The DoD is working with YMCA programs across the Country to offer a program that is much needed and will be greatly utilized (once the word gets out, and I’m doing my part here).
Child Respite Care for Military Families
August 12, 2009
New program available at YMCAs around country
Story by Sarah Lieu
EXCERPT
The Department of Defense has allotted $5 million for a child care respite program to help military families deployed overseas.
The program is available at all YMCAs across the country.
….
All YMCAs around the country are providing deployed military families a break from the stress of the deployment process with a childcare respite program.
“It’s a very stressful time for families.” says Michelle Lewis, with the Charleston YMCA. “School’s starting up. There’s a lot to prepare. And there are some parents out there that are suddenly becoming single parents.”
…
To find out more about the military’s child care respite program, just contact the YMCA in your area.
To find a YMCA in your area go to: YMCA MAPS
I am the OSD point of contact for the YMCA program and the post is not correct as far as eligility and scope. Many Y’s do not provide child care and all are not yet participating in the initiative. You can check the YMCA website to find participating programs. Also, eligibility is incorrect. Here is the correct info:
Respite Child Care
Eligibility: Active Duty Title 10 Only
(Title 32 personnel not authorized due to funding constraints)
. Authorized for families of Deployed Guard and Reserve personnel along with Active Duty families assigned to Independent Duty locations
. Free respite child care for children up to age 12 at authorized YMCA
locations
o 16 hours of respite child care per month, per child
Thank you for the correction Bridget… I found it to be hit and miss with the ladies I know — some have used the program and others don’t have it available to them.