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Beginning in 2017 the Single Dads Association has gathered monthly at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, to assist single fathers with various parenting skills and provide an environment for networking.
It is a support group and forum for the dads to learn effective communication techniques to use with their children and to discuss a range of topics like children using cell phones or proper hygiene care.
The SDA receives support from other agencies to include the American Red Cross Association, spouse groups and the local DoD Education Activity schools. Other various professionals who work with children are also available to coach the dads through some of the difficult challenges they face.
“The impact the group had on my life as a parent is substantial,” said Technical Sgt. Matthew Gill, 700th Contracting Squadron construction flight non-commissioned officer in-charge at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Matthew was previously stationed here and has taken the idea to Ramstein, his permanently reassigned base.
“Being able to ask advice on a parenting situation that we’re dealing with was extremely positive for myself and made me a better parent,” said Matthew. “The collective knowledge available at one meeting and for a single parent to ask a question about any number of topics on raising a child is invaluable.”
Lisa Enyeart, ARC regional program manager here, says they also provide resiliency activities and preparedness programs to support growing families.
“Our participation with the Single Dads Association is an opportunity to reach out and meet the needs of the community by ensuring that these families have access to our support services,” said Enyeart. “Activities such as our Reconnection Workshop, Preparedness Health and Safety, which includes CPR and First Aid courses, and support in connecting parents with community partners are available to serve their specific needs and questions.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher Siler, aerospace propulsion systems instructor assigned to the 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 16 here, has been a member of the SDA for two years. He said he is pleased to be in a group full of guys just like him and appreciative to be able to relate to what other fathers are going through.
“My experience with SDA has meant a lot to me because I have a support system in place if I need anything, and I am there for others if they need me as well,” said Siler. “We are another version of the extended military family here at Lakenheath.”
The group is open to all single fathers from RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell. Informal lunch meetings are held monthly and include guest speakers and advisors.
Additional information can be found on their Facebook page ‘Single Dads Association Lakenheath Feltwell and Mildenhall’. They also brief during Newcomer’s Orientation and DoD school registration periods.
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2019 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 312745 |
| Location: | RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, GB |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Single Dads Association, by SSgt Madeline Herzog, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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