The RAF Lakenheath Airman and Family Readiness Center offers an array of specialized programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life for military members and their families. The AFRC is located in building 950 next to the Liberty Center. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers experienced Community Readiness Consultants that are able to bring any program or service that we offer in our center into the squadron. Community Readiness Consultants also take individual appointments for more personal services such as budgets. Please call 226-3847 for more information.
Information Referral
The Information and Referral Program's core function is to link individuals and families with the right resource to meet their needs. Whether you are new to the United Kingdom and/or Air Force - you may have questions about living overseas or about different base agencies. The AFRC has a database of on- and off-base resources available to active duty and family members. Our goal is to make this an easy experience you enjoy.
Personal Financial Management
The Personal Financial Management Program is designed to aid individuals in financial matters such as budgeting, debt reduction/liquidation, and basic investment planning. We're excited to offer you a special program called Power Pay. This program re-aligns the way current bills are paid and can possibly save you thousands of dollars. Quit seeing red by getting out of the red.
Air Force Aid Society
The Air Force Aid Society is also located in the AFRC. This service provides emergency financial and educational assistance to active duty Air Force members, retirees and their families. Additionally, the AFAS supports a number of base programs such as spouse tuition assistance, Car Care Because We Care (for deployed spouses), Give Parents a Break, respite care, volunteer child care, and the H. H. Arnold Educational Grant program for the sons and daughters of active duty and retired members. If there is a need, please phone DSN: 226-3847.
Family Life Education
Family Life Education includes all programs designed to help Air Force members and their family members adapt to current and future changes in their lives. Here are some of the FLE programs available through the Airmen and Family Readiness Center:
- Love and Logic Parenting
- Personal Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP)
- Investing in Your Relationship
- Common Sense Parenting
- The Golden Rules of Love
- Marriage Reintegration Retreats
- Relocation Assistance
The goal of the Relocation Assistance Program is to increase knowledge and skills needed by military, DoD civilians, and their families to accomplish a successful move. This is done through various seminars such as PCS with Ease, Preparing Financially to Move, PCS with Your Pet and Kids on the Move. Additionally, information on a member's new base can be accessed through AFCROSSROADS or SITES, which are computerized location documents to help newcomers plan their move.
Family Services
Family Services assists Air Force families and single members moving in or out of RAF Lakenheath and those temporarily assigned here. Volunteers provide aid to military families. Available services include:
- A lending closet stocked with household items for people waiting for household shipments. Items include dishes, pots and pan, linens, irons and ironing boards, port-a-cribs and more.
- Infant and toddler car seats and strollers are available for use until such items can be bought or arrive in household shipments.
- New arrivals at RAF Lakenheath can visit the family services office or call DSN: 226-3134.
Family Readiness
The Family Readiness Program provides the 48th Fighter Wing with advice and resources on family readiness issues. It also assists family members before and after times of mobilization, deployments/separation or evacuation. The family readiness coordinator promotes preparedness for these situations through family education and development of assistance programs such as pre-deployment, deployment and reunion seminars, spouse support groups, Give Parents a Break and Car Care Because We Care programs. In addition, the coordinator helps families maintain contact during separations through morale calls, video phones and e-mail.
Wing Volunteer Resource Program
The Wing Volunteer Resource Program maintains a job bank of volunteer positions where volunteers will gain new skills, obtain work experience and help the overall morale and well-being of the community.
Career Focus Program
The overall goal of the Career Focus Program is to enhance the marketability and employability of family members at RAF Lakenheath. Achieving this goal means addressing these program objectives: assisting in career planning, helping family members learn job-search skills, increasing opportunities for paid and volunteer employment, increasing opportunities for vocational and educational development as well as access to employment information.
Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program provides the tools and training to retiring or separating Air Force members, DoD civilians and their family members, necessary to help them make a successful transition from the military. The Transition Assistance Program provides individualized transition counseling to help clients explore and assess their employment strengths. The bottom line is to provide the customer with as many transition options as possible. The program also teaches subjects outside the normal transition time parameters (e.g. résumé writing, skills assessment, etc.) so potential separatees/retirees can anticipate future needs.