APRIL 2010

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE

137-C POLY PLACE
FORT HAMILTON

PHONE: 718.630.4754

MON-FRI 0800-1630 We’re Spring

cleaning! Please fill
ACS PROGRAMS & STAFF out our Needs
ACS Director
Assessment located
Carmen Borrero
Financial Readiness
Miguel Morales
in the back so we
718-630-4457
718-630-4471 can revamp our
AFTB and AFAP services!
Army Emergency Relief
John Mapes
Miguel Morales
718-630-4498
718-630-4471
Deployment Readiness
Family Advocacy
Madeline Pastorella
718-630-4462
Maria Barnes INSIDE THIS ISSUE !
718-630-4460 FROM THE DIRECTOR……2
Relocation Readiness
Exceptional Family
Madeline Pastorella
Member Program AFTB/AFAP……………………3&4
718-630-4462
Maria Barnes
718-630-4460 RELOCATION
Army Volunteer Corps & DEPLOYMENT……………5
Joseph Gamez
Sexual Assault &
718-630-4758
Victim Advocacy Survivor Outreach…6
Coordinator
Employment Readiness
Maria Barnes FINANCIAL
Joseph Gamez
718-630-4460 READINESS/AER…………….7 & 8
718-630-4758
Information & Referral
Outreach Program
Hiroko Gormley
FAMILY ADVOCACY/EFMP,
Coordinator Sexual assault & victim
718-630-4754
Carson Schefstad advocacy…………………9
718-630-4476
Lending Closet
Hiroko Gormley Employment Readiness &
Survivor
Outreach Services
718-630-4690 Volunteer Corps………10
Carson Schefstad
718-630-4467 CALENDAR………………… ...11
 From the
. Director…

Greetings from Army Community Service! I’m

Carmen E. Borrero, the ACS Director and I’d like to thank
you for taking the time to see what ACS has to offer!
As spring begins to blossom, I would like to extend
a personal invitation to our Newcomer’s Orientation. This
is a great chance to meet new people and see a little bit of
Brooklyn. We are extending our Newcomer’s Orientation
and adding a short city tour. This month we will take you
to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory!
We will also be kicking off our newest program,
SOS, by holding a Survivors’ Outreach Forum. The Forum
aims to introduce all the services we have for survivors
and to get a better assessment of the needs’ they have.
Don’t forget, our annual AER campaign is still
running and accepting donations from everyone who
wishes to assist Soldiers and their Families in need! The
Annual Volunteer Ceremony is also right around the
corner so mark your calendar for May 19 at the Fort
Hamilton Community Club.
ACS has plenty more to offer, from the Computer
Lab, Army Family Team Building classes to Financial
assistance, relocation resources and volunteer and
employment guides. Come by and see us!
 Army
Family
The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Steering Committee met on 3 March 2010 to discuss the issues from
the AFAP Conference held on 9 December 2009 at the FHCC. These are a few of the issues from that
conference. The remaining issues will be reviewed by the committee monthly until all of the issues have been
resolved.
Issues
(1) Live operator on the BBC work order line.
(2) Balfour Beatty Incentives.
(3) Assign Housing Marshals.
(4) Military personnel housing cost.
(5) Leasing housing to non DOD is a security
concern.
(6) Open 7th Avenue gate during lunch hour.
(7) Lack of security at the Gate.
(8) Front gate personnel are rude.
(9) VCC hours should mirror front gate hours and
the staff are rude.
(10) Customer Service on Post.
(11) No Finance Office for Soldiers on Post to
resolve pay issues.
Action
Plan
Resolution
BBC has a live operator. Calls after 1630 hours are
transferred to a live operator who can dispatch help.
To entice new residents BBC will sometimes offer
incentives. An information paper is available at the
BBC office for further clarification.
.BBC is requesting volunteers to be Housing
Marshals. Please contact the BBC office if you’re
interested.
 DoD sets BHA rates. Housing costs are based on
those rates for military members and their families.
The Command and DES will insure that all security
measures and background checks are in compliance
with regulation and policy.
Due to security concerns, opening the gate for entry
into the Post during these hours is not possible at this
time.
The perception is that the VCC personnel are not
tracking visitor passes. The VCC recently increased
their personnel adding 3 individuals. They are now
open 7 days a week 7AM to 7PM providing better
service to the installation. In addition to this, the
VCC is continually improving their tracking
procedures regarding visitor passes.
On going customer service training will be provided
to all DES staff. All rudeness or poor customer
service should be reported to the offender’s superior
for investigation.
Staff has been increased at the VCC. Customer
service training will be provided to all DES staff.
Customer service training will be mandatory for all
Fort Hamilton employees.
All units should have an S1 function for Soldiers.
Military and DoD Civilians also have internet access
to review and update pay items. Contractors can call
DFAS @ 1-800-756-4571.
 CONGRATULATIONS
SGT Owen Powell, Barbara Humphery, Brenda Clark
and Tonya Baker,
our newest AFTB Instructors!

Army Family Team Building

(AFTB) Level 1 Classes!!!

The AFTB Team is scheduling classes for Mid April and Mid May 2010.
Call ACS for dates and times to reserve your class seat.
If you’re interested in taking any of the over 30 AFTB classes contact:
John Mapes @718 630-4498 or John.mapes1@us.army.mil

 Civilian Resources
 Military Resources
 Local Attractions
 Welcome Packets

Contact Hiroko Gormley

718-630-4497
Did you know you can
receive fee assistance
if your child receives
care off post?
Check out
www.naccrra.org for
more information!
 NEW TO FT. HAMILTON?
Come to our Newcomer’s Orientation!
Thursday, April 29
0830
ACS Conference Room
137 C Poly Place

Orientation will be followed by a

complimentary lunch at the Community
Club then a trip to the famous
BROOKLYN ICE CREAM FACTORY!
To RSVP please call:
718-630-4754

About Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

Located under the Brooklyn Bridge in an
old 1920's fireboat house, the
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory has been
serving high quality ice cream with the
freshest natural ingredients since 2001.
Although limited to eight classic
ice cream flavors, it's some of the best
non-chain ice cream in NYC
(especially the vanilla with chocolate
chunks!) Enjoy your ice cream on the
Fulton Ferry pier while taking in the
spectacular views of Manhattan.

Waiting Families Just moved in???

support group! Held Need pots or pans?
every 3rd Saturday of the Need a vacuum?
month with great Come check out our
activities and events for LENDING CLOSET!!!
spouses and kids! Call 718-630-4754
 SURVIVOR ★OUTREACH ★ SERVICES
SURVIVOR FORUM

April 17, 2010

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fort Hamilton Community Club

Open to all surviving Family members of fallen Soldiers

SOS is a new program dedicated to the long-term support of the

survivors of our fallen heroes. To introduce our new program and
help us gain a better understanding of the needs survivors may
require following the days, months and years after loss, we are
conducting a Survivor’s Outreach Forum.

The event will be facilitated by professionally trained, experienced

personnel. In attendance we will have a Benefits Coordinator, a
Financial Counselor, a Support Coordinator and several other
support service providers. Following the group meeting a
complimentary lunch will be provided and installation staff will be
available to answer your individual questions.

Please contact us if you have questions or may need assistance

with childcare or travel directions. If you are unable to attend this
session feel free to use the contact information below for
information on future scheduled events.

R.S.V.P. on or before Friday, April 9, 2010

718-630-4467 or carson.schefstad@us.army.mil
 $$$
FINANCIAL READINESS
ACS provides personal financial readiness,
consumer affairs prevention and education programs for Soldiers,
Family Members, National Guard, Reserve Components,
Retirees and Family Members.
We assist Unit Commanders and Leaders in training Soldiers and
Family Members in personal financial
readiness. Topics covered are Principles of Personal Finance,
Planning and Budgeting, Banking and
Checking, Using Credit Wisely, Getting Insurance, Saving and Investing,
Making Large Purchases, Consumer
Scams, and Housing Market Crisis (Foreclosures).

To arrange for a financial counseling appointment please call

718-630-4471

Consumer Affairs
Need a Free Credit Report?
Stop by ACS to get your access to a
FREE Credit Report or visit:
www.annualcreditreport.com

WARNING WARNING
“IMPOSTER” Websites- Only one website is authorized to fill orders for free annual
credit report you are entitled to under law: www.annualcreditreport.com .

Others websites that claim to offer “free credit report,” “free credit scores” or “free
credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report
program. In some cases “free” products come with strings attached. For example,
some sites sign you up for a supposedly “free” service that converts to one you have
to pay for after a trial period. If you need further information please contact: Miguel
Morales @ 718-630-4471 or email: Miguel.morales3@us.army.mil
 Army Emergency Relief
Annual Campaign

Each year the U.S. Army conducts a fundraising campaign in support of Army Emergency Relief.
As we continue to commit Soldiers to meet worldwide operational requirements, there is an
increased need for the resources provided by Army Emergency Relief. Last year, AER provided
$79 million in assistance to over 71,000 Soldiers and their Families.
AER financial support allows our Soldiers to focus on the mission and be better prepared to fight
and win our nation's wars. By providing financial assistance for emergency needs, support to
surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers, and grants to widows and Wounded Warriors, Army
Emergency Relief is "Helping Maintain ARMY STRONG"
This valuable assistance is made possible through campaign donations. The AER fundraising
campaign is an opportunity for Soldiers to help their fellow Soldiers, and donation made today will
help to meet the needs of Soldiers and Families tomorrow. In order for AER to maintain the same
high standards of "Helping Maintain ARMY STRONG" we ask that you join us in contributing to the
2010 Army Emergency Relief Campaign.
To make a donation please contact
Miguel Morales 718-630-4471 or email:
Miguel.morales3@us.army.mil

APRIL 150830-1500
Topics covered are Principles of Personal Finance, Planning and
Budgeting, Banking and Checking, Using Credit Wisely, Getting
Insurance, Saving and Investing, Making Large Purchases and
Consumer Scams.

Classes are Computer Based Training (CBT) and are held at the
Education Center 218A Marshall Drive.
Please provide the names of attendees one week in advance
either by phone (718) 630-4471 or via email:
Miguel.Morales3@us.army.mil
 APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE
AWARENESS MONTH
Come into ACS and receive your free
Child Abuse Awareness bracelet to help
spread awareness and
END CHILD ABUSE!

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a

mandatory enrollment program that works with other
military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive
and coordinated community support, housing,
educational, medical and personnel services to Families
with special needs. An EFM is a family member (child
or adult) with any physical, emotional, developmental
or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment,
therapy, education, training or counseling. Respite care
is available for Families or caregivers.

For more information Remember the Safe Horizon Hotline—

on the programs a great resource for Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault
listed on this please at 1-800-656-4673. Also,
contact: SARC has a 24 hour Response
Maria Barnes Hotline at 347-452-4302. The
SARC assists victims of Sexual
718-630-4460 Assault with reporting options,
and provides access and referral
to medical, law enforcement
and counseling services.
 WELCOME MR.
GAMEZ!
Army Community Service is pleased to introduce Mr. Joseph
Gamez.
Our new Army Volunteer Corps and Employment Readiness
Employment
program manager!

Readiness
:
eph Gamez
Contact Jos 58
718-630-47

The Employment Readiness Program

Get Connected! Become A
office
Volunteer! operates as “your office” while you are
-Meet new people developing your job search campaign.
-Make new friends You will
Come intohave
ACSuse of our
today computer
to get lab,
help with:
-Learn new skills printer and fax.
-Job search
-Gain work experience - Education and volunteer information
-HAVE FUN! - Career assessment
-One-on-one assistance on resume writing
-Resumix,
-Interviewing Skills

Military OneSource!
Offers free, 24/7,convenient
access
to confidential resource and
referral support
for service members &their
Families
to improve the quality of their
 APRIL 2010
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
APRIL 15: -Financial Readiness Training
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

APRIL 17: -Survivor Outreach Forum

10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ft. Hamilton Community Club

-Waiting Families
“Coping with Deployment”
2 p.m.-4 p.m.
ACS Conference Room

APRIL 29: -Newcomer’s Orientation

Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ACS Conference Room

**ACS HOURS OF OPERATION**

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Computer Lab
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.