A Comprehensive Guide to Local Resources for Maryland’s Military Families
By Rebecca Kieran
Life in the military can be strenuous for those enlisted and their families. With frequent relocations and other job-imposed challenges, military families constantly seek resources from their local community to help them through each journey phase.
Maryland is well known for its eleven military bases, including the prestigious Naval Academy in Anne Arundel County, Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County and the Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center in Montgomery County. For the many military families located in these areas, there are a plethora of resources available to those in need.
Military OneSource is a nationwide online database provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. For specific information, statewide searches yield local military bases and websites with further community resources.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County is home to a significant percentage of military families, and there are numerous options for service members to seek resources for their families. The Veterans Services Coordination Center aids military veterans and their families regarding post-service care. It is a one-stop service provided by Anne Arundel County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Commission.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library is also a large community supporter of military families. It provides lists of online military resources and hosts many events designed specifically for the local military community. The library also features many publications to assist with job-seeking, financial aid and other pre- and post-deployment concerns.
Ancestry databases are available to search, as well as children’s books geared towards military kids.
The Fleet & Family Support Center Annapolis provides resources and programs for Navy families. There are staff-hosted workshops on military life, career-building, and other skills-related classes. Family programs provided include new parent education, families with special needs and families struggling with abuse. Short-term clinical counseling is also provided free of charge to help families navigate and cope with the stresses of military life. Financial and crisis counseling are also available.
Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County is home to Joint Base Andrews, which also provides local resources for military families in the county. Youth programs include sports, instructional classes, social programs, before- and after-school care and summer day camps. There are five on-site classrooms, computer labs, a dance studio, a movie theater, an indoor gymnasium and an outdoor basketball court. Eligible youth and teens ages 6 to 18 can use the facility annually with a paid membership. Fee-based classes and team sports include dance, taekwondo, gymnastics, piano, baseball and more.
Chapel services are also available on base to religious members of various faiths for programmed and confidential services.
The Force Support Squadron hosts various community events throughout the year, including social and networking opportunities, holiday functions, monthly workshops, arts and crafts, tactical fitness and more. The Military and Family Readiness Center on base helps families make the transition a bit easier. Programs are free to eligible members and are offered both on-base and virtually.
Montgomery County
The National Naval Medical Center, located in Montgomery County, caters to the health and wellness of service members and their families with a goal to be the “world’s premier military medical center for health, readiness, education, and research.” While providing a variety of health services, it also provides educational resources, as well as onboarding and readiness tools pertinent to the local community and nationwide, including local housing, parental resources, local commuting, child care and schools within the community. Most of these tools can be found on its website, but there are also various programs available at the facility, such as support groups (health and military related).
Home Front is a local television station featured on County Cable Montgomery that is accessible online. Each episode features local military stories and community services.
For those needing temporary local housing, Navy Lodge is a nationwide military lodging service with three Maryland locations, including Bethesda and Annapolis. With many amenities and pet-friendly rooms, this option provides military families with the comforts of a hotel and the resources and accessibility of the military.
Wherever the military takes your family, whether it is a first-time deployment, relocation or retirement, there are many tools and resources available to help ease the burdens. Your community values your service and sacrifices and wants to be there to help you in return.
Learn about your community and get involved. Ask for help when needed, and always know there are others like you in need of support. At every phase of the journey, for every age and all unique needs, resources are available. Learn more about your community’s military resources on each of their websites.
