides information and referral services in the area of employment, education, training, transition, and volunteer opportunities to give Family members the competitive edge needed to secure employment.

The primary purpose of the ERP is to assist eligible Family members who are relocating as a result of a military or civilian sponsor's permanent change of station. ERP provides accurate, timely information and other supportive services necessary to minimize the employment problems associated with such moves.

ERP works closely with Civilian Personnel Office (CPO), other on - and off-post agencies, and Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) representatives to provide a full range of employment-related services and assistance to Family members in their job search and career development.

A variety of workshops are available on:

• Employment skills-building
• Career planning
• Self-assessment
• Writing resumes
• Effective job hunting skills
• Filling out application forms

Active duty members, civilian employees, spouses, retirees, surviving spouses, and Family members (to include youth) are eligible to use these services.

Point of contact is ERP Manager Kelly Measells, DSN 431-3363, commercial 07031-15-3363, room 205, or e-mail Kelly.measells@eur.army.mil

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The EFMP provides an all-inclusive, many-sided approach for community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services for Families with special needs. An exceptional Family member (EFM) is a Family member (child or adult) of an active duty, Reserve, or National Guard Soldier with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that limits the individual's capacity to engage in pursuits with peers or that requires special treatment, therapy, education, or training. Some of the conditions that would qualify a person as an EFM include asthma; epilepsy; diabetes; developmental delays; speech, language, hearing, or visual impairment; behavioral issues; physical disabilities; and mental health disorders. Enrollment in EFMP is mandatory for all service branches.

The purpose of the EFMP is to assess, document, and code the special medical and educational needs of eligible Family members, so that those needs can be considered when a Soldier is being assigned to a duty station. This process is designed to ensure that Soldiers are assigned to an area where their grade and specialty are needed, and where the EFM's medical and special education needs can be accommodated.

The EFMP Coordinator serves as the advocate for all Families enrolled in the EFMP.

Point of contact is EFMP Program Manager Frances Anderson, DSN 431-3326, commercial 07031-15-3326, room 227, or e-mail Frances.Anderson2@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

The FAP is a strength-based program promoting individual and Family strengths during challenging times to reduce the risk of violence. Prevention of partner and Family violence meets the military's expectations of ensuring the quality of community life that promotes strong military members and their Family members. The FAP provides military Families with prevention services and educational programs:

• Emergency Placement and Foster Care
• Respite Care
• Victim Advocacy
• FAP Education and Prevention
• New Parent Support Home Visitation Program
• Sexual Assault Response
• Exceptional Family Member

The Command, FAP, and the community have the collective responsibility for ensuring victim safety, holding offenders accountable, and providing treatment and support

Point of contact is FAP Manager Betsy Frier Walker, LSCSW, DSN 431-3709, commercial 07031-15-3709, room, 228, or e-mail Betsy.Walker@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

Victim Advocacy Program (VAP)

The goal of the VAP is to empower all victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The Victim Advocate informs victims of their rights, options, and available resources. The Victim Advocate is available to help the victim make informed decisions and walk them through the various stages involved in a case. The Victim Advocate assists each victim to reach a resolution that is acceptable. VAP services include:

• Emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Information and referral to community resources
• Immediate and on-going safety planning
• Coordination of emergency shelter placement/transportation
• Domestic violence awareness and prevention education
• Coordination of Transitional Compensation Process
• Upon request, accompany victim during medical examinations and legal proceedings

Reporting Options

Adult victims of Domestic Abuse now have new reporting option:

Restricted Reporting- Allows the victim the option of receiving medical treatment, advocacy, and counseling without triggering the official investigative process or command involvement. The victim may only report to the Installation Victim Advocate, the Family Advocacy Program Manager, and Healthcare Providers.


Unrestricted Reporting- Victims receive medical treatment, advocacy, counseling, and an official investigation of their allegation. This option ensures the widest range of rights and protections to the victim.

• When there is an imminent threat of harm a report may have to be made. If you are worried about privacy, you may call and not give your name and still obtain helpful information.

Violent behavior is against the law. Violence will not go away without help. It may only become worse with every assault and ultimately end in death. No one has to live in an environment that degrades and/or physically endangers him or her. Remember, a victim advocate is always there for you. The Victim Advocate is available to provide 24/7 assistance either telephonically or in person.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the Installation Victim Advocate for assistance.

Point of contact is VAP Coordinator Tira Jones, DSN 431-3342, commercial 07031-15-3342, after regular work hours 0176-262-48894, e-mail tira.jones@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPRP)

Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It is a crime that inflicts incalculable harm on victims and their Families; it tears at the fabric of civilian and military communities; and it destroys trust among individuals and faith in our institutions. It is also the most under-reported crime in our society and in the military.

Under Department of Defense instructions, the Army and other military services implemented the SAPRP to combat the crime of sexual assault. The goals of the SAPRP are to:

Educate and train Soldiers to prevent sexual assault and to respond appropriately when it occurs
• Ensure victims/survivors receive sensitive, confidential and comprehensive care.
• Create a climate that encourages reporting without fear.
• Ensure that incidents of sexual assault are investigated and offenders are held accountable.

The SAPRP is a victim-focused program designed to ensure a dedicated network of support for victims and to empower victims. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) serves as the single point of contact to coordinate sexual assault victim care. Installation and Unit Victim Advocates provide a 24/7 response, helping victims navigate the system, understand options, and access resources and services.

Under the SAPRP, service members who become victims of sexual assault have two reporting options:

Restricted Reporting: Law enforcement is not informed nor does the command structure become involved, thus eliminating the opportunity for disciplinary or protective action. Restricted reporting allows the victim to disclose details of the assault on a confidential basis only to specified individuals:
• Army Community Service Victim Advocate DSN 431-3342, Commercial 07031-15-3342
• Unit Victim Advocates
• SARC DSN 431-3361, Commercial 07031-15-3361
• Chaplain DSN 430-5000, Commercial 0711-680-5000
• Healthcare providers including Social Work Service DSN 431-2676, Commercial 07031-15-2676

Unrestricted Reporting:
• Allows the victim to receive medical treatment, including a forensic examination, counseling, and to inform the appropriate legal/command authority.

• The advantage of the unrestricted reporting option is that notification of law enforcement and the command structure allows actions to be taken to protect the victim. In addition to the personnel listed under restricted reporting, these personnel can take unrestricted reports:

Military Police DSN 430-5262 and 5261 0711-680-5262 and 5261
Ambulance DSN 116 0711-680-116 German 110
For more information about the SAPRP, go to www.sexualassault.army.mil

Point of contact is SARC Ottis Goodwin, DSN 431-3361, commercial 07031-15-3361, after regular work hours 0176-297-5265, e-mail ottis.goodwin@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

Community Education Program

The FAP Educator offers classes to help in the prevention of domestic abuse and child abuse. Community classes aim to provide skills to strengthen and enrich military Families. Classes offered include:
• Managing Your Emotions: A three module class covering Understanding Anger, Anger in Relationships, and Anger in the Workplace.
• Love and Logic program for parents of children of all ages.
• Stress Management and Stress Management for Women.

Additionally, the FAP Educator provides professional training to the garrison. Professional trainings include:
• New commander and senior NCO briefings.
• Annual unit briefings and troop training as requested.
• Mandatory child abuse prevention training for all individuals who work with children.
• Annual Safety Awareness training to help increase personal safety awareness is provided to all Department of Dependent Schools students and is also available to parents and school staff members.

Point of contact is FAP Educator Kelly Beck, DSN 431-3352, commercial 07031-15-3352, room 225, or e-mail Kelly.Beck2@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

New Parent Education and Support Program (NPSP)

The New NPSP Home Visitor - Registered Nurse offers a variety of services to new and expectant parents to answer questions, deliver supportive resources, and provide information within the convenience of the Families' home, the way friends and Family do "back home".

Services

• Hospital Visits
• Home Visits
• Information on a variety of growth and development topics
Ages and Stages
Discipline
Child Safety
Family Stress Management

Classes

• Pregnancy Orientation
• Breast Feeding Basics
• Infant Massage
• Parenting

Support Groups

• Adoption Support Group
• La Leche League / Breast Feeding Support Group
• Sole Parent Support Group

Play Mornings provide opportunities for Families to interact with each other, to establish support, and learn from each other while engaged in developmentally appropriate play.
• Singing and Dancing
• Sharing and Interacting
• Making Friends
• Learning

Point of contact is FAP NPSP Registered Nurse Jean Folarin, DSN 431-3340, commercial 07031-15-3340, room 206, or e-mail Jean.Folarin@eur.army.mil and Clair Oja, DSN 431-3352, commercial 07031-15-3352, room 312, or e-mail clair.oja@eur.army.mil

Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Outreach Program

The FAP Outreach Program helps to better connect the American people with local national organizations in area of reducing Family violence. To accomplish the goal of establishing relations with the German community, the FAP Outreach Coordinator builds the network of outreach assets with different local organizations.

The Outreach Program:
• Consolidates host nation and military professional relationship around reducing Family violence
• Creates resources for victims and Family members
• Supports recently married foreign born spouses with adjustment to military life
• Provides Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) classes

Financial Readiness Program (FRP)

The FRP offers a wide range of services to assist Soldiers and their Families with their financial affairs. The FRP Manager emphases on the training portion of the program designed to educate service members and spouses in money management, proper use of credit, financial planning for deployment, transition and relocation, insurance, and check writing principles in an attempt to prevent financial difficulties before they arise.

Also included in this service is the debt liquidation program, designed to help Soldiers arrange to pay off their debts. Clients are encouraged to work with their creditors to gain stable, manageable financial positions.

The FRP Manager is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) who is available to help service members and their spouses from all branches:
• Establish budgets.
• Work with creditors.
• Advocate for and file consumer complaints.

Finances are the leading cause of stress in the lives of military families. The FRP offers classes and counseling to resolve problems and reduce this stress. Congress and the Department of Defense mandate an eight hour Financial Readiness Training for First Term Soldiers course that must be completed early upon arrival at the Soldiers' first duty station. You can access this course at www.myarmylifetoo.com Just complete a short registration and you are on your way to completing the requirements set forth by Congress and the Department of Defense.

The FRP supports Warfighter Readiness by relieving Commanders from the distraction of helping Soldiers resolve personal financial problems. It aids retention by helping Military Families to be financially healthy and secure.

The Consumer Affairs portion of the FRP is designed to educate service members on their rights as consumers. The goal is to enlighten our military members and their Families on procedures used in business, business transactions they should stay away from, and how to know when they are being taken advantage of.

Point of contact is FRP Manager Herman Hurd, DSN: 431-3348, Commercial 07031-15-3348, Panzer Kaserne, Bldg 2915, room 207, or email herman.hurd@eur.army.mil, or Tongueneka “Toni” Lewis, DSN: 431-3053, Commercial 07031-15-3053, Panzer Kaserne, Bldg 2915,room 209, or email tongueneka.h.lewis@eur.army.mil.  

Information and Referral Follow-up Program (I&R)

ACS is the main center for information and referral within the United States Army Garrison-Stuttgart. The I&R Program Manager is the primary source of information for community members and visitors with any information or assistance they may need and refer them to appropriate agencies for assistance. The I&R Program Manager maintains a combination of hard copy and electronic files of installation and community resources. The I&R program provides computers that will allow individuals to check their e-mail accounts.

Point of contact is I&R Program Manager Alyse McCamey, DSN 431-3362 and 3344, Commercial 07031-15-3362 and 3344, room 216, or e-mail alyse.mccamey@eur.army.mil

Mobilization and Deployment Readiness (M&D) Program

The M&D supports commanders during pre-deployment, mobilization, deployment, homecoming, and stability and support operations. The M&D Specialist and staff:
• Provide pre-deployment briefings.
• Conduct Rear Detachment personnel training.
• Conduct Family Readiness Group Training.
• Provide staff members for and operates the Soldier and Family Assistance Center when activated.
• Provide support to waiting spouses.
• Provide assistance to Family Readiness Groups.
• Keep commanders abreast of major problems affecting Families either mobilized or deployed Soldiers and civilians.
• Assist single parents, dual military couples and duel emergency-essential civilian couples in developing a Family care plan.

Point of contact is AFAP M&D Specialist Ligia Steers, DSN 431-3346, commercial 07031-15-3346, room 213, or e-mail Ligia.Steers@eur.army.mil

Relocation Readiness Program (RRP)

RRP staff members provides a variety of services and goods designed to help ensure that all members of the community have a better quality of life from the time they know they will be serving at United States Army Garrison Stuttgart and throughout their tour of duty here. RRP services include:

• Online resource: World-wide installation information and referral service at www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil. Plan My Move is an electronic planning calendar tool that provides links to all referral needs in both your departing and gaining communities.
• Relocation pre- and post-moving information and services: in-processing and out-processing briefs, counseling, outreach and referral services
• Unit Sponsorship Training, a commander's program in which individuals learn how best to serve as sponsors for their incoming personnel and Family members to assist with transitioning needs at the new installation.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) cross-cultural training for bi-cultural Families to better adapt with language and social needs.
• Translation service for most German and American business and personal correspondence such as bills, quotes and estimates as well as general information and assistance when working with German customer service representatives.
• German Language Class offered free on a self-pace basis by an instructor with over 20 years of experience.
• Stuttgart Newcomers Orientation (SNO) class and tour offered to all in-processing personnel and their Families to orientate on the German culture, language, transportation and tourism offerings.
• Lending Closet supplies consisting of basic household kitchen and childcare items to help during the moving processes of arriving and departing. 

Point of contact are:

RRP Program Manager Daniel Adams, DSN 431-3436, commercial 07031-15-3436, or e-mail Daniel.C.Adams@eur.army.mil

RRP Translator Manuela Weleba-McFeat, DSN 431-3007, 07031-15-3307, room 214, or e-mail Manuela.Weleba-McFeat@eur.army.mil

Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC)