National Capital Region Chapter
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Welcome to Blue Star Families of the National Capital Region!
Like many of you, I am a military spouse and have had the opportunity to travel and live around the globe in support of my husband’s career. Today, I am very glad to call the DC area my home and to welcome you to our Chapter! Together, we can build a local community comprised of our military families, Veterans, caregivers, and civilian neighbors.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to share ways I can make you feel more welcome, encourage your participation at in-person and virtual events, grow engagement on our Facebook page, lend a helping hand as a volunteer, and invite others to join us as a member of Blue Star Families.
If you want to see a stronger presence of Blue Star Families in our area, remember: I cannot do it without you!
Julie Riggs
National Capital Region Chapter Director
[email protected]
Join us in the Blue Star Neighborhood
Blue Star Neighborhood is our new online community exclusively for Blue Star Families members and the newest way to connect with other military spouses and families. You'll find all the latest information about your chapter there as well as access to signing up for events, perks, and exciting exclusive content.
Town Hall series
Our Homefront & Frontlines Town Hall Series features high-profile speakers covering topics of key importance to military members, Veterans, and their families.
STARBUCKS: More than a Cup of Coffee
Together with Starbucks, we are committed to strengthening military and Veteran families and connecting Americans to those who serve through opportunities like regular Coffee Connects for military spouses, welcome to the community events, and Yellow Ribbon Trees.
Help build community by sharing your local favorites or signing up to volunteer.
Campaign for Inclusion
All Blue Star Families programming is informed by our research. For this reason, research and advocacy is a key pillar of our Campaign for Inclusion. While all Blue Star Families research in the future will continue to look at data through a racial equity and inclusion lens, our groundbreaking study: The Diverse Experiences of Military and Veteran Families of Color provides unparalleled insight into how military families experience military life.
Help sustain our community building efforts or volunteer!
Check out the following national and local resources to empower your family.
LOCAL
FOOD INSECURITY SUPPORT
Veterans Assistance and Nutrition Program Connects Veteran Families in Need with Resources to Support Them
Powered by Safeway
In our continued efforts to help address the food insecurity needs of Veterans and their families, Blue Star Families of the National Capital Region launched the Summer 2021 Veterans Assistance and Nutrition (VAN) program with EveryMind’s ServingTogether.
The VAN program will be accepting intake referrals from Veterans, spouses of Veterans, or direct caregivers of Veterans in the National Capital Region from July 30th through September 30th, 2021. Qualified applicants will receive a $100 Safeway gift card.
Those interested in receiving assistance can register at www.servingtogetherproject.org. ServingTogether Peer Navigators can also be reached by phone at 1-855-738-7176, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM – 4:30 PM. A Peer Navigator will respond within 24 business hours to complete the registration and quickly refer eligible participants to appropriate resources.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
COVID-19 and Vaccine Resources
- Maryland Department of Health
- Montgomery County. MD COVID-19 Vaccine
- Prince George’s County, MD COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Fairfax County Health Department
- Virginia Department of Health
Racial Equity and Inclusion Resources
- Racial Equity Tools
- EmbraceRace – 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race
- Guide to African American History & Culture in Washington, DC
- First Book Resource for Educators
- Children & Nature Network – Equitable Access to the Outdoors
Welcome Resources
We are listening and working to ensure you have the chance for a fulfilling career during your military journey.