Each year, more than 600,000 active duty military families relocate due to new ones
deployments. And most of these families live on military bases and installations – meaning they regularly have to get used to new cities. That’s why Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization that supports military households, is kicking off its 5th annual “Welcome Week” on September 21 to help service members and their loved ones adjust to their new surroundings.
“It’s a week for a community to say ‘hey, we know you’re here.’ We see you. We are
so glad you are here. Come and get to know us,”” Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-
says Douquet.
The Welcome Week events are planned at schools, libraries and more
than 100 Starbucks locations nationwide. There is also a special focus this year on recreating good old block parties as a way for service members and their families to get to know their neighbors and make new connections.
“When we can help make these families feel welcome and part of the community,
they can continue to serve for us,” said Roth Douquet. “And more than that they can
get to know others in their community who can truly be inspired. The community events also help bridge political divides, she says. “We as a nation must be strong together. And as we rally around these families, we also rally around each other.”