EFMP holds informative family forum

Photo By Cpl. Brianna Christensen | Marcela Moody, the Exceptional Family Member Program manager, speaks to members at the family forum held on Camp Foster Sept. 6. When permanent change of station orders are received, an assignment coordinator researches the area where the family is being stationed to ensure facilities in the area meet the family’s health needs.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.09.2011

Story by Pfc. Brianna Christensen 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - The Exceptional Family Member Program held a family forum here Sept. 6 to give members a chance to meet the staff and other members of the program.

The EFMP is designed to ensure that the diagnosed, chronic medical, educational and behavior health needs of active duty family members can be met.

“The program provides continual care wherever a service member is stationed, so we can assure they are always receiving the quality of life they deserve,” said Gail Clements, a case worker for EFMP.

EFMP was established in 1987 and adopted by the Marine Corps in 1992. The program is now mandatory for all branches of uniformed service.

“Enrollment is a requirement if a family member has been diagnosed with a special need,” said Marcela Moody, EFMP program manager. “It is important to enroll because not all bases have the facilities needed for the exceptional family member.”

The primary mission of EFMP is to ensure families are located in areas where their needs can be met, but they do not choose a service member’s next station. Coordinators give their recommendations to service members’ occupational field monitors.

Aside from making sure families will be stationed in areas where they have access to adequate facilities, EFMP also provides workshops and events designed to help families cope with the added stresses some chronic disorders can add to daily life.

“We have workshops that help people understand disorders such as attention deficit disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism,” said Sarah Harrell, a training, education and outreach specialist with EFMP. “We also hold events such as the 5km Autism Awareness Family Fun Run, the Sunny Series, which is a two-week summer camp for EFMs and their siblings, and the Winter Series, which is a three-day winter camp.”

According to Clements, EFMP staff members are planning a bowling and ice cream social and a sensory movie night.

“Some of the children have sensory issues so sitting in a dark theater is not good for them,” Clements said. “We are hoping to have a night where the lights stay on and the volume is lowered, so they will still have the opportunity to experience a movie theater.”

“We want to be there every step of the way,” said Suzanne Pekarek, a case manager for EFMP. From the time families land on the island until the day they leave, we are here to help.”
For more information visit www.mccsokinawa.com/efp or www.facebook.com/mccsokinawa.efmp.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2011
• Date Posted: 09.08.2011 20:47
• Story ID: 76699
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP