New Schaumburg group helps military parents and caregivers

The stresses of military service can take its toll on parents and children. To compound the difficulties, many military families are often spread out in communities and isolated from each other and from the family resources of a military base.

To provide help and support for military parents and caregivers, Children’s Home + Aid is opening a new support group in Schaumburg. The group, Military Parents and Caregivers Support Group, will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. two Tuesday evenings a month, at the Marletta Darnall Schaumburg Child + Family Center, 725 E. Schaumburg Road.

Why a parent support group for military families parenting children?

“The challenges and stresses encountered by our nation’s military families can be intense,” said Nancy B. Ronquillo, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Home + Aid. “Long and repeated deployments, physical and emotional injuries and uncertain futures can put even the strongest families in crisis. The new Military Parents and Caregivers Support Group will help address the special needs of those who make significant personal sacrifices to keep our country safe.”

Russ Hopkins, founder of Chicagoland Military Families and a collaborator in the development of the new group, sees it as a much needed resource.

“Our military parents and caregivers need this opportunity to meet conveniently on a weekly basis to share their parenting experiences and knowledge and establish personal relationships with neighbors who share a common bond — raising a military child,” he said.

This support group is free for anyone parenting a military child, including civilian spouses and caregivers. Group meetings are open to parents and caregivers affiliated with all service branches including the National Guard, Reserves, veterans, and those currently on active duty status.

The group has a free children’s program led by trained Children’s Program Specialists, who will provide fun activities while parents and caregivers are in group. Dinner also is provided free for everyone each week as part of the program.

“One of the great things about this group is that parents and caregivers don’t have to worry about trying to find child care or fix dinner,” said Earl Kloppmann, program manager for Children’s Home + Aid’s Parents Care + Share program. “They can bring their children to group with them and get to know other military families by sharing a meal with them.”

As an additional benefit to military families, parents and caregivers who attend the group will also have the opportunity to win a free gift card at every meeting. Those who want more information about the group should call Pam Schnell, Children’s Home + Aid’s Parents Care + Share coordinator, at (312) 513-9650.

Children’s Home + Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Each year, it protects, educates and counsels nearly 40,000 children, youth and families to improve their lives. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a compassionate advocate helping to shape public policy in child welfare, early childhood and juvenile justice. Children’s Home + Aid is recognized for establishing best practices and achieving outstanding results through its programs and services that focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development and strengthening families.

For information about Children’s Home + Aid, visit www.childrenshomeandaid.org.

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