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New Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator at A&FRC

  • Published
  • By Betty Hart
  • 375th Force Support Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Natalie Jackson is the new Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator available to provide support to families enrolled in EFMP.

She has experience working with individuals and families with various disabilities including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders, among others. Ms. Jackson recently relocated from Bowling Green, Ohio, where she was the Executive Director of a Montessori School and Autism Scholarship Program provider.

Ms. Jackson has already begun to establish community ties through a network of off-base agencies such as Illinois Center for Autism, Developmental Disability Services of Metro East and Community Link. Ms. Jackson is also working on introducing new workshops and events to ensure families are continually gaining valuable information and resources. Future workshops will include topics such as what to do the first 100 days after a diagnosis is given, preparation for adulthood, advocacy, health and more. Events tailored to the interests and needs of special needs family members are also being planned at this time.

The Exceptional Family Member Program supports dependent family members with physical, intellectual, or psychological conditions that require ongoing specialized medical or educational assistance. As part of an Air Force-wide effort to increase support to families with exceptional needs, the Airman and Family Readiness Center has expanded services by adding an Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator. Support services include, but are not limited to, location of respite care, educational workshops, organization of special needs events, resource referrals, awareness efforts, advocacy, and coordination with base and local support programs.

Families that are enrolled in the EFMP are encouraged to contact Ms. Jackson for individual assistance or to be placed on a mailing list that will provide periodic notifications of helpful resources, events and more. Families are also welcome to share feedback regarding services they would find most valuable both locally or Department of Defense-wide. To contact Ms. Natalie Jackson, call 618-256-8668, visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center or email her at Natalie.Jackson@scott.af.mil.