Published: September 10, 2021
Blue Star Community Changemaker: Meet Kelly
Delivered by CSX Pride in Service
Did you know that most active-duty military families don’t feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian communities? In fact, over one third told Blue Star Families in the 2019 Military Family Lifestyle Survey that they don’t know anyone well enough to even ask a favor. One Blue Star Families volunteer, connected to the Blue Star Families of Jacksonville Chapter, aims to be one person military families in her community can depend on.
That volunteer is Kelly. She grew up in an Air Force family, moving all around the country. Her childhood taught her to make the best of every situation, which is what she continued to do as a Navy spouse. Kelly moved around the world with her husband and their two kiddos, and everywhere they went, she made it a priority to find and utilize resources available and build lasting connections.
“I remember when we first moved to Bahrain, we were in a brand new place and were in temporary housing,” Kelly recalled. “At the bus stop for school with my son, we met another family who had a little boy as well. We immediately clicked, it was that sense of “whew” I am not alone anymore. We still keep in touch with them and I believe we always will.”
Those kinds of connections are so important to allow military families to feel comfortable and happy in a new community. “Military families are strong and resilient, but they still long for connection and belonging,” said Wendy Layton, Chapter Director of Blue Star Families of Jacksonville. “Since she connected with us four years ago, Kelly has dedicated an astounding 395 hours of her time to working with Blue Star Families. She always comes with a smile on her face, ready to work, and ready to connect with other families. Her efforts, and the efforts of volunteers like her, allow us at Blue Star Families to be the bridge between the military and civilian communities. With Kelly’s help we can create connections that allow military families to thrive. Because when family members at home feel happy and supported, our service members can focus on the mission. Our volunteers are critical to help us succeed on our mission. They are the backbone of our organization and allow us to create a big impact.”
Just how important are our volunteers? Since 2015, Blue Star Families volunteers have given nearly 50,000 hours of service. That’s the equivalent of over $1.2 million in resources and benefits delivered. It’s true that volunteers help deliver Blue Star Families programs, but they also serve as points of connection for new military families.
“Volunteers like Kelly who are willing to put themselves out there, to be there for our military families, are just so important to making new families feel at home,” Layton said. “Something they want so much and too often is missing. In fact, according to our 2019 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 40% of military family respondents do not feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community. And when asked what they are looking for from their communities, they tell us they want better engagement, communication, and understanding from their civilian neighbors. Volunteers help us achieve just that”
Feeling a sense of belonging to a community contributes to positive mental health for military spouses like Kelly. “Having that organization or person there with a program or a simple smile can make all your doubts slip away,” Kelly said. “Knowing that there is someone that will catch you if you fall is crucial. I was lucky enough to have so many people come to my rescue in my past. I just want to give back to other military families because seeing them succeed is my true passion. Seeing that spouse make a connection, get a job that they have wanted, or see a family get connected to their “new” home fresh out of a PCS is just so very special. I want to make sure military families know I will be there, no matter what, any time any day if they need it.”
In her efforts to show up for military families in Jacksonville, Kelly has participated in several important Blue Star Families programs including Back to School Fairs, the START book club program and providing briefs to transitioning service members and their families. Based on all of her hard work, Kelly was also recognized by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball team as a Budweiser Military Family of the Game.
Kelly’s commitment to supporting her community’s military families deserves to be recognized. “Together with CSX, our Blue Star Partner who funds our Jacksonville Chapter, we want to thank Kelly for giving so much of her time,” Layton said. “She’s supporting big change for Blue Star Families members, making them feel welcome and supported, and that’s why we’re honoring her as a Blue Star Community Changemaker.”
“CSX and Blue Star Families share a mission to empower our nation’s military and families to thrive, which can happen through positive community connections and help here on the homefront,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of corporate communications at CSX. “This Changemaker is particularly close to our hearts, as we get to see the impact Kelly – and others at Blue Star Families – are making right here in CSX’s hometown. On behalf of all of us at CSX headquarters and beyond, we are thrilled to recognize Kelly for her service.”
Visit bluestarfam.org/changemakers to learn more about Kelly and other Blue Star Community Changemakers we’ll be recognizing over the next few months. Their heartwarming stories are so inspiring, and we’re honored to share them with you. #BSFChangemakers
Posted In: Changemakers, CSX