Support Services Overview    Relocation Readiess Program     Useful Websites    SHARP    Chapel Services and Programs   
 Drug and Alcohol Support    Legal Assistance   State and Community Social Service Agencies    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program   
 Dometic Violence State Resources   Exceptional Family Member Program        Special Needs

 

ACS Family Support Services Overview

Army Community Service Family Programs
Make Army Community Service (ACS) your first stop when you arrive at Fort Devens! You will be given a welcome packet, including maps and information about post and community programs and services.

Access To Fort Devens:  Access to Fort Devens is restricted to those who have a reason to enter.  All vehicles entering the post are subject to search. In order to gain entry to Fort Devens, all occupants 17 years or older must have a valid identification.  DoD affiliated or Federal Government ID card holders may access with any type of vehicle as long as the vehicle can safely negotiate the Access Control Point (ACP).  All uniformed Service members and spouses, DoD employees, and retired uniformed Service Members and spouses can vouch for occupants in their immediate vehicle without showing an Identification Card, provided the Trusted Traveler vehicle operator possesses a DoD affiliated ID card.  

Relocation Readiness Program

Moving is a part of life for Soldiers, civilian government employees and their Families. The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program is here to help with a comprehensive support system, whether it's your first move or the last of many. We have all kinds of information and resources to help you and your family navigate your next military move.
Your first stop should be Army Community Service that can get you started. Ask to receive a Fort Devens Welcome Packet. We can send you one by email!  Please email us your name, address and arrival date. Also please let us know if you are bringing a spouse, the number and ages of children, and if you have any pets, so that we can get the appropriate resources to you! Be sure to put the text "Welcome Packet"in the subject line of your email.
ACS Loan Closet provides Items such as pots, pans, dishes, irons, ironing boards, and small kitchen appliances, which are available for temporary loan, as well as alarm clocks, coffee pots and some sports equipment.
Military HOMEFRONT is the official source information for all DoD Quality of Life programs and services for Service members and their Families, military leaders and service providers.

SOME TIPS TO HELP MAKE MOVING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Plan ahead: As soon as you receive PCS orders, start scheduling required meetings and household chores. You may need to make arrangements for updating immunizations and obtaining passports for an overseas move.
Discuss the move: Keep the lines of communication open so that any concerns of Family members can be dealt with as they arise. Learn about your duty station.
Visit the Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Office at your duty station: They will assist you by loaning items from the loan closet and providing information about your new duty station.
Request a sponsor:  A sponsor can give you an inside look at your new community.
Start keeping lists of household goods you will want to ship. Keep a file on helpful ideas for packing and moving. Be sure to leave your new address with friends and relatives.
Moving Checklist: Important places to contact when planning a move.
Transportation: Arrange the moving/storage of your furniture, car (car for overseas move only)
Housing Office: Notify them of your upcoming PCS move
Finance Office: Make any needed financial arrangements. Remember to make arrangements regarding autos that are currently financed by a lien holder.
Schools: pick up children's records and review educational concerns.
Hospital/Doctor: Pick up a copy of your medical records.
Utilities/Phone Companies:  Arrange to cut off service.
Post Office:  Complete change of address forms

Employment Readiness Program (ERP)

The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) offers resources to help with your career plan and job search. Whether you're a military spouse or Family member who just moved to a new installation, Retiree, or DoD civilian looking for new opportunities, or active duty Military, Active Reserve, National Guard member, or Wounded Warrior, we're here to help. We offer free internet and 2 laptop computers to do your search.

Virtual Career Library:  Get help with your job search or explore different careers online from any computer. Access over 6,000 digital pages of career guidance information. Inside you will find hundreds of career advice videos, digital career books and directories, virtual job data cards, job bank resources, and occupational videos to help you achieve career and life success. Note: First time users of the Virtual Career Library must click on the "First Time Registrant" link and complete and submit the access request form. Your account should then be accessible to you within one business day. From that point on, you can access the library with the usemame and password you created.

Financial Readiness Program is your resource for information on money matters. We can help you better understand financial topics like: Military pay, checkbook/debit card management , financial responsibility, credit reporting, debt elimination strategies, budgeting and saving.

ACS can also help you learn about other financial services, including:

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 that provides emergency financial assistance to Service Members and their Families. AER helps with emergency financial needs.  AER partners with other military aid societies to enable local assistance for service members from the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. AER also provides scholarships toward education. AER gives spouses and dependent children of Armed Forces Service Members great opportunities for their first undergraduate degree (some scholarships can reach $4,000 annually)! Application information can be found online at www.aerhg.org.  Call ACS at 978-796-3023.

New policy: All ranks are now allowed to sign their own AER Form 700 application. This policy change allows E4 and below the opportunity to come to AER and process an application without Command signature for approval. Set stipulations apply.

Who is Eligible:Active duty Soldiers, single or married, and their Family members Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their Family members (Title 10, USC) Soldiers retired from active duty for longevity or physical disability, and their Family members Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers who retired at age 60, and their Family members Surviving spouses and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

What Can AER Do?
- Help with emergency financial needs for: Food, rent or utilities Emergency transportation and vehicle repair Funeral expenses Medical/dental  expenses - - Provide college scholarships to children, spouses, and surviving spouses of Soldiers.
- Scholarship Opportunities:
   - Dependent Children Scholarship Program
   - Spouse Scholarship Assistance Program.
- Additional  Benefits:
   - Lifetime membership in the Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) of Soldiers who die on active duty
   - Grants for wounded Soldiers medically evacuated from a theater of combat
   - Personal Financial Management Training for Soldiers in AIT

Please be advised AER cannot be used for: Fines/bails/judgments, Legal expenses, Ordinary leave, Vacations, Bad checks or over drafts, Credit card payments, Marriages/divorces, Income taxes, Abortions and Emergencies resulting from UCMJ actions.

Family Advocacy Program {FAP) helps Soldiers and Families recognize and meet the unique challenges of military lifestyles. Fort Devens partners with Hanscom Air ForceBase.  Services include seminars, workshops, counseling, and intervention to help strengthen Army Families, enhance resiliency and relationship skills, and improve quality oflife.

In Massachusetts:  SafeLink,  1-877-785-2020, TTY: 1-877-521-2601
Hanscom AFB Family Advocacy Program: 781-225-6385,
Fort Devens ACS: 978-796-3023
Outside Massachusetts: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799- 7233)

We are also dedicated to helping Soldiers and Families with the complex challenges related to domestic abuse, child abuse, and neglect. We focus on prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention, and treatment. Ifyou need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You should also contact your installation's Family Advocacy Program for more information .

There are two additional programs within the Family Advocacy Program that help with specific needs:

Child Abuse: It shouldn't hurt to be a kid.... Child abuse is physical: shaking, hitting, beating, burning, or biting a child. Child abuse is emotional: constantly blaming or putting down a child; excessive yelling, shaming. Child abuse is sexual: incest, any forced sexual activity, exposure to sexual stimulation not appropriate for the child's age. abuse is neglect: a pattern of failure to provide for the child's physical needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care; a pattern of failure to provide for the child's emotional needs, such as affection, attention, and supervision. For more information on what child abuse is, or how to report child abuse. Ifyou fear a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report suspected abuse or neglect, call 24/7 Fort Devens DA Police 978 796 3333. Hanscom AFB Comm: Tel (781) 225-6385 Another resource to report child abuse is the National Child Abuse Hotline at +1 (800)422-4453 or log into:   https://www.childhelp.org Ifyou have questions, call us!Ifyou are concerned about your privacy, you don't have to give your name. We will still help!

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs. EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Soldiers and their Families with special needs.An Exceptional Family Member is A Family member with any physical , emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria.
Soldiers* with Exceptional Family Members are required to register for EFMP and keep enrollment information current. This way, Family needs will be considered during the OCONUS assignments process.
If you're eligible for EFMP services, Family members must be screened and enrolled when they accompany authorized Soldiers on OCONUS assignments. Screenings include medical records review for all Family members and developmental screening for all children aged 72 months and younger .For more information about EFMP, contact the EFMP point of contact through your nearest Army medical treatment facility:

*Who must enroll in the program?

- Active Army
- U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program
- Army National Guard (ARNG) AGR personnel serving under authority of 10 USC and 32 USC. Department of the Army civilian employees do not enroll in the program .

You must identify dependent children with special education and medically related service needs and Family members with medical needs each time they process for an assignment to a location outside the United States where Family member travel is authorized at Government expense.
EFMP at Fort Devens partners with United States Military Academy -Keller Military Community Hospital (KACH), West Point, NY.  Telephone:  Phone (845) 938-6881

Information and Referral Program (IRP): Information and Referral specializes in providing information about services,programs,and information about Fort Devens, surrounding communities, and New England. The IRP provide information and makes appropriate referrals
upon request to a variety of military or civilian agencies. The program maintains a file of
installation and community resources. The IRP publishes the unofficial post telephone directory, answers to most questions. For more information call 978-796-3923.

Useful Websites

AIR FORCE RESERVE : https://afreserve.com/
AIR NATIONAL GUARD: https://www.goang.com/
Army Community Service : http://www.myarmylifetoo.com
Army Emergency Relief: http://www.aerhq.org
Military  OneSource:  http://www.militaryonesource.com
American Red Cross:   http://www.redcross.org
COAST GUARD RESERVE: http://reserve.uscg.mil
DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING  SERVICE (DFAS) Indianapolis: http://www.dfas.mil
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: http://www.defenselink.mil
Military Homefront:   http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
MILITARY PERIODICALS:  Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): http://www.armymwr.com

Helpful links to Soldier and Family issues, recreation, and more .

U.S.POSTAL SERVICE:  https://www.usps.com/ (Home page; mail manuals, rate calculations, zip codes, and more.)
VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA): http://www.va.gov/
Tricare: http://www.tricare.mil/ 
USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act) http://esgr.mil/USERRA/What-is-USERRA.aspx
US Army Links:  http://www.army.mil/
MyArmyBenefits  : http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/

Emergencies:
What if you have an Emergency? Many times, situations occur, where you feel it is necessary to request your spouse home from the field for an emergency. The military generally defines an emergency as follows: An Emergency is the Death or Critical Injury to an IMMEDIATE Family member. Critically Injured means the possibility of death or permanent disability. IMMEDIATE Family is defined as wife/husband, parents, children, grandparents (who raised your spouse in place of parents), or guardian (who raised your spouse in place of parents).
NOTE: The birth of a child, a broken arm, and the flu are not considered emergencies.   If your spouse's immediate family has an emergency and his presence is necessary, the Red Cross from that area will need to verify the situation with the Red Cross Office where THE SOLDIER IS LOCATED.

STEPS TO FOLLOW IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
1. Make sure you know the Soldier's social security number
2. Get the name of the person having the emergency
3. Know the nature of the emergency
4. Get the name and location of the hospital
5. Know the doctor's name
6. Contact the Rear Detaclunent Officer
7. Contact your local Red Cross. The Red Cross must verify the emergency.

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS): Survivor Outreach Services advocate on behalf of all Families who have suffered the loss of a Soldier and educate the community about the Survivor Outreach Services Program. The program strives to build a unified support program which embraces and reassures Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family for as long as they desire. We provide an avenue ofresources to include support groups, monthly newsletters, information briefs, and social activities. Depending on where you live, ACS will provide you with a SOS specialist.

Installation Volunteer Service (IVS): Provides guidance and information to installation agencies, which employ volunteers. The IVP provides training and a centralized volunteer tracking system, which encompasses all installation volunteers. Volunteer Opportunities - There are many volunteer opportunities with Army Community Service.

Fort Devens Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP)

If you need help now:  Call the Fort Devens I SHARP Hotline:609-562-3849. This number is the installation's hotline (available 24/7) for victims or survivors of sexual assault or harassment.

- Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) information: non Safe Helpline: 877.995.5247
- Army Community Service: 978-796-3023
- Fort Devens DA Police: 978-796-3333

The Armed Forces's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program is the Armed Forces's integrated, proactive effort to end sexual harassment and sexual assault within our ranks. Sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place in the Armed Forces. Ifyou have been the victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault, you have a voice, you have rights, and we're here to help. Ft. Deven's/ASA Dix Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): 609 752 2445.
For more information about SHARP, visit http://sexualassault.army.mil.

More Helpful Resources:

- U.S. Armed Forces Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program
- U.S. DoD Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
- National  Sexual Assault Hotline: + 1 (800)656-HOPE(4673)
- Center for Sex Offender Management
- Men Can Stop Rape + 1(202) 265-6530
- National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence (military resources) +1 (512)407-9020
- National  Sexual Violence Resource Center +1 (877)739-3895
- Rape Abuse & Incest National Network + 1 (800)656-4673 ext. 3
- Rape & Sexual Assault:Reporting to Police & Medical Attention, 1992-2000, Bureau of Justice Statistics, US DoJ
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team
- Sexual Assault State Coalitions


Single Member Services - Army Community Service will help you to find resources in the community based on your likes and needs. Call 978-796-3023 for more information.


Support Groups - Devens partners with Hanscom Air Force Base Family Support for groups and Family Support Services.There are many support groups in the Fort Devens surrounding communities. Contact ACS telephone 978-796-3023 for a more complete listing of support groups in the area.

Chapel Services and Programs

All denominations are represented in local area. Call ACS at 978-796-3023 for a listing or check the yellow pages of the local phone book.


Army Substance Abuse Program

Soldier Support Services for Drug and Alcohol are available at Hanscom AFB at 781-225-6392. Contract service or community referral available.

Alcoholics Anonymous - 508-752-9000 - http://www.aa.org/

Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services- 1-800-720-3480 - http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/substance-abuse/

 


Legal Assistance

Devens has one lawyer and one legal assistant. - Hours: 0730-1600 - Legal aid and assistance can be obtained by appointment. 978-796-2701.

State and Community Social Service Agencies

Project Food Sources Hotline 1-800-645-8333

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP: Food Assistance:www.mass.gov/snap

Use link above to return directly to this page in the future. Residents of the Commonwealth have been purchasing nutritious food at neighborhood grocery stores by using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP (formerly the Food Stamps SNAP benefits are provided by the federal government and administered by DTA. Residents of the Commonwealth who participate in SNAP are families with children, elders and disabled Many are the working poor with limited income or those who are temporarily unemployed. At the check-out counter, the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card,in making ends meet. Participation in the program has increased dramatically over the past 5 years and DTA continues to develop new initiatives to improve participation by increasing awareness and eliminating barriers to participation. There are several ways to apply for SNAP benefits: Apply Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP is the new name for the Food Stamp Program. If you live in Massachusetts, you can complete the screening tool to see if you are eligible to apply for SNAP Food Stamps online! Note: If you already submitted a SNAP application recently or your family is currently receiving SNAP, please TOP HERE and contact DTA at 1-877-382-2363 to inquire about the status of your SNAP applicationor your case. The online application is for new applications only! If you are not able to access the online application, you may still apply by mail or fax (see below). Proceed to the eligibility screening and SNAP Application (Now Available Also in Spanish and Portuguese) Apply by Mail Print and complete the SNAP application provided here and mail to: DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406 Taunton, MA 02780-0420 .
To help us determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits, you may be asked to provide proofs (verifications) of certain statements you have made. You may submit those proofs (verifications) by mailing or faxing them to DTA. Here is the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Electronic Document Management (EDM) Mail/Fax Cover Sheet: In English, In Spanish, In Portuguese. You will need to use it to submit your proofs (verifications). Just select and open the link and print the Cover Sheet. Attach this to your proofs (verifications) and mail or fax to the address or fax number identified on the form.

Fill-able SNAP Application -  Download Forms at:  www.mass.gov.
Complete and print a fill-able application provided here. Please note, the Adobe Acrobat Reader only allows you to view and print fill-able PDF forms. It does not allow you to save the completed form to your computer. Once you complete the application, make sure you print it, sign it, and mail to: DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406 Taunton, MA 02780- 0420.

WOMEN, INFANT AND CHILDREN (WIC)

If you are eligible, you will receive nutrition information and counseling, referrals to other services and checks to buy food. Call 1-800-942-1007. The closest to Devens is Fitchburg 978-345-6272.

Safe shelters for victims who choose to leave their abusive partners are usually available in the civilian community. Shelters are intended to provide a short-term safe haven for domestic violence victims and their children. Counseling and other support services are available to assist victims in developing a longer-term plan to ensure their safety and the safety of their children.

Domestic Violence State Resources - Massachusetts

For information or assistance, contact:

Massachusetts Coalition Of Battered Women Services Group
14 Beacon Street, Suite 507
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-248-0922
FAX: 617-248-0902

CITY PROGRAM PHONE#
Boston Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
Casa Myrna Vazquez
Elizabeth Stone House
F.I.N.E.X. House
Harbor Me
Jane Doe Safety Fund

NEW ENGLAND CENTER for WOMEN in TRANSITION
24 hour Hotline: (413) 772-0806

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment, Army-wide program designed to ensure that family members receive appropriate services to meet special physical, emotional or educational needs.

Devens works closely with West Point, NY for EFMP issues.

EFMP enrollment enables the Army to take family members' special needs into consideration when the soldier is due to be reassigned. Call Army Community Service for medical/educational paper work. Telephone 978-796-3023

ACS has a directory of medical and educational facilities and services available within a 40-mile radius of Devens, and will assist family members with special needs or disabilities to obtain the appropriate services. The Boston area is world renowned for the abundance of medical care. Soldiers are reminded of the importance of registering upon arrival at the installation.

- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, (800)392-6450
- Disabled Persons Protective Committee Voice/TDD,(800)426-9009
- Information Center for Individuals With Disabilities, (800)-462-5015
- Massachusetts/Voice/TDD, Mass. Rehab. Comm, Employment/Vocational Training, Fitchburg, MA, (978) 345-1713
- Friends of the Retarded, Inc., Fitchburg, MA, (978) 345-6301
- Office of Handicapped Affairs, Boston, MA, (617) 727-7440

Special Needs

Massachusetts has many programs for special needs. Each community has services from early intervention, pre-school, school age, middle school, high school, to adult learning.

Advocacy/support groups available to families in Massachusetts include:

1. Early Intervention Division:
Health and Human Services
1-800-882-1435
www.mass.gov

2. Child Care / Respit Care
Division of Youth with Special Needs
1-800-882-1435
www.mass.gov

3. Local WIC Offices in Massachusetts
1-800-942-1007
www.mass.gov

4. Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
https://www.ssa.gov/

5. MEDICARE
Official US Government Site for Medicare
1-800-633-4227
https://www.medicare.gov/

6. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap



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