How Can I Help?

Assisting families with deployed parents are just one of the many areas that community members can make a difference.

There are numerous ways to help! All Mainers are encouraged to participate. Anyone can sign up to Join the Network and receive monthly email updates. Also sign up to volunteer by calling the Military Family Assistance Center at 1-888-365-9287 or completing this Volunteer Form.

Communities can assist Service Members and their families through neighborly acts, visits, assisting with home maintenance or childcare, or even just helping plow a neighbor’s driveway after the next snowstorm. Organizations can offer discounts on goods and services, reduced or free admission to recreational activities/events, tuition waivers, youth programs, adopt-a-family, briefings, and meetings.

Educators need to know that there are kids in their classrooms with deployed parents, or that are adjusting following the return home. Colleges need to know how to deal with returning military students. Police and other law enforcement officials and EMTs need to ask if someone has recently been deployed.

You can also offer ideas, services, supplies or donations. Consider giving a little of your time to the activities and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Service Members, Veterans, and their families.