Wisconsin National Guard Family Programs

Enjoy the latest newsletter from Kay Wade (Personal Financial Counselor) and don’t hesitate to reach out to her if you would like to set up a free one-on-one session.
You can find Kay’s contact information at:

https://wisconsinmilitary.org/deployment-and-lifecycle-support/pfc/

Are you looking for employment or interested in exploring a new career field?
Amazon is hosting virtual informational webinars in May to discuss their military friendly opportunities including work from home positions.
Please see the attached flyer for more details (the May 5th webinar is no longer accepting registrations) or check out their website: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/military

Are you a military member or military spouse and are currently expecting or have welcomed an addition to your family in the past 9 months?
The USO is hosting a Virtual Baby Shower on Saturday, May 2nd. Registration requires.
See the attached flyer for details.

COVID-19 Application | We Care For America

The WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund can provide financial assistance to current and former National Guard members who are experiencing a financial hardship due to having lost their primary income, or who have an increased financial burden as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds should be utilized for basic household needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, childcare and other essential family support items which have become difficult to afford as a result of the national pandemic. Applicants are asked to complete the online application below.

Applications must be accompanied by specific document(s) to prove a COVID-related hardship exist:

Letter from employer, doctor, etc OR a letter from the State Family Program Office with details supporting that the emergency is related to the coronavirus.
NOTE: Membership in EANGUS is not required to apply for the WCFA COVID
Emergency Relief Fund. National Guard members who are interested in our association should be referred to www.eangus.org for more information. We
encourage interested personnel to JOIN EANGUS by finding their State Association on our Membership page https://eangus.org/home/

This COVID Fund is initially funded because of a gracious donation from our wonderful friends at USAA. For that reason, the Fund can only support one emergency financial request per household, and the maximum amount of funds provided is limited to $500.00 per approved application. Read the USAA press release.

For information on submitting and application visit
https://eangus-wcfa.org/covid-19-application/

eangus-wcfa.org COVID-19 Application Send Us a Message Apply for the COVID-19 Grant The WCFA COVID Emergency Relief Fund can provide financial assistance to current and former National Guard members who are experiencing a financial hardship due to having lost their primary income, or who have an increased financ....

If you are looking for financial advice please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kay Wade, the newest member to the Personal Financial Counselor team. Attached is her newest newsletter, which include some great upcoming webinars.

BBB: Stop sharing senior pictures on social media

Please see note from BBB

weau.com The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising against sharing senior photos on social media.

2020 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium

*** Attention Military Spouses ***
The 2020 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium, April 29-30, lets you boost your
job search and networking skills. The free two-day event offers eight online
sessions, covering topics such as changing career fields, your federal job
search and top resume tips. Register now at

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/spousesymposium/4?utm_ca%20mpaign=seco-enews-spring2020&utm_content=text&utm_medium=email&utm_source=go%20vdelivery

myseco.militaryonesource.mil Register here for the 2020 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium. No matter where you are in your career, this two-day event can help you imagine where your career path can go and build a plan to achieve that vision. Join to take advantage of a powerful community and set of resources, all for free to mi...

Some great information with so many of our service members currently serving on state active duty

It has been brought to our attention that military families have been receiving alerts in the mail (see image).
Please remember that your service member would receive notifications through his/her chain of command.
Correspondences like the one pictured below are FAKE!
If in doubt - please reach out to the Service Member Support Division at 1-800-292-9464 opt 1 or email us at [email protected]

Wisconsin National Guard Child and Youth Program

Let's celebrate April Month of the Military Child in style!
Stay connected with us as we share weekly activities.
Watch the page for these activities or join our email distro.

There may even be surprise videos throughout this month, so watch closely!

Here is the Safety Send for today:

For more information on home disinfecting practices see:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Here is the Safety Send for today:

Can face coverings prevent the spread of the virus?
The primary benefit of covering your nose and mouth is that you protect others. There is increasing evidence that the virus can be spread by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers.

If I'm wearing a mask and someone sneezes on me, would the mask offer some protection?
Yes. But only if you use the mask properly and don't touch it with your hands afterward.

What about homemade masks?
It’s not clear exactly how effective homemade masks are, but they're a good idea.

How often do I need to wash it?
Think of a mask like underwear: It needs to be washed after each use.

Is there one best mask design?
The best material to use is a tight-weave cotton. Don't use a synthetic or a polyester.

Would a scarf work?
Not as well as a mask that fits closely to your face.

For more mask information and DIY instructions click on:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

cdc.gov Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

How to Survive Social Distancing

Good informations and tips for mental well-being.

psycom.net Quarantines, isolation, and social distancing due to coronavirus can have mental health consequences. Here's how to get through it safely.

From time to time we receive safety tips about Covid-19. When beneficial we will post them here. The Safety Tips for today are:

•WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN SOMEONE I KNOW IS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CORONAVIRUS?

1. You should help the person with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.

2. If the person is getting sicker, call his or her healthcare.

3. Household members should stay in another room or be separated from the person as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom.

4. You AND the person should wear a facemask if you are in the same room.

5. Perform hand hygiene frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

6. Wash laundry with normal laundry soap and dry on a hot setting. Keep dirty laundry away from your face and body. Wash your hands right after touching dirty laundry.

7. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day.

COVID-19 - Army Emergency Relief

ARNG Soldiers who are not in a Title 10 status can apply for AER assistance related to COVID-19. Please see the links below for eligibility. There appears to be a provision for non-Title 10 Army (as this was sent to us from NGB) and this may benefit families with deployed personnel.

While we don't know if there are deadlines for application, here are links to forms which requires that you involve your immediate commander for awareness and approval.

Army Emergency Relief Fund website:

https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/covid19/

Additional AER Information:

https://www.army.mil/article/233905/soldiers_can_now_apply_for_aer_assistance_electronically

armyemergencyrelief.org

Be On the Watch for COVID-19 Scammers
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the Nation, scammers are ready to strike unsuspecting citizens by posing as the IRS, medical professionals, internet businesses, banks, student loan processors, and other trusted agencies.

Be mindful that scammers are following the news just like you. Avoid being deceived by their unscrupulous behavior. Watch for red flags:
urgency or pressuring you to act quickly; scarcity or supplies are limited and you must purchase quickly to avoid losing out; social consensus - everyone is doing it so it must be legit; and, claiming to be from a creditable organization to gain trust so you will give up valuable personal information or account numbers.

Educate yourself and your family. Avoid answering calls from people you do not know. Make sure to make
purchases from reputable sources. Be careful about downloading apps or clicking on links in emails or on your computer.

If you have questions or need assistance, the Service Member Support Division is here to assist.
Contact us at 1-800-292-9464 option 1.

Creator Of 'Captain Underpants' Will Host Virtual Drawing Classes For Kids

scarymommy.com Dav Pilkey, author and illustrator of the popular kids book series "Captain Underpants," is going to do virtual drawing classes for quarantined kids.

New Childcare Resources
SMSD is NOT the POC for this content. Please email [email protected] with questions. The state is opening this up to all essential workforce families. As the manual "matching" will take some time, please use the map to begin proactively searching for available care in your area while you wait for a response to your request results: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare
https://childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov/EmergencyRequest.aspx https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/childcare/map

Where To Find Food, Housing Help And More In Wisconsin During The COVID-19 Pandemic

wpr.org If you're looking for food, housing, or senior care in Wisconsin during the outbreak of the new coronavirus, here are some places to look -- as well as ways you can help.

50+ Hands On STEM Activities for Kids

theeducatorsspinonit.com Looking for STEM Activities for your child? Here's your guide to 50+ STEM ideas to explore science, technology, engineering and math at home for kids. Make your STEM activities educational and budget friendly for young kids.

Operation Homefront

Our friends at the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation (BobHope.org) have generously awarded Operation Homefront an additional $250,000 challenge grant to serve veteran and military families financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and challenge others to do the same with whatever they can afford. Bob Hope left a lasting legacy of compassion for and service to our nation's military, with the goal of providing them comfort in times of great stress. The Bob Hope Foundation builds on this legacy and encourages others to join them in helping us serve our military families who may be struggling to make ends meet. For those who are interested in accepting the Hope Foundation's challenge, please go to www.operationhomefront.org/challenge to find out how to make a donation. For those military families seeking our help, please go to www.operationhomefront.org to find out to apply for assistance.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

WISCONSIN STATE PARKS UPDATE 4/28/2020

Effective May 1, 2020, nearly all Wisconsin State Parks will be open with limited capacity. Annual admission passes and/or trail passes are required. New hours for all properties will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. All properties will close weekly on Wednesday. All camping will be closed through May 26, 2020.

For full details including a list of the properties that will remain closed: https://www.facebook.com/WIDNR/posts/3334394549958056
----------------------------------------

PARKS UPDATE 4/9/2020 9:15 a.m.: Effective Friday, April 10 – Several of Wisconsin’s State Parks are closed at the direction of Gov. Evers. For more information and a full list of parks: https://www.facebook.com/WIDNR/posts/3287354864662025

Staying home as much as possible is the best way to lower COVID-19 infection rates. But if you need a place with space, getting outdoors has both physical and mental benefits.

Here’s the latest update for our state parks and trails beginning March 24, 2020.

☀️ Entrance fees at all Wisconsin State Parks and Trails are WAIVED.
☀️ Restrooms on state properties will remain open given there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.
☀️ The following buildings on all DNR properties are closed to the public: Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions, and indoor group camp buildings.
☀️ All campsites (individual, group, and indoor) are closed through April 30, 2020. No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.
☀️ Wisconsin’s waters are open. You can fish if you have a license. Normal season regulations apply.
☀️ All current regulations apply for hunting, trapping, and fishing seasons.

Distance is key during this public health emergency. Please do not congregate at restrooms, self-registration stations or electronic kiosks. Additionally, do not gather in groups of 10 or more people and maintain six feet of distance from others.

Online MBSR/Mindfulness (Free)

palousemindfulness.com This online MBSR training course is 100% free, created by a fully certified MBSR instructor, and is based on the program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program | The PenFed Foundation

COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program

The COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program was created to provide financial assistance to all Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard who are experiencing a financial setback due to the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information:

https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/coronavirus-emergency-financial-assistance/?content=on

penfedfoundation.org The Military Heroes Fund emergency financial assistance program offers financial assistance for wounded, ill and injured post 9-11 veterans.

Please see the attached list of resources compiled for youth and families.
The list includes educational, academic, well-being, digital activities, and digital tour resources.
Additionally resources that will benefit guardians and caregivers are included as well.

Army Operations Security (OPSEC)

Warning, already some alerts coming in about virus scams. Don’t fall for anything asking for PII.

Balancing Work with Kids at Home

blog-brigade.militaryonesource.mil Advice for teleworking during the coronavirus
outbreak.

State of Wisconsin Government Jobs - Job Announcement

The Family Program is looking to fill a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist position in Oshkosh, WI.
Please see the attached job posting:

http://wisc.jobs/public/job_view.asp?annoid=101834&jobid=101348&org=465&class=07601&index=true

wisc.jobs If you are experiencing difficulty on this site due to a disability, please email [email protected], phone (608) 267-1012, or TTY relay 711 for confidential assistance from a human resources representative.

From ABCs to ACTs

SO many great ones on this list!

For links, visit: https://fromabcstoacts.com/45-free-educational-websites-for-kids/

Here's The Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings

kidsactivitiesblog.com With school's closing across the nation, parents and educators are in bit of a panic as they try to figure out how kids can learn and obtain their

Army Operations Security (OPSEC)

Just a reminder...the content shared in Facebook "Closed" groups is restricted to OPSEC cleared information just like an open post is. There are still advantages to having closed groups but the intent should not be to share sensitive information.

Great opportunity for veterans and their immediate family members in the Milwaukee area