IDS helps civilian personnel ‘take control’

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With potential Department of Defense civilian furloughs on the horizon, the Integrated Delivery System team, made up of helping agencies from across the base, has developed a program called Take Control. The program is designed to help base personnel cope before, during and after a furlough.

"With all the uncertainty and anxiety about the potential furloughs, we wanted to create a comprehensive program that would make us all feel less powerless and more proactive," said Dawn Andreucci from the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "Accordingly, IDS team members will host a variety of relevant workshops and events to help personnel 'take control' and get through this difficult time."

The Take Control series is based on the five principles of resilience, adapted from the Transition Assistance Program resiliency module. Those principles include predictability, controllability, relationships, trust and meaning.

Focus areas of the program will include finances, relationships and self care at work and at home. The first part of the Take Control series focuses on getting ready for the furlough.

"Among others, we'll be offering 'Smart Budgeting for Uncertain Times' and 'Healthy Eating on a Budget,'" said Andreucci. "The Employee Assistance Program also has a specially designed presentation called 'Facing a Furlough.' It's all about planning and being prepared."

Orlagh Pawlyk, from Civilian Health Promotion Services, will offer a stress management series April 1, 2 and 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Attendees will learn how to manage stress in this three-session program created by nutrition, health and fitness professionals. Participants will gain knowledge of stress, learn how it works in the body, pick up some relaxation techniques and find out how to improve self-esteem and well-being.

As the series progresses, the focus will shift to providing assistance to personnel during the furlough. At the end of the fiscal year, the program will transition to helping civilian employees return to normal once the furlough is over.

Other workshops are being scheduled and will be posted on HanscomNet under the Civilian Workforce Information link.

"There are several agencies on base ready and willing to help," Andreucci said. "We encourage all personnel to give us a call, send us an email or stop by."

For a complete list of IDS members, including contact and location information, visit www.hanscom.af.mil/units/support/index.asp. To register for or request workshops, contact the A&FRC at 781-225-2765 or email 66.fss.fsfr.cmb@hanscom.af.mil.