Exceptional training for exceptional families Published Jan. 24, 2012 By 1st Lt. Laura Balch Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nellis Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted its first Exceptional Family Member Program basic training event Jan. 24, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Stephanie Garnes, EFMP Family Support coordinator, organized this one-day training course to assist families who have a member with special needs as they navigate through the various services that are available to help them. "Since assuming my role as the EFMP-FS coordinator more than a year ago, I noticed that many EFMP families were unaware of the many resources and services that are available to them," Garnes said. "The basic topics discussed during this training for families with special needs were provided to ensure families are knowledgeable about the support services that are accessible." During the training, representatives from the TriCare office, A&FRC, Social Security Office, Nellis Personnel Office and the Nellis Legal Office discussed the following topics with attendees: TriCare Extended Care Health Option, Air Force Aid Society Respite Care Program, Social Security benefits, legal and educational laws, EFMP reassignments and Special Needs Trust. The TriCare ECHO program offers assistance to eligible active duty family members who are diagnosed with a serious physical, mental or psychological disability. Through this program, families can receive financial assistance for services that are beyond the scope of the basic TriCare program. The AFAS Respite Care Program is for active duty Air Force families who have a family member with special needs. The goal of the program is to provide a "break" for a few hours a week, or month, to families who have the responsibility of 24-hour care for an ill or disabled family member living in the household. For more information on the TriCare ECHO program, the AFAS Respite Care Program or any of the other EFMP-related topics mentioned above, contact Stephanie Garnes at 702-652-3327. Nevada Parents Encouraging Parents will lead the next EFMP training event, "Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2012, at the A&FRC on Nellis. To sign up for this event or to learn what other EFMP training events are scheduled for the coming months, call Stephanie Garnes at 652-3327.
