Family Assistance Center (FAC)
Family Assistance Center (FAC)
(706) 545-2536/7517/4043, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. In the event of a major deployment or crisis situation, the Garrison Commander may direct transition of the Army Community Service (ACS) Center to a Family Assistance Center (FAC), with extended hours. When it is not necessary to fully activate a FAC, the ACS Center will provide information, referral, and follow-up and to meet the immediate needs of family members. Soldiers (retired and active), National Guard, Reservists, and their family members with I.D. cards are eligible for services. The toll-free line, 1-866-540-9800, is only for use by clients outside the local area network.
(706) 545-2536/7517/4043, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed on Federal/training holidays. The office for the Director of Army Community Service (ACS) is co-located with managers for the Family Advocacy Program; Exceptional Family Member Program; Employment Readiness Program; Army Emergency Relief; Information, Referral and Follow-Up; Installation Volunteer Coordinator; ACS Volunteer Program; and ACS Deployment and Mobilization Readiness.
ACS Information, Referral & Follow-Up (IRF)
(706) 545-2536, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed on Federal/training holidays. IRF provides information, referral, and follow-up on available resources in the Fort Benning tri-community area, ACS@benning.army.mil.
ACS Volunteer Corps
(706) 545-4043/2536, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. We are currently recruiting volunteers to assist ACS/FAC in providing information and referral to family members. We also use volunteers in the Financial Readiness Program, with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, during the tax season. The Family Advocacy Program has the New Parent Plus/First Steps Program, which utilizes volunteers at Martin Army Community Hospital.
Volunteer Resource Center Branch
Bldg 359, (706) 545-3016/3062
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The Family Unit Network (FUN) Center serves as an information resource center for Commanders, Rear Detachment Commanders and Family Support Group Leaders on matters relating to family support through the Family Support Group (FSG) Coordinator's office, which is housed in the FUN Center, and also promotes volunterrism by recruiting, training, and recognizing Fort Benning volunteers. The FUN Center provides an auditorium for support group meetings and a resource center equipped with a copier and computer for use by support group leaders and volunteers. The FSG Coordinator serves as a liaison between unit representatives and installation agencies as appropriate and offers quarterly training and monthly workshops to all FSG volunteers, commanders and family members involved in the family support program. Additionally, offices for the Chief of the Family Support Division, the Installation Volunteer Coordinator, the Community Life Officer and the Child Development Services Coordinator are also housed in the FUN Center. (See each branch/section for specific phone numbers.)
Installation Volunteer Program
(706) 545-4043/3016, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. The IVC is always recruiting volunteers for installation agencies/programs outside ACS, i.e. American Red Cross, Chapels, Child & Youth Services, Schools, etc. Contact the Installation Volunteer Coordinator at 545-4043/3016.
ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
(706) 545-7517/4043, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. Provides continuous education and training classes for all military personnel and their family members on child/spouse abuse prevention, safety education for children, and pre-deployment briefings for soldiers and their family members. Classes are mandatory and are provided on an annual basis for all military personnel on the dynamics of spouse and child abuse, the availability of treatment services, and the Army’s policies regarding family violence. Units may schedule briefings by calling the FAP Training Specialist or FAP Manager. The FAP Manager may provide crisis intervention to Soldiers/family members in emergency situations. Cases involving family violence intervention, that need long-term treatment and follow-up, are referred to Social Work Services, MEDDAC.
Respite Care is temporary child care for the purpose of relieving parental stress and to provide a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment. Families may receive respite care when both Soldier and spouse attend parenting classes or counseling. Respite care will not be used in place of foster care or abandoned children. This program provides child care relief for families who are stressed because of a family problem and who are participating in treatment programs.
FAP Victim Advocacy
The Victim Advocacy Program provides support and assistance to each person who is a victim of domestic violence through the victim advocate coordinator. The advocate provides direct services to individual victims of spouse abuse. Victim Advocacy Criminal Law Division at 545-3185. After duty hours, assistance may be obtained by contacting the Installation Staff Duty Officer at 545-2218.
FAP New Parent Support Plus/First Steps Program
The New Parent Support Plus/First Steps Program provides emotional support, parenting education, referrals to community resources, and follow-up contact to parents of newborns, thereby helping develop healthy family relationships to reduce the risk of child abuse/neglect. The FAP funds the New Parent Support Plus/First Steps Program, located in Martin Army Community Hospital (544-2020). Each first-time mom receives a tote bag filled with educational materials. Volunteers are assigned to work with new parents for up to one year after the baby is born.
FAP Crisis Intervention/Hotline
The FAP Manager provides immediate intervention to family members on the resolution of an immediate child abuse/neglect or spouse abuse problem, protecting the victim and preventing further maltreatment through the use of community, medical, and legal resources. CONTACT Helpline of Chattahoochee Valley (24-hour hotline) services the tri-community, telephone (706) 327-3999.
(706) 545-2536/4043, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. After hours call Staff Duty Officer, USAIC, at (706) 545-2218 for emergency leave, food, or imminent eviction/foreclosure. AER provides emergency financial assistance and undergraduate scholarships for children of active duty, retired personnel and children of Soldiers who have died while on active duty. Scholarship applications available Nov-Mar. Internet address: http://www.aerhq.org/.
(706) 545-2536/4043, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. The ACS Emergency Food Locker may provide two days’ worth of food items from its existing stock.
ACS Financial Readiness Program (FRP) & Utility Coordination Center (UCC)
(706) 545-5485, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. FRP provides classes and individual assistance in all aspects of financial management to include check writing, budgeting, insurance, investing, credit management, home buying/selling, and financial planning for relocation, deployment, and retirement. Individual assistance begins with intake held every Monday at 8:15 am. The UCC is a phone center where Soldiers may initiate service with BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc., Columbus Water Works, Georgia Power Company, or United Cities Gas Company. In most cases, a deposit is not required if the Soldier has good credit.
(706) 545-4485, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. RRP focuses on ensuring that support and assistance are available for Soldiers and family members moving to or arriving from another military duty station. Newcomer Family Orientations and Tours are offered several times a year; all newly assigned personnel and their spouses need to attend. Other relocation services include: Moving Checklists, Welcome Packets, Sponsorship Information, Waiting Family Program, English as a Second Language information, and the Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service (SITES) www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites. The SITES program provides up-to-date information on Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine installations. Soldiers/families relocating to new duty stations have access to information to help them plan successful moves. The ACS Lending Closet provides irons, ironing boards, kitchen utensils, cookware, cots, infant items, and other household goods. These items are loaned to families awaiting shipment of their household effects.
ACS Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
(706) 545-4043/7517, Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. EFMP is a Department of the Army program designed to assist the active duty soldier who has a special needs family member. Soldiers may request consideration for entry into the EFMP if they have a family member who has a physical, emotional, or intellectual disorder that limits the person’s ability to take part in activities with peers, and requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling. The program’s purpose is to let the Military Personnel Center, (MILPERCEN) at the Department of the Army know of any family members with special needs, so this can be considered during the assignment selection process. A regional listing of military and civilian specialized educational, medical, and professional services is available. The EFMP Manager provides information and referral, crisis intervention, and acts as an advocate for the Soldiers and their families.
ACS Deployment and Mobilization Readiness
(706) 545-7517/6957, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. The ACS provides deployment and mobilization assistance to deploying active duty Soldiers, reservists, National Guard, civilians, and their family members. The ACS Mobilization/Deployment and Outreach Coordinator is the central point of contact for all pre-deployment briefings and mission readiness materials for family members. Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leaders may also schedule briefings through the MOB/Deployment and Outreach Coordinator. The Coordinator provides information on family readiness to FRG leaders, especially during mobilization and deployment. FRG and Mandatory Rear Detachment Commander (RDC) Training sessions are conducted quarterly for appropriate personnel. Operation Ready Deployment Tools are available at http://www.goacs.org/.
ACS Employment Readiness Program (ERP)
(706) 545-4043/7517, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. ERP provides a link between job openings in the local community and on-post. A current listing of employment opportunities is updated weekly. After a client’s needs and interest are determined through job strategy workshops and counseling, job referrals are made. Workshops are presented on various topics including: Resume Writing, Interviewing Techniques, and Self-Assessment.
Army Family Team Building Program (AFTB)
(706) 545-5377, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; closed Federal/training holidays. AFTB is a training program designed to teach individuals and families how to be more independent with minimal outside support when their spouse deploys. There are three AFTB training tracks for family members, military, and civilian employees, which address the issue from an individual and leadership perspective. Topics include preparing one’s own family for deployment and building unit support networks and programs. Individuals may receive training on a voluntary basis through the AFTB Program (Levels I, II, III and Instructor Training), AFTB@benning.army.mil.
1-800-464-8107 AOS may be reached by calling the toll-free line anytime of the day or night. In addition you may contact AOS by utilizing the website http://www.armyonesource.com/.
Installation
Fund Raising & Commercial Solicitation
Bldg 359, (706) 545-6811/5931
Hours: Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The office for the Chief of the Family Support Division (FSD) and the FSD Administrative Assistant are housed in the Family Unit Network Center. The Chief of Family Support is the first-line supervisor for the Army Community Services' Officer, Child Development Services' Coordinator, School Age Services Coordinator, Community Life Coordinator, Family Support Group/Installation Volunteer Coordinator, and Youth Services' Director. Issues that cannot be resolved at branch level may be directed to the Chief.
Requests to obtain commercial solicitation permits for individuals/companies wishing to conduct business within government housing areas and billets/barracks on the installation, and approval for fund-raising activities/events are processed by the FSD Assistant for the Directorate of Community Activities. Anyone seeking information on fund raising and commercial solicitations should contact this office.
Army
Community Service Branch
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-6969/5516/3344
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Army Family Advocacy Program (AFAP)
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-6969
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Provides continuous education and training classes for all military personnel and their family members on child/spouse abuse prevention. Offers respite care and First Steps (544-2020) to parents of newborns.
Army
Emergency Relief (AER)
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-2536/4043/7517
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
After hours call SDO at (706) 545-2218.
Provides emergency financial assistance; scholarships for educational expenses (dependent children only); AER Fund Campaign.
Food
Locker/Lending Closet
Bldg 2629, (706) 545-4485
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The Lending Closet offers pots, pans, cribs, irons, etc. The Food Locker can provide two days of food items from its existing stock.
Consumer Affairs
& Financial Assistance (CAFAP)
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-3344
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Classes in check writing, budgeting, credit management, home buying and selling, and financial planning for relocation.
Information
& Referral/Relocation Assistance Program
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-6969/5516
Automated information library, welcome packets, Spouse Orientations, worldwide installation files (includes video tapes), relocation counseling, information and referral services for family members, and volunteer opportunities, to include Conversational English Classes.
Exceptional Family Member
Program (EFMP)
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-6969
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Information and referral support, crisis counseling and advocacy for family members with special needs.
Family Member
Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)
Bldg 2624, (706) 545-3344
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Provides assistance in locating off-post and on-post job opportunities. Counseling to determine employment needs and interests. Workshops on: resume writing, interviewing skills, skill development classes, submitting applications, and job search strategies.
Utility Coordination Center (UCC)
Bldg 2633, (706) 687-9446/9447
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The Utility Coordination Center is designed to provide a one-stop service to the soldier when in-processing. A soldier may have water, electricity, gas and telephone services initiated. In most cases, a deposit is not required if the soldier has good credit. Soldiers clearing post can have their utility services terminated and receive an estimated final bill, which can be paid at a post banking facility. Upon presentation of a paid receipt, the UCC will then initial the clearance forms.
Army Family Team Building
Program (AFTB)
Bldg 359, (706) 545-5377/6108
AFTB is a family member program for military, family members, and civilians. Army spouses receive preparedness training to meet the challenges of day-to-day life within the Army community. Spouse education is conducted by trained volunteer spouses.
Child Development Services Branch (CDS)
Child Development Services offers a variety of
top quality child care services to include full-day care, part-day pre-school,
school-age, hourly
care and special needs care services. Programs range from center to
quarters-based and offer flexible hours. For enrollment information contact:
Central Registration
Bldg 11304, (706) 544-1623
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-1p.m.
CDS Coordinator/Administration
Bldg 359, (706) 545-9763
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Family Child Care
Bldg 11304, (706) 544-1623
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
Quarters-based care and flexible hours.
Main Post Child Development Center
Bldg 1366, (706) 545-3732
Mon-Fri 5:30a.m.-6:30p.m.
Main Post
Offers full-day care for children 6 weeks old to 5 years old.
Patch Early Childhood Development Center
Bldg 7, (706) 687-2404Main
Post
Mon & Fri 9a.m.-noon, Tue-Thu 9a.m.-3:30p.m.
Offers care for children 3 to 5 years of age.
Santa Fe Child Development Center
Bldg 9242, (706) 544-2339/689-1047
Mon-Fri 5:30a.m.-6:30p.m.
Main Post
Offers full-day care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Tot Town Child Development Center
Bldg 1051, (706) 689-8698Main
Post
Mon-Thu 5:30a.m.-6:30p.m., Fri 5:30a.m.-midnight
School Age Services Branch (SAS)
Schol Age Services offer before and after school care for the children in
Grades K-6 attending schools on Fort Benning. The program also offers
full time care on teacher workshop days. SAS offers full day camp
sessions during the school vacations.
Main Post
School Age Services Division
Bldg 7 Patch Hall (706) 545-1623Main
Post
Mon-Fri 5:30a.m.-6p.m.
A before and after school program for Main Post schools. Also the site
for camp sessions.
Bouton Heights/Davis Hill Outreach CenterMain
Post
Bldg 9608, (706) 544-1195
SAS Before School for Stowers School 5:30a.m.-8:30a.m.
After School 2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.(1:00p.m. on Tuesdays).
Stowers K
An after shcool program for kindergarten children.
2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.(1:00p.m. on Tuesdays).
Main Post
McGraw Outreach Center
Bldg 11304 (706) 544-2673Main
Post
SAS Before School for McBride School
After school 2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.(1:00p.m. on Tuesdays).
Loyd School Program
An after school program for Loyd School students.
2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.(1:00p.m. on Tuesdays).
Community Life Program Branch
Bldg 359, (706) 545-2910/3069
Main Office hours: Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The six housing areas on Fort Benning are organized into communities with elected mayors and assigned NCOs. Town hall meetings, DPW/Housing coordination, Sponsor Unit Liaison, Military Police Liaison for domestic incidents and juvenile misconduct, and community programs.
Bouton Heights/Davis Hill Community Life
Center
Bldg 9608, 1ST CAV DIV RD(706) 544-1195
Custer Terrace Community Life Center
Bldg ,10800, 450 Craig Dr,(706) 689-1058
Indianhead Terrace Community Life Center
Bldg 359,INGERSOLL ST Map &Directions toFAMILY
SUPPORT DIVISION(706) 545-5940
McGraw Manor Community Life Center
Bldg,11303, CUSTER RD (706) 544-1168
East Main Post Community Life Center
Bldg 359,INGERSOLL ST Map &Directions toFAMILY
SUPPORT DIVISION(706) 545-2830
West Main Post Community Life Center
Bldg 359,INGERSOLL ST Map &Directions toFAMILY
SUPPORT DIVISION(706) 545-2830
Volunteer Resource Center Branch
Bldg 359, (706) 545-3016/3062
Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m.
The Family Unit Network (FUN) Center serves as an information resource center for Commanders, Rear Detachment Commanders and Family Support Group Leaders on matters relating to family support through the Family Support Group (FSG) Coordinator's office, which is housed in the FUN Center, and also promotes volunterrism by recruiting, training, and recognizing Fort Benning volunteers. The FUN Center provides an auditorium for support group meetings and a resource center equipped with a copier and computer for use by support group leaders and volunteers. The FSG Coordinator serves as a liaison between unit representatives and installation agencies as appropriate and offers quarterly training and monthly workshops to all FSG volunteers, commanders and family members involved in the family support program. Additionally, offices for the Chief of the Family Support Division, the Installation Volunteer Coordinator, the Community Life Officer and the Child Development Services Coordinator are also housed in the FUN Center. (See each branch/section for specific phone numbers.)
Youth Service Branch
Main Office, Bldg 1056, (706) 545-3070
MON-FRI 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M.
Programs: Swimming, Baseball, T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Spring and Fall Soccer, Football, Cheerleading, Summer and Winter Basketball, Instructional Soccer (4 & 5 years of age), TAE KWON DO, Gymnastics (Jan 2001), Arts and Crafts Teen and Pre-Teen Dances, Scouting, Ballet and Piano Classes, Family Activities, Youth Job Employment Seminar, Teen Discovery, Field Trips and Teen Lock-Ins.
BLDG 1056, (706) 545-7945
School Month Hours:
TUE-FRI 3 P.M. - 8 P.M. CLOSED SUN-MON & HOLIDAYS
Summer Months Hours:
TUE-SAT 11 A.M. - 8 P.M. CLOSED SUN-MON & HOLIDAYS
After School Care for 11 and 12 yr olds
3 until 6 P.M. NO FEE
Youth Pool
BLDG 375
Seasonal Hours:
TUE-SAT 2 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Youth Services GYM
BLDG 1055, (706) 545-3540
School Month Hours:
TUE-FRI 3 P.M. - 8 P.M. SAT 11 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Closed Sun-Mon & Holidays
Summer Month Hours:
TUE-SAT 11 A.M. - 8 P.M. CLOSED SUN-MON & HOLIDAYS
Youth Services
As of Jan. 2000, Youth Services became the Middle School and Teen Program.
This program provides leisure time recreation programs which are designed to
meet the needs and interest of youth family members ages 11 through 19.
Various leisure time recreation activities for younger family member throughout the year, i.e., visit Santa, Post Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween activities are examples of activities.
All classes and sports programs are open to youth family members age 4 through 15.
The Main Center, located on McIver Street, has a Snack Bar, Gymnasium, Outdoor Swimming Pool and an 18 x 24' NASCAR Race Track. The center also features a waiting area for parents and younger children who have brother or sisters in our various classes.
Programs include Ballet, Piano, Tae Kwon Do, Baseball, Football, Basketball, Cheerleading and Soccer. Special events and theme parties are scheduled throughout the year. Youth Services host a Post Carnival each year around the month of April. The Carnival consists of 25 to 30 rides, various game booths and food concessions.
For more information on registrations and sign-up dates, call 545-3070.