'Pro-active' furlough workshops scheduled Published June 11, 2013 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Integrated Delivery System team has put together a program to assist base personnel before, during and after a furlough. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel recently announced that budget cuts will require most of the department's civilian employees to be furloughed beginning in July. The "Take Control" program is based on the five principles of resilience, adapted from the Transition Assistance Program Resiliency module: predictability, controllability, relationships, trust and meaning. "The Airman and Family Readiness Center is featuring a number of 'pro-active' workshops to get personnel prepared, and empowered, for any projected financial or emotional effects a reduced work schedule will bring," said Robyn Endo, Airman and Family Readiness Center director. The community support coordinator has lined up several workshops to assist in developing strategies to help employees manage finances, sustain or enhance their relationships and promote self-care at work and at home during the changes ahead. "The focus of the 'Take Control' series is to maximize the strength of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness and its four pillars: mental, physical, social and spiritual, through the IDS team," said Donald Gonsalves, 66th Air Base Group community support coordinator. "The ultimate goal is improved resilience and well-being, resulting in optimal performance and growth through the CAF model designed to increase performance in all pillars and reduce the negative effects of stress." Self-Care 101 and Injury Prevention, June 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center, will provide information on personal health maintenance with the intention of improving or restoring health and treating or preventing disease. Civilian Health Promotion Services helps to explain the importance of self-care and injury prevention, monetarily, emotionally and physically. The Air Force defines resilience as "the ability to withstand, recover or grow in the face of stressors and changing demands." A Building Resiliency workshop will be held June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Support Center which will provide helpful tips to help personnel become more resilient in the midst of change. Find out what a 20 percent cut in pay looks like, how employees can boost their paycheck, where to find hidden savings, practical ways to decrease spending and what emergency financial resources are available at the Smart Budgeting for Uncertain Times workshop June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Patty Marquis as she explores the concept of male and female self-esteem and how self-perception affects both personally and professionally at a Building Self-Esteem in Work and Life workshop June 19 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the A&FRC. A practical definition of self-esteem and steps that can be taken to develop a more positive self-image will also be discussed. Facing a Furlough workshop June 24 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the A&FRC will define strategies to cope with uncertainty, review steps in the change process and identify helpful resources. Learn how to manage stress during a Stress Management workshop at the Health and Wellness Center June 26 from 11 a.m. to noon. This multi-faceted workshop created by nutrition, health and fitness professionals will help develop strategies to manage stress. Attendees will gain knowledge of stress, how it works in their bodies, relaxation techniques and how to improve their self-esteem and well-being. Receive tips to keep cost down while enjoying a summer of fun at the Budget Friendly Vacations workshop June 26 at 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the A&FRC. Coping Strategies for the Uncertainty of Life workshop June 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the A&FRC will teach attendees how to cope with disappointment, shock, worry and to focus on the things that can be controlled. For more information on resources available, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 781-226-2765.