Happy family with triplets at a park. (digitalskill (123RF))
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) offers vital support to military families with special needs by coordinating a wide range of military and civilian community resources. These resources include educational, medical, housing, and personnel services, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for service members and their families. EFMP provides a comprehensive approach to ensure that families receive the assistance they need to thrive.
Understanding the Three Components of EFMP
EFMP-Family Support Navigator Zuhal Rick explains, “The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support through three components: EFMP Medical, Assignments and Family Support- each addressing different aspects of care and assistance, and all working together collectively.
EFMP-M (Medical)
EFMP-Medical is in the Ramstein Clinic (Building 2114, 1st Floor) on Ramstein AB, Germany. This component serves Ramstein and over 170 geographically separated units, including Stuttgart, Rota, and Morón. EFMP Medical handles various processes such as EFMP Enrollment, EFMP Disenrollment, Family Member Travel Screenings for PCS, Command Sponsorship, EFMP Reassignments, Humanitarian Reassignment Support, Newborn Letters, Travel Appeal Support, and Tricare ECHO Enrollment.
For inquiries or to request an in-person appointment, families can reach out via email at usaf.ramstein.86-mdg.mbx.efmpm@health.mil or call DSN 479-2375 / Civ 06371-46-2375.
More information can be found on the EFMP Website https://www.ramstein.af.mil/Medical/EFMP/.
EFMP-A (Assignments)
This component works closely with EFMP families to coordinate the relocation of Exceptional Family Members (EFMs) with their sponsors. It also assists with EFMP Reassignments and Humanitarian assignments when necessary.
EFMP-FS (Family Support)
EFMP-Family Support provides information, resources, skills, and support to help military families with special needs navigate their systems of care. As families gain confidence, they become effective advocates for themselves and their family members, thereby improving their quality of life. EFMP-FS helps families on the path to empowerment by offering information and referral services, non-medical case management, training, and opportunities for families to connect around common needs or concerns.
Services Provided by EFMP-FS are:
Non-clinical Case Management: Assisting families with developing a Family Services Plan, providing information and referrals, and offering guidance on navigating the unique challenges of special needs in the military environment.
Navigating EFMP Components: Helping families understand and connect with the medical and assignments components of EFMP.
Encouraging Advocacy: Connecting families to relevant resources and ensuring they have the most relevant information needed to make informed decisions.
Educational Classes: Offering educational classes such as EFMP 101, Power Hour (partnered with Health Promotions), Plan My Move, and more.
Warm Handoff to Gaining Installation: Ensuring a smooth transition by providing a warm handoff to the gaining installation.
Recreational Events: Hosting fun and engaging activities for EFMP members and their families, such as the Teddy Bear Picnic (partnering with USO), Play Group, Sensory Storytime at the Library, Pumpkin Palooza, Trips to local Zoo, Dinosaur Park & Japanese Garden, Adults Only Special Events, Holiday Crafts, Family Bingo Nights, Rock Climbing, and more.
Support Groups: Creating a sense of community by facilitating support groups, such as Conversation Corner with EFMP, to bring EFMP families together.
Mrs. Rick shared valuable insights into the team’s mission, stating, “Your EFMP Family Support Team is comprised of three dedicated Coordinators: Shellby McBride, Adia Ward, and Brittany Callahan, with myself as the Navigator. Our primary goal is to provide services and programs that cater to families with diverse special needs. We understand that the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can be confusing and stressful, but that is precisely why our team exists – to offer guidance and support every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming all our EFMP families to our upcoming events and programs.”
Ramstein EFMP-FS encourages and invites EFMP Families to visit the new and improved website at 86fss.com/efmp-family-support to receive relevant information about classes, events and programs. Additionally, families can join the Private Facebook Page by visiting Ramstein M&FRC’s EFMP Family Support at www.facebook.com/groups/1036108110766915/.
Ramstein EFMP-FS is located in Bldg#2120 (Military & Family Readiness Center) and can be reached at: 86fss.efmp@us.af.mil or DSN 314-480-5100 / +49 6371-47-5100.
