"Ready Airmen, Ready Families"
524 Stuart Ave
Building 1127
(803) 895-1252
Fax: (803) 895-4748
For emergencies after duty hours, phone the 20th Fighter Wing Command Post at
(803) 895-5850.
Information and Referral Program
Information and Referral provides telephone and in-person assessments to help you determine your needs and the right resource. You may be referred to a center program or to another organization either on or off base. If you are unsure of where to turn, call us and we will point you in the right direction.
Family Services Loan Locker
The loan locker is available to newly-arrived, TDY, or PCS'ing personnel. The loan locker contains items such as pots and pans, dishes, utensils, sleeping mats, baby cribs, tables, chairs and more all free of charge.
Air Force Aid Society
The Air Force Aid Society is the official Air Force charity that exists worldwide to provide assistance to you and your dependents in time of need. This non-profit organization provides financial assistance to Air Force members for emergencies through interest-free loans or grants.
Who does AFAS help?
Active Duty, Air Force Dependents, Retired Air Force and members of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Service on active duty.
What does AFAS do?
Provide assistance in the form of an interest free loan, a grant or a combination of both is available for such things as
* Basic Living Expenses (Rent, utilities and food)
* Emergency Leave
* Vehicle Repairs for Essential Transportation
* Medical/Dental expenses not covered by Tricare
* Pay/Allotment Problems
* Funerals
* Disasters
What can't AFAS do?
* Finance business ventures or make investments
* Pay for ordinary leave or vacation
* Pay bills for non essentials
* Pay for credit card debt including government issued travel card
* Pay for bad checks, provide bail or pay fines
* Pay for taxes or legal expenses
* AFAS does not provide consolidation loans
* AFAS tries to focus on long term financial solutions and not only provide a financial band-aid.
Personal and Family Readiness
Provides preparation information and on going education and assistance to individuals, families and leadership. The information, education and assistance efforts are aimed at preparing military members and families to be optimally prepared for all facets of military life.
Car Care Because We Care - An Air Force Aid Society grant program. Provides routine auto maintenance at the base service station at no charge to the AF family member.
Give Parents a Break -Air Force Aid Society grant program. Provides child care once a month for AF parents who need a break from child care responsibilities due to the stress associated with deployments or TDY's.
Video Phone - Provides face-to-face communication for the military member and their family during remote tours, deployments, and TDYs of 30 days or more.
Home Phone Program - Air Force Aid Society provides $20 prepaid calling cards for all active duty Air Force members when they deploy for 30 days or more.
Morale Calls - Provides the opportunity for family members whose sponsor are TDY, deployed, or on a remote assignment to call the sponsor from home once a week.
Pre-deployment Checklists - Provides assistance with deployment preparation for single members, family members, and single parents.
Musical Storybook CD - A colorfully packaged collection of children's stories narrated over classical music. CD's are mailed directly to children of deployed members, compliments of the USAF Heritage Band.
Deployment Pamphlets - Provides information on coping with Separation and Reunion as well as Stress Management.
TDYs, remotes, and deployments are synonymous with life in the military. Call us for information about Airman & Family Readiness Center programs to help you increase individual and family readiness for these separations.
Financial Services
Personal Financial Management Program offers information, education and personal financial counseling to help individuals and families maintain financial stability and reach their financial goals.
We offer classes such as checkbook maintenance, debt management, identification theft, and basic investing. In addition, we teach classes and provide briefings on a routine basis such as: Transition Assistance Program, NCO and Airman Professional Development Courses, First Term Airman Center, and E-4 and Below Refresher Course. Commanders, First Sergeants and Supervisors are encouraged to refer individuals for a one-on-one assessment when they suspect financial problems may exist. Individuals are encouraged to set up an appointment with a staff member to help with any area of financial concern, including basic budgeting, debt management, financial concerns of separation and divorce, consumer protection, saving and investing, or considering a part-time job.
Early intervention in financial problems is imperative. It only takes a short time for a financial problem to grow beyond the scope of any Air Force assistance.
Employment Services
The Career Focus Program is an employment Resource program. CFP assists individuals and family members with short and long term career goals. It provides information, assistance, and job skill training to enhance the marketability and employability of military spouses, family members, and DoD civilians.
Information, Referral and Follow-up helps DoD personnel and their families identify and clarify needs and determine appropriate forms of assistance and provides linkage to those resources. Appropriate referral is ensured through follow-up.
Services include:
Employment Listings (Local, State, World Wide)
Job referrals for full and part-time employment
Assistance with writing resumes and completing job applications
Career counseling and planning
Information about training and educational planning
Workshops with emphasis on career and personal development
Resource Center with access to personal computers, laser printers, typewriter, internet information on careers, jobs, and the development of job search skills
Job books with current job vacancies
Volunteer Opportunities
The Volunteer Program functions as a military community's resource for base-wide volunteer activity. VRP coordinates installation volunteer recruitment, training and recognition in conjunction with other base agencies. The training and recognition provided to volunteers fosters the sense of professionalism within the volunteer community. The volunteers also acquire skills that will enhance their personal and professional development.
Relocation Services
Our goal is to increase knowledge and skills needed by military members, DoD civilians and their families to accomplish a successful move. Moving can be a challenging experience, and our relocation resources can help in preparing for a rewarding experience.
Relocation Assistance Program - Moving is a way of life in the Air Force. Whether it's your first, fifth, or last move, it's always a major undertaking and it is important that you seek the services of the A&FRC's Relocation Assistance Program (RAP). The Relocation Assistance Program staff helps Air Force single and married members as well as DoD civilians and families through all aspects of a move.
Sponsorship Training - Sponsor responsibilities, local resources, and community trends are discussed in the sponsorship class. Sponsorship Training is held each month and is a mandatory requirement. Being a good sponsor starts with the 3 C's - Communication, Concern, and Creativity.
Right Start - Right Start Newcomers Orientation. Held twice a month. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Please visit our Right Start webpage for more information.
Base Videos - Air Force installations are available for checkout.
One-on-One Relocation Counseling - Discuss all your relocation questions, concerns, and stressors with a qualified Relocation Specialist.
Childcare for PCS - In-bound and out-bound Air Force active-duty personnel are entitled to 20 hours of FREE childcare during PCS sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. Bring a copy of your PCS orders to the Airman and Family Readiness Center and receive a certificate for free childcare per child. Must be used within 60 days of a PCS.
Family Life Education
The Family Life Education Program offers a variety of services to assist members and families in their knowledge, skills, and abilities to anticipate and meet the challenges throughout the various stages of the family life cycle. Supporting the Readiness mission of Shaw AFB, the FLE also assists in many ways to provide extra support during separations.
Today's military family (which includes active duty military members, DoD civilians, retirees, and family members of active duty) works together as a team of professionals to support the mission of the United States Air Force.
Family life and self-enhancement skills are addressed through this education based program. Emphasis is placed on providing the skills and knowledge you need to help cope with challenges and make sound life choices.
Programs and Services Include:
* Crisis Interviews, Assessments, & Referrals
* Family Life Education Programs/Classes such as:
* Heart Link - Spouse's Orientation Program
* Remote Families
* Parenting Skills
* Relationship Skills
* Communication Skills
* Dealing with Separation Stresses
* Single Parenting
* Strengthening Stepfamilies
* Reunion Planning
* Individual Education Sessions
* Classes and workshops can be presented in your work areas
* Referral information for base and community resources
Agencies Providing Family Programs/Classes:
Airman & Family Readiness Center: (903) 895-1252/1253
Chapel: (903) 895-1106/1107
Child Development Program: (803) 895-2247
Community Center: (803) 895-3382
Family Child Care Program: (803) 895-1212
Health & Wellness Center: (803) 895-1216/1217
Mental Health: (803) 895-6199
Transition Services
The DoD Transition Assistance Program was designed to aid military personnel, DOD employees, and family members in a smooth transition to the civilian sector. It's your best chance for success in the next stage of your life. Whether you're retiring, going back to school, or looking for a new career, success requires planning and resources. The TAP program provides an overview of information that helps members make informed choices about benefits, entitlements, and resources. TAP gives members the opportunity to assess career goals, develop Individual Transition Plans, and perfect job search related skills.
Some of the services that we provide in the TAP program include:
Pre-Separation Counseling - This is a mandatory class for anyone separating or retiring from the military. Individuals should sign up for this class, at a minimum 90 days before they are about to retire or separate from the Air Force. Call 895-1252 for more information.
3-Day Transition Assistance Seminar - This seminar provides information on Resume Writing, Interviewing, Networking for a Job, Researching Companies, Applying for a Contracting Job, Applying for Federal Service Employment, Online Resumes, Dress for Success, Change Management, Financial Management, Evaluating a Job Offer, an Employers Panel and much, much more.
Veteran's Benefits Briefing - This briefing provides an introduction to the Department of Veterans Affairs, overview of benefits and entitlements and completing your disability claim form.
Individual Transition Plan (ITP) - The key to your successful transition is planning. We're talking about your future and the future of your family. Transitioning is serious business and requires a carefully thought out Individual Transition Plan (ITP). The ITP is your game plan for a successful transition to civilian life. It is a framework you can use to fulfill realistic career goals based upon your unique skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities. The ITP is not an official form. It is something you create by yourself, for yourself. The ITP identifies actions and activities associated with your transition. Fortunately, your Transition Assistance Office will give you a head start on the development of your ITP. Call 895-1252 to schedule your ITP appointment now!
The Shaw Transition Assistance Office can also provide additional employment assistance and resources. Our services include:
* Individual counseling and assistance
* Information on local Job fairs
* Job search libraries and access to job listings
* Automated tools for preparing resumes, cover letters, and federal job applications
* Assistance in preparing resumes and cover letters
* Assistance in preparing for interviews
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