Operation: Military Kids Reaching out to Military Youth Before… During… and After Deployment (Revised 2/08)

Objective #1 Define the background and purpose of OMK.

OMK Background Began nationally in December, 2003 Started in Indiana in May, 2005; current grant runs through September, 2008 Initiated by U.S. Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) based on need for support of military families, especially youth 4-H was sought as the first national partner by CYS because of its presence in every county in the nation OMK is now in 42 states, selected by CYS, based on deployment levels

OMK Purpose Provide support to military children and their families through a network of community resources to help them overcome challenges they face.

Military Family Challenges Global war on terrorism resulted in high levels of mobilization and deployment Deployed family member Reduced income level 2 nd parent working Child care issues Extended family – care of children

Military Family Challenges Tutoring needs Increased stress levels Increased medication levels Changes in spousal roles Adult roles assumed by children Community/schools unaware of change in family status

Objective #2 Identify National, State, & County OMK Team Partners.

National Partners 4-H U.S. Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Association of Child Care Resource Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) The American Legion & American Legion Auxiliary Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)

Indiana OMK Team State Contacts  Steve McKinley, , OMK Project Director  Judy Hauser, , OMK Project

County OMK Teams Key to the success of OMK in Indiana! Purpose: identify and address local military families’ needs in a timely manner No set number of members required Include those with diverse backgrounds, with and without military experience Goal: Continue to build County OMK Teams in 2008 and beyond

County OMK Teams Include a variety of individuals/groups as team members  Youth & Adults  Community & Business leaders  Extension Staff  Local military personnel  Family Readiness Groups (FRG’s)  School representatives  Social Service agencies  YMCA/YWCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts  Other…

County OMK Team Activities May include State OMK Team components Be flexible and responsive to meet local needs identified Foster positive relationships with military families Participate in already-established community, 4-H & Extension events

Objective #3 Describe primary components of OMK.

Primary Components of OMK Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) Hero Packs Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)

Speak Out for Military Kids Speakers Bureau designed as an educational program to raise the awareness of issues facing military families Participants find out first hand what military families go through Builds public awareness about issues facing military families during mobilization and deployment Participants give presentations in their communities about military life

Speak Out for Military Kids Participants are youth in grades 7-12, with or without military backgrounds Primary qualification is an interest in learning more about military life and in communicating this message to their communities

Hero Packs First outreach effort of OMK Contain fun and educational material for the youth and informational material for parent/guardians Purpose is to say “Thank You” to military youth for the sacrifices that they make during the deployment cycle of a loved one Each pack includes a handwritten letter from youth to military families

Hero Packs Over 3,000 have been assembled and distributed in Indiana. Extension Homemakers are partnering with 4-H to assemble additional Hero Packs in several counties. Sample patterns are available for those interested in making backpacks. These are suggestions only; most any pattern that will hold the contents will be suitable.

Hero Pack Items A suggested list of items to put into a Hero Pack includes…  Small photo albums  Disposable camera  Stationary  Journal  Pen and/or pencil  4-H stuffed animals  Hats  T-shirts  Phone cards  Stamps  Stickers  Coloring books  Crayons  Certificates for restaurants  Discount Cards  Donated items from local businesses, service organizations, government

Hero Pack Items continued… Information on local services available to military families  Tutoring for students, Child care options, Food bank, Family services Local 4-H, Extension Homemaker, Extension information – relevant to military families  Opportunities available in 4-H  Programs offered through Extension Homemakers/CFS – money management, budgeting, healthy lifestyles, meal planning, etc.  Master Gardener/home horticulture information relevant to raising vegetables, flowers, ornamentals

Hero Pack Distribution Locally through Family Readiness Group (FRG) or Armory Designed for youth who have parents in some phase of the deployment cycle Respect privacy of military families by not asking for names May distribute at upcoming FRG activity Through FRG, invite military youth to attend 4-H/Extension event Give packs to FRG for later distribution

Mobile Technology Lab Mobile, wireless computer lab Provides access to technology to communicate with deployed loved ones Users can create cards, letters, digital videos, audio recordings, photos

Mobile Technology Lab Messages are created, then printed or downloaded to CD for distribution to service men and women Utilized at County 4-H Fairs, Indiana State Fair, Indiana Fever/Pacer Games, local deployment/reunion events, Family Readiness Group events

Mobile Technology Lab Hardware includes  Laptop computers  Color printer  Digital camera  Digital camcorder

Mobile Technology Lab Software includes…  Hallmark Card Studio Greeting Cards Hundreds of options to choose from  KidPix Deluxe Paint Zone Drawings Graphics

Mobile Technology Lab Software includes…  Encarta Electronic encyclopedia Videos from Discovery Channel Dictionary and Thesaurus Research tool for media report

MTL Scheduling Need to have local representatives trained to use MTL 2-3 hour training available through State OMK Team After completion of training, may schedule MTL for local use Responsible for transportation, set-up, repacking, and care of MTL

Objective #4 Explain procedures to hold County-Sponsored Event.

County-Sponsored Event Supported through State OMK Grant Application made through Extension Staff by FRG’s and other community partners $500 maximum per event May join efforts with multiple counties in multiple program areas Applications accepted at any time (as long as dollars are available) Use for Hero Pack supplies, local military- related events, etc.

Sample County-Sponsored Events Purchase of items to fill Hero Packs or materials to construct bags for Hero Packs Supplies used with Mobile Technology Lab Funds for activities in support of military unit events – homecomings and departures Funds for activities to lead with children during FRG meetings

Objective #5 Describe other OMK Activities.

Other OMK Activities Invite military youth to join existing 4-H Clubs and Jr. Leaders Help FRG’s start new 4-H Club and/or incorporate 4-H activities into FRG events; “Activities to Assist” Kits are available Encourage military youth to attend 4-H Camps and State Conferences Special activities for members of FRG’s – e.g., Boone County National Guard Mother’s Day event Incorporate OMK programming into other youth programs (e.g., St. Richard’s School)

Objective #6 Initiate OMK programming in your community.

County OMK Programming Identify local contacts for OMK activities. Ask an SOMK speaker to visit your group. Assist with assembly and distribution of Hero Packs. Schedule the MTL for an event. Organize and/or partner with your County OMK team and respond to local needs. Hold a County-Sponsored event.

For More Information Send an to or call Steve or Judy ( ; ) THANK YOU for your support!!!