May 2020 Newsletter

Published: April 30, 2020

#HomeHaircutChallenge

We asked you to join the fun, and you’ve #NailedIt! We’re loving all of the #HomeHaircutChallenge photos and videos you’re tagging Blue Star Families in on social media. Keep ‘em coming and continue to challenge your friends and family to further the movement. Your support is helping us fund our urgent COVID-19 efforts! Learn more here.

How is COVID-19 Affecting You?

Have you taken the Pain Points Poll this week? Last week, we learned that 36% of military family respondents have no pre-existing anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis, but are now experiencing symptoms as a result of the crisis. With results like this, we can help direct support to address your particular needs and wants. Please take a few minutes to complete it today!

And if you missed the recent town hall (Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Military Families), you can watch it here.

Parks to Kids Day

We know that you can’t get into our nation’s beautiful national parks just yet, so please plan to join us for a virtual tour with your family followed by an activity! Register now to attend on May 16.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Do you know an awesome Military Spouse that you wish you could buy a cup of coffee? If so, nominate them for the chance to receive a Starbucks gift card on May 8th in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

New #BlueStarPerk

Announcing a new #BlueStarPerk (aka NO COST to you)! The Spiritune app designs, creates, and delivers scientifically-informed music solutions to help manage your emotional health, using the principles of music therapy. Interested in embarking on a path to sonic wellness? Have you explored the exclusive member benefits offered by Blue Star Families yet? Click here!

Supporting Military Communities & Families through COVID-19

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC), Blue Star Families, and participants of the White Oak Collaborative have joined forces to create a united platform for sharing information, developing best practices, and implementing policy to ensure our military receives the support it deserves during COVID-19. Check out the upcoming COVID-19 Military Support Initiative events.

Blue Star Families Needs Your Help: Call for Stories

As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic develops rapidly. To help the Blue Star Families community adapt to and overcome the challenges presented by COVID-19, we need to hear from you.

For any story leads about your community or related resilience strategies, please share here.

Looking for a Chapter Near You?

Visit your local Blue Star Families’ Chapter Page today for local resources and virtual event information. We’re regularly sharing COVID-19 updates and planning ways for you to stay connected.

Free Technology Certifications

Are you interested in obtaining a free certification in Cyber, IT, Data Analytics, or Process Automation? 37% of military spouses and 28% of veteran respondents or their spouses have lost their job during COVID-19, are unable to work, or have had to reduce their hours, due to the crisis. WithYouWithMe is on a mission to solve under/unemployment rates for veterans and military spouses by offering a free certification. Learn more here or contact Aimee Stoddard at [email protected].

Virtual Summer Camp

Civics Unplugged’s Summer Camp is a completely virtual 9-week summer program starting June 1, 2020, that is geared toward civic-minded high school students (grades 9-12 as of Spring 2020) with a deep commitment to personal growth and community building. Applications are due May 10. You can also nominate a student, but please note that a nomination is not necessary to apply. For any questions, reach out to Nick at [email protected].

A Virtual Community Just For You

Are you a book lover who’s looking for a virtual community during isolation? Or maybe you need an escape from Netflix and at-home school activities? Either way, we have a place for you! Join our Blue Star Book Club, and enjoy some adult conversation and good reads. 

Financial Wellness Webinar

Wondering how your finances stack up, especially during COVID-19? Join us for a webinar on May 7 at 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 10 AM PT that explains Blue Star Families’ Digital Financial Wellness Center, in partnership with Prudential. Register here.