Today's military family faces many common consumer challenges, as well as the additional stress associated with frequent separation. To ease such difficulties, Family Centers, along with the other programs described below, provide help and support for military families.

U.S. Military Family Centers

Located on most military installations, Family Centers provide information, life skills education, and support services to military members and their families. "Family Centers" is a generic term that includes similar offices in each of the separate military branches. These centers provide community service programs that enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

One key function of a Family Center is to link customers with appropriate services available in the local community and/or through state and federal assistance programs. To properly fulfill this role, the Family Center director develops working partnerships with organizations, such as those related to health and human services, school systems, employment assistance, law enforcement and recreation.

If you cannot locate a Family Center, please contact your respective military branch's headquarters office listed below. The designation "DSN," preceding some of the phone numbers, refers to the military phone system and does not apply to the civilian sector.

Air Force Community Readiness and Family Support
AF/A1SF 4E235
Force Sustainment Division
1040 Air Force Pentagon
Washington DC 20330-1040
(703) 697-0067
www.afcrossroads.com
Air Force Crossroads is a comprehensive resource for Air Force members and their families with support, advice and contacts relating to nearly every aspect of personal and professional life. Along with topics that range from health and wellness, finances, family matters and recreation, the network includes access to the Air Force Spouse Forum, chat rooms, an employment forum, a flea market and links to news sources.

Marine Corps Community Services
3280 Russell Rd.
Quantico, VA 22134-5103
703-784-0275
DSN: 278-0275
Toll free: 1-800-MARINES
Fax: 703-784-9816
www.usmc-mccs.org
The Personal and Family Readiness Division (MR) provides a number of Marine Corps personnel service programs, such as: Casualty Assistance, DEERS Dependency Determination, Voting Assistance, Postal Services, and Personal Claims. MCCS delivers goods and services at over 2,250 facilities and has a staff of more than 12,000 employees worldwide.

Fleet and Family Support Programs
Commander, Navy Installations Command
2713 Mitscher Road, SW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20373-5802
Ph: 1-800-FSC-LINE (800-372-5463)
Website: www.nffsp.org
The Fleet and Family Support Program delivered by Commander, Navy Installations Command, provides support, references, information and a wide range of assistance for members of the Navy and their families to meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle. Up-to-date news, messages, links and resources are provided, including assistance with relocation, employment, career and benefits, healthy lifestyles, casualties, domestic violence, and retirement.

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC)
Family Programs Directorate, Army Community Service
4700 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-681-5375
DSN: 761-5375
Fax: 703-681-7236
www.myArmyLifeToo.com
The MyArmyLifeToo portal is the single gateway to comprehensive information on the support available to Army personnel and families, including resources to strengthen home and family life, Army basics training, lifelong learning, finances, employment, relevant news, along with links to key resources.

U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second St., SW, Room 6320
Washington, DC 20593
202-267-6160
Toll free: 1-800-368-5647 (Safety)
Toll free: 1-877-NOW-USCG (Recruiting)
Fax: 202-267-4798
www.uscg.mil
The U.S. Coast Guard can provide key resources, including core publications, career information and related news, as well as comprehensive background about its mission, community services, history, photos and reports.

Military HomeFront

www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
Military HomeFront is the official Department of Defense website for information to help improve the quality of life for troops and their families. Members of all branches of the military service and their families will find reliable, up-to-date details and advice on such topics as education, housing, legal matters, parenting, personal finances, pay and benefits, relocation and healthcare. Military HomeFront also makes it easier for leaders to locate official quality of life program information and resources for their troops and families. In addition, service providers can access desk guides, policies, forms and other resources.

Military OneSource

www.militaryonesource.com or 1-800-342-9674
Military OneSource is an excellent hub of information and assistance for military personnel and their families. This comprehensive, 24/7 resource offers a wide variety of helpful services and tools dedicated to meeting the special needs and improving the lives of service men and women, both personally and professionally. In addition to in-person counseling and direct links to all of the armed services home sites, Military OneSource offers advice and who-to-contact information on matters such as health, education, training, moving, shopping, legal issues and finances. Podcasts, webinars, discussion boards and news feeds cover special topics and provide answers to help resolve problems.

Commissaries and Exchanges

Consumers who shop at military commissaries and exchanges, and who have a question or problem should contact the local manager before contacting the regional offices. If your problem is not resolved at the local level, then write or call the regional office nearest you. Be sure to discuss the problem with the local and regional offices of a commissary or exchange before contacting the national headquarters.