Operation: Military Kids Reaching out to Military Youth Before… During… and After Deployment (Revised 2/08)

Operation: Military Kids

Reaching out to Military Youth

Before…

During… and

After

Deployment(Revised 2/08)

Objective #1

Define the background and purpose of OMK.

OMK Background

Began nationally in December, 2003 Started in Indiana in May, 2005; current grant runs

through September, 2008 Initiated by U.S. Army Child and Youth Services

(CYS) based on need for support of military families, especially youth

4-H was sought as the first national partner by CYS because of its presence in every county in the nation

OMK is now in 42 states, selected by CYS, based on deployment levels

OMK Purpose

Provide support to military children and their families through a network of community resources to help them overcome challenges they face.

Military Family Challenges

Global war on terrorism resulted in high levels of mobilization and deployment

Deployed family member Reduced income level 2nd parent working Child care issues Extended family – care of children

Military Family Challenges

Tutoring needs Increased stress levels Increased medication levels Changes in spousal roles Adult roles assumed by children Community/schools unaware of

change in family status

Objective #2

Identify National, State, & County OMK Team Partners.

National Partners

4-H U.S. Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Association of Child Care Resource

Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) The American Legion & American Legion

Auxiliary Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)

Indiana OMK Team

State Contacts Steve McKinley, 765-494-8435,

[email protected], OMK Project Director

Judy Hauser, [email protected], 765-494-9516, OMK Project Coordinator

County OMK Teams

Key to the success of OMK in Indiana! Purpose: identify and address local military

families’ needs in a timely manner No set number of members required Include those with diverse backgrounds,

with and without military experience Goal: Continue to build County OMK

Teams in 2008 and beyond

County OMK Teams

Include a variety of individuals/groups as team members Youth & Adults Community & Business leaders Extension Staff Local military personnel Family Readiness Groups (FRG’s) School representatives Social Service agencies YMCA/YWCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts Other…

County OMK Team Activities

May include State OMK Team components Be flexible and responsive to meet local

needs identified Foster positive relationships with military

families Participate in already-established

community, 4-H & Extension events

Objective #3

Describe primary

components of OMK.

Primary Components of OMK

Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK)

Hero Packs

Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)

Speak Out for Military Kids

Speakers Bureau designed as an educational program to raise the awareness of issues facing military families

Participants find out first hand what military families go through

Builds public awareness about issues facing military families during mobilization and deployment

Participants give presentations in their communities about military life

Speak Out for Military Kids

Participants are youth in grades 7-12, with or without military backgrounds

Primary qualification is an interest in learning more about military life and in communicating this message to their communities

Hero Packs

First outreach effort of OMK Contain fun and educational material for the

youth and informational material for parent/guardians

Purpose is to say “Thank You” to military youth for the sacrifices that they make during the deployment cycle of a loved one

Each pack includes a handwritten letter from youth to military families

Hero Packs

Over 3,000 have been assembled and distributed in Indiana.

Extension Homemakers are partnering with 4-H to assemble additional Hero Packs in several counties.

Sample patterns are available for those interested in making backpacks. These are suggestions only; most any pattern that will hold the contents will be suitable.

Hero Pack Items

A suggested list of items to put into a Hero Pack includes… Small photo albums Disposable camera Stationary Journal Pen and/or pencil 4-H stuffed animals Hats T-shirts

Phone cards Stamps Stickers Coloring books Crayons Certificates for

restaurants Discount Cards Donated items from

local businesses, service organizations, government

Hero Pack Items continued…

Information on local services available to military families Tutoring for students, Child care options, Food bank,

Family services Local 4-H, Extension Homemaker, Extension

information – relevant to military families Opportunities available in 4-H Programs offered through Extension Homemakers/CFS –

money management, budgeting, healthy lifestyles, meal planning, etc.

Master Gardener/home horticulture information relevant to raising vegetables, flowers, ornamentals

Hero Pack Distribution

Locally through Family Readiness Group (FRG) or Armory

Designed for youth who have parents in some phase of the deployment cycle

Respect privacy of military families by not asking for names

May distribute at upcoming FRG activity Through FRG, invite military youth to attend

4-H/Extension event Give packs to FRG for later distribution

Mobile Technology Lab

Mobile, wireless computer lab Provides access to technology to

communicate with deployed loved ones Users can create cards, letters, digital

videos, audio recordings, photos

Mobile Technology Lab

Messages are created, then printed or downloaded to CD for distribution to service men and women

Utilized at County 4-H Fairs, Indiana State Fair, Indiana Fever/Pacer Games, local deployment/reunion events, Family Readiness Group events

Mobile Technology Lab

Hardware includes Laptop computers Color printer Digital camera Digital camcorder

Mobile Technology Lab

Software includes… Hallmark Card Studio

Greeting Cards Hundreds of options to choose from

KidPix Deluxe Paint Zone Drawings Graphics

Mobile Technology Lab

Software includes… Encarta

Electronic encyclopedia Videos from Discovery Channel Dictionary and Thesaurus Research tool for media report

MTL Scheduling

Need to have local representatives trained to use MTL

2-3 hour training available through State OMK Team

After completion of training, may schedule MTL for local use

Responsible for transportation, set-up, repacking, and care of MTL

Objective #4

Explain procedures to hold County-Sponsored Event.

County-Sponsored Event

Supported through State OMK Grant Application made through Extension Staff by

FRG’s and other community partners $500 maximum per event May join efforts with multiple counties in multiple

program areas Applications accepted at any time (as long as

dollars are available) Use for Hero Pack supplies, local military-related

events, etc.

Sample County-Sponsored Events

Purchase of items to fill Hero Packs or materials to construct bags for Hero Packs

Supplies used with Mobile Technology Lab Funds for activities in support of military unit

events – homecomings and departures Funds for activities to lead with children

during FRG meetings

Objective #5

Describe other OMK

Activities.

Other OMK Activities

Invite military youth to join existing 4-H Clubs and Jr. Leaders

Help FRG’s start new 4-H Club and/or incorporate 4-H activities into FRG events; “Activities to Assist” Kits are available

Encourage military youth to attend 4-H Camps and State Conferences

Special activities for members of FRG’s – e.g., Boone County National Guard Mother’s Day event

Incorporate OMK programming into other youth programs (e.g., St. Richard’s School)

Objective #6

Initiate OMK programming in your community.

County OMK Programming

Identify local contacts for OMK activities. Ask an SOMK speaker to visit your group. Assist with assembly and distribution of

Hero Packs. Schedule the MTL for an event. Organize and/or partner with your County

OMK team and respond to local needs. Hold a County-Sponsored event.

For More Information

Send an e-mail to

[email protected];

or call Steve or Judy

(765-494-8435; 765-494-9516)

THANK YOU for your support!!!