Released: Feb. 9, 2004
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD,
Azores (USAFENS) -- An Air Force Aid Society program here gives parents a
few hours away from parenting one Friday a month.
The “Give
Parents a Break” program funds child care for some active duty Air Force
parents of children six weeks to 12 years, for a few hours the last Friday of
each month at the Child Development Center and the Lajes Youth Center.
“The idea is
to give parents a small break from the challenges of parenting,” Master Sgt.
Margaret Jett, family readiness and Air Force Aid officer said.
Parents who are
eligible include those:
l
Whose spouse is
deployed or on a remote tour
l
Whose spouse is
on an extended temporary duty
l Families
with sudden changes such as the birth of a new baby, serious or extended illness
of a family member, death in family or similarly stressful situation
l
Whose child has
special needs
l
Whose spouse
works extensive extended shifts
“This isn’t
free child care,” Sergeant Jett said. “Rather, it’s a program for base
officials to use in helping out families who could benefit from a night away
from the kids.”
Sergeant Jett
said parents can be referred to the program by their squadron commander or first
sergeant, chaplain, doctor or other medical professional, family advocacy or
family support center personnel, CDC program director, LYP director or family
program support flight chief.
“I also issue
the certificates to all members with children who out-process the family support
center for temporary duty or deployment,” Sergeant Jett said.
“When I see
my single parents stressed, I ask them if they want a break,” Master Sgt.
Donna Maler, 65th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant said. “If an
active-duty member is on temporary duty, I’ll talk to the spouse and see if
they need a break. Our folks are out fighting the fight, and spouses need to
regenerate themselves on the home front too.”
Sergeant Maler
said the program works.
“Once, I had
a single mom who needed a break from her ‘itty bits’ during Christmas,”
she said. “Being a single parent with two young boys, I could understand her
need for a break.”
According to
AFAS guidelines, a referral certificate needs to be filled out and issued by the
referring person listing recommended length of eligibility. The parent then
calls the CDC or youth center here, depending on the age of the child, to make
reservations by the Wednesday before the ‘break’ Friday.
“This is a very important program, especially for Lajes,” Sergeant Maler said. “Being on an island with no place to ‘run’ means sometimes parents just get stressed out and need a break.”
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