United States Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) is an integral part of the Army mission. Our programs support the Soldier which in turn enhances Army readiness. In other words, a soldier can concentrate on his/her mission knowing that their children and youth are safe and supervised by trained and professional staff while participating in quality developmental programs.

National Network of Child Care Resources and Referral (NACCRRA) is a national network to provide support and resources to child care resource and referral centers which are located in almost every state. The organization promotes policies and partnerships that facilitate equitable access to affordable, quality child care. Local child care resource and referral centers support providers and assist families by providing access to quality child care and parenting resources. Your Army Reserve CYS can be your liaison for these Child Care Programs.

• Child care resource and referral centers help families identify quality, affordable child care options throughout the country
• They promote national policies and partnerships that support military families
• The organization is working with the Department of Defense to provide child care subsidies to Army Reserve families

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a non-profit organization focusing on academic and school-related needs of military-connected youth. The staff and volunteers work to establish partnerships between schools and the community to address the impact of deployment and separations on a child’s academic success.

• Trainings are delivered to community professionals and local volunteers to increase awareness of military kids’ needs
• Initiatives are designed for students and educators
• Technology is utilized to deliver resources and support systems to families and educators

Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is a partnership between the Army Reserve CYS, National Guard, 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Military Child Education Coalition, American Legion and many other community-based organizations.  OMK provides support and resources to military youth before, during, and after parents are deployed.

• Creates community support network for military youth "in our own backyard" when Soldier parents are deployed.
• Delivers recreation, social and educational programs for military youth living in civilian communities.
• Supports military kids coping with the stress of knowing their deployed parents may be in harm's way.
• Collaborates with schools to ensure that staff are attuned to the unique needs of military students. Educates the public on the impact of the deployment cycle on Soldiers, families, kids and the community as a whole.
• Becomes a part of the ongoing 4-H Program in the locations where there are military families.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) is a network of safe, neighborhood-based facilities, for children and teens to come together. Instead of staying home alone after school, club members can participate in activities that support healthy development while earning the support of caring adults who serve as role models and mentors. This is a great program for kids that want to direct their energy towards positive, productive outlets. Clubs reach out to youth who lack access to other community programs. The membership averages $5-10 each year and many clubs offer memberships free to military kids.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America have a national, regional, state and community presence throughout the country
• They serve more than 4.6 million youth each year.
• Clubs are led by Youth Development Professionals
• A strong curriculum is provided in more than 25 areas to include, Character & Leadership, Health & Life Skills and much more

4-H The Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of programming topics to provide research-based information to the community. 4-H is the Youth Development component of the Extension Services and is comprised of young people across the country, learning life skills such as communication, citizenship and leadership. Through age-appropriate projects of their choice, 4-H club members can achieve through public speaking contests, county and state fairs and many more youth oriented events. 4-H has expanded to meet the needs of rural and urban youth, civilian and military.

• 4-H has Youth Development Professionals working in every county throughout the country
• Programs have a solid foundation in research that is based on interests and needs of youth
• Their positive youth development strategies have been in place for more than 100 years

The American Legion is a community service organization for wartime veterans. The membership consists of more than three million men and women in nearly 15,000 post locations throughout the world. Many American Legion youth programs are among the most respected youth opportunities available for young people.

• Members are invested in the positive development of youth
• The focus on pursuit of higher education supports students in achieving their goals
• Post locations can be found throughout the country to serve Army Reserve families in their own community