Lots of workshops and classes available (below)! These classes and workshops fill quickly so be sure to register early. Call 456-8400 for more information or registration.
Bundles for Babies: This is an Air Force Aid sponsored program facilitated by FSC staff and the New Parents Support Program. It provides expectant parents with a wealth of information to enable them to be responsible parents. The program addresses financial implications, child safety, and nurturing the child, as well as family resources available to them. Attendance incentives include a bundle of baby items.
Buying a Home: Most people have a dream of owning their own home, but many don’t know what it takes to find the right home or to secure financing. This workshop will provide those attending with sufficient information to ask the right questions of mortgage bankers and real estate agents when pursuing that dream home.
Cancer Support Group: The Cancer Support Group is a program designed to provide support to our cancer survivor’s, family members, and significant others. The group provides members the opportunity to share feelings, fears and anxieties associated with fighting cancer and is open to anyone previously or currently diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment, as well as family members of those battling cancer.
ESL (English as a 2d Language): Adults learn to speak, read and write basic, intermediate and advanced English. ESL’s levels I through VI focus on pronunciation, speech, vocabulary, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, reading comprehension and writing. Each class meets twice a week for two hours. The aim of the ESL program is to provide exceptional and professional academia to our students in order to enable and ensure them successful personal and occupational entry into the American way of life.
Finance 101: Program is designed for those individuals who have questions, concerns or need guidance on how to properly and effectively handle their finances. This class will cover checkbook management, reviewing basic budgeting, learning more about credit report information and other financial issues.
Moving Off-Base Seminar: This 1½-hour workshop is designed to assist members, currently living in the dorms, to take charge of transitioning into the local community. Topics will include: How to prepare for apartment living, roommate selection, budgeting, saving, managing & reducing debt. During this workshop, individual budget assessments will be conducted; participants will also receive hands-on, interactive training on debt reduction.
Parent & Tot Playgroup: An informal program developed to promote socialization for both parents and young children through informal group interaction. Our goal is to improve social skills of pre-school children through peer group association while providing parenting and child development knowledge through group interaction.
Personal Readiness Briefing: With so many military upcoming deployments from Barksdale, it is vital to have your personal and family affairs in order. The Family Support Center’s Readiness program is available to provide information and support during all phases of deployment. This important briefing is mandatory for all active duty members and available for spouses, family members and/or significant others. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early and in uniform.
PREP: Individuals who are dating, married, or considering marriage will learn how to preserve/enhance fun, friendship, and sensuality plus, to communicate effectively, work as a team to solve problems, and manage conflicts without damaging closeness. The program includes the following topics: interactional danger signs of future problems, gender differences, using structure to promote safety, the Speaker/Listener Technique, problem solving, ground rules for handling conflict, strategies for dealing with issues versus events, clarifying core beliefs and expectations, forgiveness, and commitment.
Pre-Separation Briefing: In anticipated retirement or separation, the law directs that you attend the pre-separation briefing as soon as possible within the preceding 24 or 12 months respectively. The better you prepare the smoother the transition back to civilian life. This briefing will inform you of the resources available for you to make this transition. This is a mandatory briefing.
Relocation Briefing: Good preparation can be the key to a successful relocation experience. This briefing provides information on resources available to make this a smooth and pleasant move. According to AFI, all PCSing members must attend a relocation briefing at least 90 days prior to their departure date. Spouses are encouraged to attend.
Resume Workshop: This class leads participants to an understanding of what employers look for in a resume, how to write a resume, what information to include, how to use action words, optional information, and inappropriate information. Participants also will have knowledge of what resources are available to help them write their resume in industry terms. Cover letters, their use and content are presented.
Right Start: A must for all newcomers! This program is facilitated by the FSC team. It brings together various base and community speakers to give our new arrivals an overview of the base and local community programs, services, history, recreational and cultural opportunities. Spouses are encouraged to attend and will receive a specially prepared Welcome Basket. Selling Your Home: The objectives of this workshop are for each participant to understand and become familiar with the different aspects of preparing and selling their own home. This workshop is designed to provide basic information on marketing your home and the sales process.
Single Parents Support Group: The Single Parents Support Group is designed to promote interaction between single parents; allowing an opportunity to share parenting experiences. An exchange of resources is also a positive result of these meetings, such as: exchanging babysitting hours and “Swap & Shop” meetings. Meets the second Wednesday of each month.
Smooth Move: The workshop will focus on benefits, entitlements, moving tips and stressors associated to the relocation process. Presenters from TMO, Military Pay, Legal Claims, TRICARE and Family Support will present information on all aspects of the relocation process and be available to answer questions concerning individual moves.
Sponsorship Training: Participants in this training learn the importance of good sponsorship, as well as the responsibilities of a sponsor and the resources available for providing newcomers with the best possible relocation experience. This training is a mandatory annual training for those assigned as sponsors.
TAP Seminar: This 24-hour workshop, facilitated by the Department of Labor, is designed to help military members and their spouses make good career decisions as they move from military service to civilian life. Topics covered in this 8-hour day group environment are: personal appraisal; career decisions; applying for the job; resumes; dress for success; the interview; and job offers.
Troops to Teachers: This workshop is for active duty and DoD civilian interested in a second career in education. It is facilitated by LA Troops to Teachers Director, Education Office, and Louisiana Tech University. Participants will have understanding of the Troops to Teachers program to include program function, eligibility, and application information. Education discusses Tuition Assistance, Praxis Test, and VA Policy on Certification. The on-base teacher certification program is presented by LA Tech University
Veteran’s Benefits: This one-day workshop, facilitated by veteran representatives, is designed to assist military members understand their benefits after their military service. The Veteran Center will provide information on a continuum of quality care that adds value for veterans, families and community. A Disabled American Veteran Representative will provide valuable information for filing for compensation. Department of Veterans Affairs presentation will include information on service-connected compensation, non service-connected pension, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment, medical/dental care through the VA, VA guaranty home loans, VGLI/DVI Insurance, veterans’ benefits/educational benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children, and final burial benefits.
