Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/674359
www.FredParent.NET • 15 "The extraordinary challenges faced by military families are frequently exacerbated by isolation and lack of prepa- ration. On the other side of the isolation issue, military families overwhelmingly believe that the civilian population does not know or understand the challenges they face," says Bana Miller, communications director for Blue Star Families. One way the group has sought to integrate the military families with the public is by way of creating Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America. "It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers," Douquet told the National Endowment for the Arts. Adds Miller, "Blue Star Museums is a way to thank military families for their service and share with them America's cultural treasures. Summer is also a season where military families frequently move to new assignments. This wonder- ful program introduces them to museums in their new com- munities and hopefully makes them feel more comfortable getting to know their new home." For those families dealing with deployment, another chal- lenge facing military families, the organization has resourc- es for families and children. "We have an e-book available on our website — Everybody Serves — which is a handbook for service members and families to guide them through predeployment, deploy- ment and reintegration challenges. We also have work- sheets, videos, and other resources. Our chapters and communities also provide in-person support to our mem- bership," says Miller. "Blue Star Books on Bases is one of our most popular pro- grams. Through the generosity of partners and support- ers such as Disney, BAE Systems, Auto Trader, Operation Paperback, and Barnes & Noble, Blue Star Families donates books to military children, base libraries, Department of Defense schools, and military-impacted public schools and libraries across the world," Miller says. Since its launch in 2009, Blue Star Families has distributed over 120,000 books and impacted over 100,00 military chil- dren worldwide, according to Miller. One thing is relatively certain for military families, moves happen. If your family is facing a possible move, Miller advises: "We have checklists and resources available on our website for families planning their next move. We also encourage our members to join the Blue Star Families chap- ter or community in their new location so they're immedi- ately plugged in to a wealth of information." "It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together..."