Five & Thrive

Last month at Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nu?ez’s message was clear — childcare is a national issue and essential for military family readiness, especially for Reserve families who balance civilian life and service. Alongside our co-founder, Leslie Janaros, military child advocate Lt. Col. Maria Quinn, and the AF Services Center Chief of Air Force Child and Youth Programs, Lesley Smith, the United Forces and Families: Creative Childcare Solutions panel advocated for real solutions to ensure quality, accessible childcare for all military families. https://lnkd.in/g2CYhZER #fiveandthrive #childcare #FamilyReadinessISMissionReadiness

Juggling active-duty life and single parenting is hard. When a PCS to Washington, D.C., left Samantha unsure about childcare options, she turned to Operation Child Care Project and discovered the power of support. Learn how Samantha found hope and tapped into the power of community at https://lnkd.in/ei_upa-j. #FiveAndThrive #childcare

Friday Mrs. Sharene Brown, Champion of Five & Thrive, had the privilege of spending time with the incredible team at the Naval Support Activity Annapolis Child & Youth Programs – this group truly embodies the heart and soul of our military community. These dedicated individuals are the unsung heroes who create a "home away from home" for our military children. They provide the support that allows service members to focus on their critical duties with the peace of mind that their families are in safe, caring hands. Their commitment to our future generations is truly inspiring. To all our teams who work in Child & Youth Programs - your efforts, compassion, and dedication do not go unnoticed, and our military families are stronger because of you. ??

Navigating new school systems can feel overwhelming, but the right support can turn chaos into clarity. In our October SITREP, we explore childcare through the eyes of our military families. The Janella’s story highlights essential educational resources, emphasizing how quality childcare is integral to navigating the challenges of a dual-military lifestyle. After a PCS, the Janella family faced unexpected struggles with new school schedules that didn’t align with their routines. By connecting with USSF Childcare Care Education & Support, they found a creative solution that involved transforming a part-time nanny into a full-time support system. Asking the right questions made all the difference in finding balance in work, school, and family life. Read the Janella’s and other families’ perspectives on how military families can thrive with the right support at https://bit.ly/3zQRIpe.

Happy Birthday to the US Navy and to all our brave sailors and their families. Today, we want to celebrate YOU by highlighting your incredible stories. If you’re a Navy spouse or know one who exemplifies strength and resilience, we’d love to hear from you! Your experiences can inspire and uplift fellow military spouses, helping us create a thriving community together. Share your story with us at https://lnkd.in/eBt95w9C.

The holiday season is busy enough without throwing in a PCS, but there's something to help lighten the load this year! The new PCS child care reimbursement program is officially live and runs through 2027. Here’s what you need to know: If child care isn’t available at your new duty station within 30 days, this United States Department of Defense pilot program will reimburse you for the travel costs of a designated caregiver. You could get up to $500 for domestic moves or $1,500 for overseas moves! Let this be one less worry for your holiday PCS plans. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eP-PSa7t. #FiveAndThrive #Childcare #PCS

Childcare is a vital support system for military families, and becoming a Family Child Care (FCC) provider is a fantastic way for military families to support one another. Kayley Halfacre shares her experience as an FCC provider, “I wanted the flexibility with my own children but still have a steady income. FCC goes from installation to installation with you. The fact that I get to help military families with their childcare needs just brings me joy.” Learn more about being an FCC provider through Kayley’s perspective at https://lnkd.in/g7DXySig. #FiveAndThrive #childcare #SpouseEmployment #FCCProvider

Finding the right childcare solution can be a game-changer for military families juggling unpredictable schedules. In our October SITREP, we explore childcare through the eyes of our military families. Kelly’s story demonstrates how Child Care in Your Home Fee Assistance (CCYH) made all the difference for her family, allowing her to secure the flexible care needed to balance work and family responsibilities. By finding this vital support, she was able to ensure her children’s needs were met even with an unpredictable schedule. Read Kelly and the other families’ perspectives on how military families thrive with the right support at https://bit.ly/3zQRIpe.

At Five & Thrive, we know military life brings unique challenges for service members, spouses, and civilians. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)'s upcoming webinar Beyond the Uniform: Maximizing Performance with Nick Propper, CPC from Impact Human Performance LLC is a great opportunity to learn proven strategies to manage stress, boost energy, and enhance performance in all areas of life. This event is open to all ranks and all military spouses - it's virtual so you can join from anywhere! Register in MOAA's post below. #fiveandthrive #MOAA?#IHP

The holidays are right around the corner, and for military families, planning early can help avoid the financial stress that often comes with the season. In this 5-step guide by We Are The Mighty, you'll find practical tips on creating a holiday budget, setting savings goals, and taking advantage of military discounts. From thoughtful DIY gifts to managing travel costs, this article can help make your holidays magical without breaking the bank! Start planning today at https://lnkd.in/gZWsiqPj.