JANUARY 2021
In this Issue... Letter from the Family Readiness Director,
CNIC Calls On All PPV
Housing Tenants to Take
Upcoming Satisfaction Survey
Homeschooling Help
with Tutor.com
Ombudsman Moment
January 2021
New Parent Stress?
Let Your FFSC Help
FERP Works Hard, Increases
Spouse Employment
Events During Pandemic
Stalking: Another Avenue of
Intimate Partner Violence
Up For a Reading Challenge?
Visit us online at:
Family Connection is a publication of
the Fleet and Family Support Program.
The Navy’s Fleet and Family Support
Program promotes the self-reliance
and resilience of Sailors and their
families. We provide information
that can help you meet the unique
challenges of the military lifestyle.
The appearance of external links in this
newsletter does not constitute official
endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Navy
or Department of Defense.
If you have questions or comments,
contact the Fleet and Family Support
Program, cnic.ffsp.fct@navy.mil.
Wow! What a year 2020 has been, a different year to say the
least. Let me start by wishing you and your family a happy, healthy,
safe and peaceful new year!
In this past year, your Family Readiness Program team continued
to provide Navy families with first-class programs and services in
the midst of a global pandemic. I would like to take this moment
to congratulate them for another successful year of service to
our Navy Families.
With COVID-19’s continued presence and the operational tempo ever changing, the Fleet and Family
Support Center (FFSC) staff has a work ethic, dedication and perseverance that leaves me amazed
and inspired. FFSCs around the globe rapidly responded to completing their duties and subsequently
improving the quality of life for Navy families.
I want to highlight some of Family Readiness’ accomplishments that stood out in 2020. We evolved
from providing mostly in-person services to virtual services. Not all FFSCs shut their doors; many
continued to work directly with service members and their families while following all social distancing
protocols. Our eLearning programs increased the number of monthly webinars to ensure a greater and
safer accessibility for Navy families.
Looking back at the celebrations of 2020, we celebrated several milestones. We promptly converted
required trainings and workshops such as the Transition Assistance Program and Command Financial
Specialists to virtual trainings. We provided staff members with the tools and resources to work
virtually. We continued to support our Sailors and families with one-on-one counseling and provided
virtual group sessions. We also launched a new initiative that provides special education and legal as-
sistance to our exceptional family members! In this unique and unforgettable year, we also celebrated
an even bigger milestone: The Navy Family Ombudsman Program celebrated its 50th anniversary.
I know that Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who established the Navy Ombudsman Program, would be
proud. I know I am!
The Family Readiness Program team is committed to the success of serving our community with the
best services and the most compassionate support, which we can give. We are one team working
together for a more ready and resilient Navy family!
As we step into this new year, I look forward to continuing to work alongside our amazing team and
confidently moving forward into another exciting year of opportunities and possibilities. We are proud
of serving and being of service to the United States Navy and her families!
May the blessings of the season continue throughout the year for you and your family!
– Shauna Turner
Find your installation’s Fleet and Family Support Center by visiting https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/
family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/FFSC.html
ATTENTION READERS: Make Family Connections Interactive! Share your questions, comments, good
news stories, useful resources and articles you have written or found helpful. As space allows, we will
include them in future newsletters OR release on social media. Submit to cnic.ffsp.fct@navy.mil
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 JANUARY 2021

CNIC Calls On All PPV Housing Tenants to Take

Upcoming Satisfaction Survey
BY KYLE Z. HENDRIX, COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON – The annual Public-Private Venture
(PPV) Tenant Satisfaction Survey (TSS) will be conducted
from Dec. 10, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021, and CNIC is
calling on all tenants of Navy PPV housing to participate.
“I want to emphasize how important it is for all PPV
residents to complete this survey. Their feedback provides
valuable information to help us improve their quality of life
and service, and to determine where the Navy and our
housing partners are getting it right and where we need
to focus more attention,” said Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey,
CNIC Commander.
The TSS is anonymous and is administered by CEL & As-
sociates, an independent third party, with funding provided
by the Navy.
The surveys are designed to accurately identify the current
state of Navy housing, and inform decisions on needed
improvements. In addition to identifying immediate health
or safety concerns, the Navy is looking at larger trends,
such as reoccurring issues, the level of customer service,
government oversight and identification of future projects such as new playgrounds or dog parks.
The Navy has oversite of approximately 40,000 PPV housing units that are managed by the following PPV partners throughout the
United States: Balfour Beatty, Clark, Hunt, Landmark, Lincoln and Patrician. The upcoming TSS survey applies to all tenants of Navy
PPV housing. Tenants will be receiving an email from CEL & Associates with instructions on how to provide their responses. If you are a
tenant of PPV housing and do not receive a notification email please contact your local Housing Service Center (HSC) for assistance.
“Our commitment remains unchanged, provide quality and safe housing to our service members and their families,” said Greg Wright,
CNIC housing director. “I would like to thank all those who have brought up issues in the past, and encourage all tenants to take the
annual survey as the feedback received translates into improvements for not only the submitter, but the entire Navy community.”
Several of the initiatives implemented recently in PPV housing oversight were a result of feedback through the various surveys last
year such as, transparency in the maintenance process, use of online portals and apps, hiring additional personnel in Housing Service
Centers and adding time between occupants to ensure houses are ready for the next tenant.
Family members living in privatized housing are allowed to take the survey, but only one survey is allowed per household.
Tenants with questions about the upcoming TSS should contact their local HSC for assistance. Outside of the TSS, residents can always
contact their HSC with any housing question. HCS staff are there to support Sailors and families and can help with all of their
housing needs.
To learn more about Navy Housing, visit the nearest Housing Service Center or go to www.cnic.navy.mil/housing.

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 JANUARY 2021

Ombudsman Moment January 2021

REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES AND THE COMMAND OMBUDSMAN
When a person volunteers to help with an organization, the last thing they want to do is incur
expenses. Have you ever worried what it might cost you monetarily to become a command
ombudsman? Let us assure you that it should not cost anything.
The command has specific allowable expenses per OPNAVINST 1750.1G CH-2, and chances are
that what you might need is included in these expenses. Please understand, though, that these
are not guaranteed reimbursements. It is up to the command to determine whether or not they
can find the money in their budget to pay for some of your expenses. It is important for you to be
realistic about what you need and what you can do without.
During your interview, have a serious conversation with the commanding officer (CO) and/or the
point of contact (POC) to discuss your and their expectations for the position, including a discus-
sion of expenses that you might incur. Do you live 30 miles from the base and need mileage? Maybe
you have a toddler and will need occasional childcare expenses. Have the conversation before you accept the position, so that all are
clear about what is needed and expected for you to perform this role. When an agreement is made, it should be put into writing,
whether in a memo or an email following-up a verbal conversation. You will also want to discuss the process for submitting receipts
and receiving payment for your agreed-upon expenses. The CO could appoint a separate POC for you, other than your regular POC,
for processing monthly expenses. Sometimes a yeoman or supply officer is assigned to work with the ombudsman on financial issues.
The most important thing to remember is to have an agreed-upon procedure in place before spending any money. After the fact is not
the time to ask for reimbursement.
For more information on how to volunteer with your command or to locate your command ombudsman, contact your Fleet and
Family Support Center Ombudsman Coordinator or Reserve Component Command Warrior and Family Support Specialist or use
the Contact Your Ombudsman feature on the Ombudsman Registry home page at https://ombudsmanregistry.cnic.navy.mil.

New Parent Stress? Let Your FFSC Help

BY KATHY MUSCARI, LCSW, NAVSTA ROTA, SPAIN
There is a great deal of joy to experience with the arrival of a newborn
baby. That is not to say that the experience does not come with its
challenges. Having a baby can also be quite stressful and feel overwhelming
at times. 
If you are a new parent, you probably were advised by a caring family
member, friend or fellow parent to “sleep while the baby sleeps” or “don’t
forget to make time for yourself.”
Both ideas are valuable pieces of advice and if you can do these things, do
them! However, what should you do if these ideas are not realistic for you?
How do you manage feelings of stress or worry if you are not getting your
basic needs met, you are feeling down or are not exactly feeling content
with parenthood? Here are four ways to tackle new parent stress.

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT EXACERBATES STRESS AND WHAT ALLEVIATES IT

Ask yourself what actions are making your stress worse and what actions improve your mood and make you feel better. If you find
yourself searching the internet for answers to all of your new-parent questions and it causes you to feel worried and concerned, take note
of that response in your mind and body. What else can you do? Do something that will relax you and give you a moment of peace. Will a
phone conversation with a friend help you? Will taking a bath help you? Will reading a book or exercising help you? If those do not work
for you, try taking three deep breaths in a quiet place. Whatever action helps you remember it the next time you reach for your smart
phone to do a google search and use that as a sign to do the action that will relax you instead. Pay attention to the actions that make you
feel good!
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Continued from Page 3.
Everyone is different. Your stress triggers might
be different from those of the parent next
door; so will the practices that help you manage
your stress will also be different. If you are not
sure what might help alleviate your feelings of
stress, do a little trial-and-error investigation
by practicing different actions or talk with a
professional for some tips.
ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT AND
ACCEPT HELP WHEN IT IS OFFERED
Asking for help does not mean you are failing
as a parent, it means that you are making
sure both you and your baby’s needs are met.
What should this look like? Have an in-depth
conversation with your partner about how
you are feeling, what your needs are and how
your partner can help you. In addition, if your
friends or neighbors want to make food for
you or set up a meal train, let them. Eating a
delicious meal without the chore of cleaning
up the kitchen is one of life’s great comforts,
especially with a newborn.
TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME
When you have a newborn, today will not look
like yesterday and you will not know what to-
morrow will bring. Accept that things might be
out of your control and allow your routine to
be flexible. Letting go of control can be difficult,
but it may help you to cope with any curveballs
that might come your way.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
It is easier to think about all the things you feel
that you are doing wrong as a parent, but you
should acknowledge the things that you are
doing right instead. The simple fact is that you
have created and nurtured this beautiful human
and that you are doing your best to make your
baby happy and healthy each day. You deserve
credit for your actions.
As a new parent, you will likely experience a
wide range of emotions, including highs and
lows. If you find that you are experiencing
difficult feelings that do not go away, please ask
for help. There are professionals available to
listen to and talk you through this rewarding
but challenging time in your life.
Your installation’s FFSC provides support and
resources to new parents with the New Parent
Support Home Visitation Program. For more
information or if you would like to reach a New
Parent Support Program specialist, contact your
installation’s FFSC or visit their website here.
JANUARY 2021
FERP Works Hard, Increases
Spouse Employment Events
During Pandemic
Commander, Navy Installations Command
(CNIC) and Fleet and Family Support Centers
(FFSCs) increased spouse employment initiatives
through virtual delivery services, workshops and
virtual hiring events in support of COVID-19
efforts.
The challenges of finding employment and
relocating during these difficult times present
adversities for military spouses trying to maintain
stable employment and create setbacks that may
affect morale, readiness and well-being of the
military community.
Virtual hiring fairs are nothing new
to our FFSC. The number of virtual
hiring events and participation in
them is rising. Increased online
events and resources has led to
more virtual workshops on career
exploration, employment outreach,
federal employment system, goal
setting, job search strategies,
interview skills, resume writing
and self-employment. Additionally,
ongoing collaboration with local
resources such as Military One-
Source, Hiring Our Heroes, Military Spouse Employment Partnership and the Small
Business Association (SBA) has led to the further exploration in online employment
and educational opportunities.
The current COVID-19 pandemic can be
an opportunity to practice resilience skills
and share them with others. Research
shows that volunteerism decreases anxiety
and builds resiliency. So, whether spouses
are finding their way through a challenging
telework experience, worrying about job
security in these uncertain times, on the
hunt for new employment in a changing economy or looking to volunteer.
Please contact your local FFSC to find volunteer opportunities and ask about the
things that people are doing during COVID-19 to help others. You can also search
online for organizations that are helping deployed service members and veterans and
find some way to get involved.
For additional information about the Family Employment Readiness Program, please
visit your local FFSC or download the MyNavyFamily application on your mobile de-
vice for more information. The free MyNavyFamily app is available for download from
the Navy App Locker at applocker.navy.mil.
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 JANUARY 2021

Stalking: Another Avenue of Intimate Partner Violence

BY LEE ANNA BELTON, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND
Not only is January the start of the new year, it is also Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking is a crime that affects everyone directly or
indirectly on some level.
Stalking is a dangerous crime that directly affects up to seven-million women and men each year. Many of these crimes go undetected,
unreported or uncharged because victims and professionals fail to recognize stalking behavior. Stalking is a method of control. Behaviors
can include, but are not limited to, showing up where you are, knowing your schedule, consistently trying to contact you or control you
through technology or even sending unwanted gifts.
According to The Stalking, Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center, the legal definition of stalking can vary based on your state or
jurisdiction. However, a good working definition of stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reason-
able person to feel fear.
Stalking invokes fear and emotional distress in targeted individuals. Regardless of who perpetrates the crime, whether it is a stranger, an
acquaintance or a current or former intimate partner, stalking all too often ends in tragedy. Stalking can lead to other types of violence.
Eighty-one percent of women, who are stalked are also physically assaulted by that perpetrator, and thirty-one percent are sexually
assaulted.
The impact of stalking may be emotional, social and/or financial. Anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression are higher
among stalking victims than in the general population.
Cyberstalking can compound all these emotions; survivors express feeling as though they have no control because the abuse is constant.
Cyberstalking can occur on the phone, on the computer, by email and on social media. Most of us utilize technology in some aspect of
their daily lives and these can be sources of danger for cyberstalked victims. Public online abuse can leave a survivor feeling embarrassed
and ashamed. A victim’s sense of security will often be affected, which diminishes the ability to fully engage in social activities. According to
The National Coalition on Domestic Violence, one in eight stalking victims has reported losing work because of the stalking. More than
half of these victims reported losing five or more workdays.
If you are experiencing stalking, or know someone who is, getting support and advocacy is vital. Victims should reach out to their Fleet
and Family Support Center (FFSC) for assistance against stalking behaviors. Other steps that victims may take include keeping records,
saving any evidence of stalking, speaking with an advocate and contacting law enforcement.
Victim service providers play a critical role in stalking response and intervention. Fewer than 40 percent of stalking victims report the
crime to law enforcement. Teaming with law enforcement, legal services and other victim advocates can help victims to navigate the
challenging road of stopping stalking behavior.
Victim advocates educate victims and survivors about the ongoing dynamics of stalking and encourage them to make a safety plan
for situations that may occur. Counseling is helpful in feeling empowered again after feeling isolated or scared. There are resources
available to help.
For more information on stalking or if you would like to reach a victim advocate, contact your installation’s FFSC at https://www.cnic.navy.
mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/FFSC.html.

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 JANUARY 2021

Up For a Reading Challenge?

MWR VIRTUAL LIBRARY HOSTING A WINTER READING CHALLENGE
From now until January 31, 2021, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Virtual Library is hosting a winter reading challenge. Read
at home during the program and log your reading hours and activities to be automatically entered into weekly gift card drawings. The
program is open to all DoD employees, service members and family members eligible for MWR library services. You must be 13-years-old
or older to create your own Beanstack account; a parent or guardian may register younger children including pre-readers. Read from any
book, magazine or newspaper and log at least one hour of reading time per week in your account to be included in the weekly drawing for
one or more electronic gift cards. At the end of the challenge, the readers with the most hours logged will also be awarded electronic gift
cards. Register for the reading challenge at dodvirtualsrp.beanstack.org.

New Year
New Opportunities to Serve You

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 JANUARY 2021

JANUARY 2021

We are all more organized in different areas of our life, but luckily FFSC has Subject Matter Experts that can provide
you more tips and tricks to help tackle the areas that need improving.

How to register:
Step #1: Create an Account — Visit MyNavyFamily.com to establish a free account. We recommend establishing your
account at least one day before the webinar. Be sure to enter your time zone!!
Step #2: View the calendar — Once your account is confirmed, click “Live Webinar” at the top of the page to view the
calendar and select a webinar.
Step #3: Receive a Reminder Email — You will receive an email and link for the webinar one week, one day, and one
hour prior to the webinar!

Please feel free to message us at learning@zeiders.com if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing every-
one there!

Deployment
Tuesday, January 12th 3:30 PM EST Couples and Deployment
Thursday, January 28th 11:00 AM EST Single Sailors and Deployment

Employment
Wednesday, January 6th 9:00 AM EST Effective Resume Writing
Wednesday, January 6th 2:00 PM EST Salary Negotiation Skills
Wednesday, January 20th 9:00 AM EST Job Search Strategies
Wednesday, January 20th 1:00 PM EST Fundamentals of Interviewing
Wednesday, January 20th 1:00 PM EST LinkedIn101
Wednesday, January 20th 2:00 PM EST How to Answer Difficult Interview
Questions
Thursday, January 21st 1:00 PM EST Career Assessment and Exploration
Thursday, January 28th 1:00 PM EST Fundamentals of LinkedIn

Finances
Thursday, January 7th 1:00 PM EST Ghosts of Christmas Past
Thursday, January 14th 3:00 PM EST They’re Off to College. So, Now What?
Wednesday, January 20th 3:00 PM EST Saving and Investing
Friday, January 22nd 10:00 AM EST Financial Responsibility in the Military
Tuesday, January 26th 12:00 PM EST Protect Your Money!
Tuesday, January 26th 1:00 PM EST Getting a Tax Refund...Now What?
Friday, January 29th 10:00 AM EST Protecting Your Identity & Your Finances

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JANUARY 2021
Life Skills
Wednesday, January 6th 9:00 AM EST
Wednesday, January 6th 11:00 AM EST
Wednesay, January 6th 4:00 PM EST
Tuesday, January 12th 4:00 PM EST
Wednesday, January 13th 1:00 PM EST
Tuesday, January 19th 2:00 PM EST
Tuesday, January 19th 4:00 PM EST
Thursday, January 21st 11:00 AM EST
Thursday, January 21st 1:00 PM EST
Wednesday, January 27th 2:00 PM EST
Thursday, January 28th 2:00 PM EST
Thursday, January 28th 4:00 PM EST
Parenting
Thursday, January 14th 2:00PM EST Effective Parenting
Thursday, January 21st 3:00 PM EST Bringing Baby Home
Transition
Thursday, January 28th 10:00 AM EST Skillbridge
JANUARY 2021
Stress Management
Personal Communication
Tips and Tricks for Getting Organized
in 2021
Being the Best You (Part 1)
5 Love Languages
Conflict Management
Being the Best You (Part 2)
Interview Techniques
Let’s Talk Coping Skills
Suicide Awareness
Stress Management During A Pandemic
Presentation Strategies