Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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OCTOBER 13-19, 2021 UCW 23 Best of Fayetteville FEATURE Programs help improve the lives of military spouses (StatePoint) e average military spouse moves eight to 12 times in the span of a 20-year military ca- reer. Each move results in start- ing over in the new location and dealing with the struggle of meeting new people, sustaining meaningful employment, and feeling a sense of community in each new location. While the USO is most often thought of as an organization that entertains U.S. service mem- bers, their work extends to pro- viding vital support to the entire military community, including these programs that directly sup- port military spouses: Networking: In 2016, the USO launched its Military Spouse Networking Events. is world- wide initiative empowers mili- tary spouses by connecting them to their social, professional and community networks. Offering opportunities to interact with other military spouses, attendees instantly connect with one an- other and to their communities. e USO also invites local hir- ing employers, community and military leaders, and organiza- tions to support military spouses. Spouses leave these networking events with customized business cards, a professional "elevator pitch," and a collection of 15-25 new connections. Friendship: Each year, the USO hosts hundreds of monthly "Coffee Connections," connect- ing thousands of military spous- es in their local communities and networks. ese gatherings are an opportunity to connect with old and new friends, share advice and learn about local events. In 2019, Coffee Connection Live launched in response to requests from those who didn't have ready access to a USO loca- tion. ese virtual "coffee chats" between USO military spouses and influential guests cover timely topics relevant to the mili- tary spouse community, such as employment and wellness. All episodes are recorded and available at uso.org/campaign/ coffee-connection-live. Workshops: Feelings of loss, uncertain identity and a lack of purpose caused by the rig- ors of military life are common, according to USO research. However, a series of workshops launched in 2017 help fill that gap, including Brittany Bocher's "Discovering Your Spark." e purpose of the workshops is to help military spouses find their passion and help them approach life's challenges with a positive and proactive outlook. "Discov- ering Your Spark" can be found at uso.org/programs/discover- ing-your-spark. Baby showers: Many military moms-to-be are often away from their families, friends and sup- port networks during their preg- nancies. e USO hosts virtual or hybrid baby showers for military families featuring baby shower games, local guest speakers and drawings for gifts to provide a sense of home. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson proudly became the presenting partner, support- ing the USO Special Delivery program for all expectant mili- tary families. More than 13,000 expectant service members and military spouse parents have been served through this pro- gram since it began in 2013. Members of the military com- munity — service members and spouses — can learn more about programs available in their area by downloading the USO mobile app. For those interested in learning more about how they can help the USO deliver these vital services to the military community, visit uso. org/programs. anks to a range of programs and new support, military spouses are more empowered than ever to meet the many challenges associ- ated with military life. USO programs help empower spouses to meet challenges associated with military service. (Photo courtesy USO Photos) Emergencies • Reptiles • Birds • Exotic Animals Equine Service • Orthopedics and Specialty Surgeries 3109 Ft. Bragg Rd. • 910-323-1535 www.ahofnc.org Nights - Weekends - Holidays 910-864-2844 Animal Hospital of Fayetteville Thanks You For Voting Us And Our Pet Friendly Staff Second Location Riverside Animal Hospital 2021 Dr. J.K. Garrett, DVM • Dr. Brian K. Garrett, DVM Dr. Steven Huff, DVM • Dr. Bryan Rodgers, DVM Dr. Brittney McLamb, DVM www.upandcomingweekly.com Go Online Best of Fayetteville is always available online! Flip through our pages for news, views, art and entertainment! Call and ask one of our marketing representatives to help you grow your business. All the more reason to Go Online! 2021