Hearts Apart Programs

Hearts Apart is sponsored by Army Community Service (ACS), Redstone Arsenal for military, Department of Defense civilians and family members who are going to be, will be or have been separated because of military commitments (deployments, temporary duties, remote tours).

Services offered include on-base and off-base resource information, personal support and group activities.

If you want to receive the latest information on the Hearts Apart Program, base activities, and other pertinent information, you will want to join the e-mail distribution group by calling 256-876-5397 the Hearts Apart coordinator.

Information on eligibility for these programs is provided during deployment briefings or by calling ACS at 256-876-5397.

Monthly Hearts Apart Support Group

The Hearts Apart support group is held monthly. The location depends on the Hearts Apart activities, but most meetings are held at the ChildWise Playmorning House, 1413 Nike Street. This is a great opportunity for spouses and their children to relax, enjoy the conversation and company of others.

Hearts Apart Calls

Family members of Redstone Arsenal are permitted to make morale calls from home to their sponsors during deployments and temporary duties lasting over 15 days, or during unaccompanied remote overseas tours. There are several steps that must be completed before one can utilize this program. For more information call 256-876-5397.

Total Tots Program

Military families undergoing stressful times may request or be referred by first sergeants, commanders, or an installation “helping” agencies such as Behavioral Medicine to receive respite child care to attend counseling or medical appointments or just “personal time”. Child care is provided through the Child Development Center or a qualified child care provider. ACS Family Advocacy Program coordinates the program unique to Redstone Arsenal. For more information call 256-876-5397.

Army Family Covenant Respite Child Care

Military families with sponsors deployed to a war zone receive 16 hours free respite care per child. Unused hours will expire at the end of each month. For more information, contact 256-955-8035.

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Waiting Spouses Discount Card

Families of deployed military and Department of Defense employees qualify for a discount card valid at several FMWR programs. The benefits include free swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day at installation pools; a free vehicle safety inspection through Automotive Skills Center; $1 bowling at the Redstone Lanes Bowling Center and discounts on Outdoor Recreation equipment rentals, arts and crafts fees and more. For information call 256-876-5397.

Video Teleconference Phone

Want to see the smile of your loved one that is deployed or on remote tour while making your morale call? If he or she has access to a VTC phone at their location (available at many bases), make arrangements by contacting ACS at 256-876-5397 for a list of VTC access points at Redstone Arsenal. Many area libraries in Alabama have web cameras on computers available to military families.

EVENTS:

Operation Christmas Bear – A community wide “bear hug” held in December for Active Duty military families, National Guard, Reserve and also families of Department of Defense employees deployed to war zones. The free event features moon bounces, face painting, free food, magicians, arts and crafts, toy drawings and visits with Santa where each child receives a teddy bear wearing a military scarf and a free professional photo to take home.

Blue Star Banner Presentations – Sponsored by the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition, a special recognition ceremony is held to present the red, white and blue banners to families of deployed military and Department of Defense employees.

Bicentennial Chapel Holiday Sharing Program – A program of commissary gift cards issued through the chapel’s tithes and offerings fund for deployed military families E-5 and below who are experiencing financial difficulties. Program offered in December and may be available year round depending on family’s financial needs. For more information call 256-876-5397.

Redstone Arsenal Child and Youth Services Angel Tree – The Redstone Arsenal Child and Youth Services coordinate an annual Angel Tree program to obtain gifts for children of military families who are experiencing financial hardships during the holidays. Sign up for families not attached to a unit at Redstone Arsenal is through ACS’ Hearts Apart program. For more information, call 256-876-5397.