During deployment
The months apart, one week at a time
Deployment is long, and most of it is ordinary days that wear you down. Here is what we do about the ordinary days.
What we offer
Pick what helps this month
Spouses' NightTuesdays 6:30–8:30 PMSpouses and partners
Free supper and childcare in the fellowship hall. Come once without signing up; after that, a text on Monday tells us how many plates.
Get connectedTwo-week meal trainStarts the week they leaveAny deploying family
Volunteers bring supper four nights a week for the first fourteen days. Allergies and picky eaters noted, no thank-you notes expected.
Get connectedThe Honey-Do CrewSaturdays, by requestHomes within 25 miles
Retired soldiers who fix what breaks the week after someone deploys: dryers, gutters, garbage disposals, the car that won't start.
Get connectedSaturday coffee with a chaplainSaturdays 9–11 AMAnyone, walk-in
A table at the Haymount coffee shop on Hay Street with a chaplain at it. Sit down for five minutes or two hours.
Get connectedReading with Dad (or Mom)Mail any timeKids 2 to 10
We record your soldier reading a picture book before they leave and send the book and the video home.
Get connectedA typical week
When we're open
Everything is free. You never have to sign up for the first visit.
| What | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouses' NightFellowship hall | – | 6:30–8:30 PM | – | – | – |
| Duffel Bag ClubKids' room | – | – | – | 4:30–6:00 PM | – |
| Coffee with a chaplainHay Street | – | – | – | – | 9:00–11:00 AM |
| Honey-Do CrewYour house | – | – | – | – | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM |
| Office openMorganton Rd | 9–4 | 9–4 | 9–4 | 9–4 | – |
- Spouses
- Kids
- Walk-in
- By request
- Office
Questions
What spouses ask us first
Do I have to be religious to come?
No. We are Christians and we'll pray with you if you'd like, but supper, childcare and the Honey-Do Crew are for every military family, whatever you believe.
Will anything get back to the unit?
No. We are not part of the military and we keep no records that go anywhere. The only exception is if someone is in immediate danger, and we would tell you first.
My spouse is Guard, not active duty. Can we come?
Yes. About a fifth of our families are Guard or Reserve, many from Hope Mills, Spring Lake and Lillington.
What ages does the childcare take?
Newborns to 12. Every sitter is background-checked and trained, and there are always at least two adults in the room.
Is there a cost for anything?
Never. Churches and neighbors pay for all of it.
Supper is at 6:30 on Tuesday. Bring the kids.
Text (555) 014-3301 by Monday night and we'll set a plate for you.