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Distinguished Visitor: Santa shows at Exceptional Family Members Program event

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  More than 50 volunteers wearing red and white hats lined up more than 100 children who waited for Santa's arrival during an Exceptional Family Members Program hosted at the youth center Dec. 11.

The children cheered as Santa arrived and pulled out presents for them, which was the conclusion of the event that also included bouncy castle, trains, food decorating, crafts, door prizes, games, and piñata, all designed to have minimal wait times.

"When you're little, it's hard to wait anyways. But when you have other challenges, it can make it difficult," said Brenda Reed, EFMP family support coordinator.

Erin Mock, a mother of three, said the event was "a great way for kids of all abilities to be able participate."

Reed explained that the Exceptional Family Members Program is a fairly new program that provides assistance to military families with special needs. Anyone who is medically 'Q coded' falls under the program--from very minor to more severe disabilities. The Scott EFMP-FS program has been in place for a little over a year and falls under the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Reed just recently took over as coordinator in September.

"I provide services and resources available for the community to military families who have special needs," said Reed. "My goal is to find answers to questions--the more you know the better care will be provided to the individual."

The program also hosts workshops for families and holds monthly informational meetings. The monthly task force meeting is open to everyone to share experiences, meet new families and see what information is available.

"Our goal is have a monthly family event to provide an opportunity to families to get out every once in a while, said Reed. "My primary focus is what do families need right now and to build camaraderie in the community."

The next EFMP-FS event will be held Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Scott bowling center.
For more information on the about the Exceptional Family Members Program, or EFMP-FS, contact Brenda Reed or the AFRC at 256-8668.