Minot AFB EFMP Family Support

04/07/2026

We are so excited about this wonderful addition to our Minot community 💙

The Minot Park District is proud to announce plans for a new poured-in-place, all-inclusive playground that will be located at Scheels Complex on the east end. This exciting project will replace the existing playground and create a space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and connect together.

The project is made possible through strong community partnerships with the Minot Area Community Foundation and Minot Junior Golf Association, along with the Garrison Diversion Recreation Program. Their collaboration and commitment to enhancing quality of life in Minot have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

This inclusive playground is designed so that children of all physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities can play side by side. Features such as poured-in-place rubber surfacing provide smooth, wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the play area, allowing children and caregivers of all mobility levels to navigate the space safely and comfortably. Inclusive equipment also encourages cooperative play, social interaction, and shared experiences, helping ensure that every child feels welcome and valued.

To read the entire story, follow this link 👉 https://bit.ly/4vhaE8s

03/28/2026

Attention Parents – Car Seat Assistance Now Expanded!

If you haven’t applied for a car seat grant before, now is the time:

✔️ $200 one-time grant to purchase a child car seat or booster seat
✔️ Now available for Active Duty, Active Guard Reserve (on 15+ day Orders), and Title 10/32 Guard/Reserve (on 15+ day Orders)
✔️ Eligible Ranks: E1-E5 only

Spouses may apply on behalf of eligible service members with a valid Power of Attorney.

Keeping children safe shouldn’t be a financial burden.

👉 Learn more or apply now: www.afas.org

03/18/2026

Happy spring EFMP families!

Winter looks like it is ending and I could not be more thrilled, we are planning some fun events like an Egg Hunt, Adult only Pasta Making class at Gourmet Chef and some summer play groups on and off base (please message me to sign up for the Egg Hunt and Pasta Making).

With the warmer months comes PCS season, whether you're saying farewell to Minot or preparing for a warm welcome, the Family Needs Assessment (FNA) is our key to a successful transition. After EFMP approves your medical travel, please watch your email for the FNA, this is separate from your FMTS. For our departing families, it helps ensure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. For our arriving families, we can also create a custom Family Services Plan to help you settle in and thrive. I'm here to support your family every step of the way.

Warmer days are coming.

Things highlighted in this newsletter:

-Give Parents a Break
-Respite Care
-Upcoming Events
-Local Resources

- Your EFMP-FS coordinator, Sarah Edwards

01/20/2026

⏰ Last Chance! EFMP Adult Night Out ⏰

Join us Jan 23 | 6–8 PM at Gourmet Chef for a fun, hands-on self-care night:
☕ Coffee body scrub
🧀 Charcuterie cups
🤍 Connection + relaxation

👥 Ages 16+
⏳ Sign-up closes TOMORROW at NOON

📧 Email Sarah.Edwards.9@us.af.mil or message here to reserve your spot!

12/29/2025

EFMP Support invites you to an Adult Night Out focused on self-care and community connection. Participants will enjoy a guided, hands-on experience creating a coffee body scrub and a personalized charcuterie cup.

📅 January 23 | 6–8 PM
📍 Gourmet Chef, Minot
👥 Open to ages 16+
⚠️ Space is limited

📧 Registration required: Sarah.Edwards.9@us.af.mil

09/23/2025

👦👧 Calling all military kids! 🚀

Step into your hero’s boots at Operation Heroes, a fun, hands-on way to experience the deployment process, explore military careers, and celebrate with a welcome home party! 🎉

📅 4 Oct 2025 | 1000–1400 | Jimmy Doolittle Center
🍴 Lunch included | Parent/guardian required
📌1000 time slot EFMP only

👉 Register here https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0A4FA4AD23A2F8C34-57553668-operation by 26 Sept!

09/15/2025

Bowling, gift cards, food baskets, and resources - yes please! Mark your calendars for Healthy Harvest on 18 November, 6–8 PM at Rough Rider Lanes. Open to military families. Don’t miss this festive night of fun and support! 💙

09/12/2025

EFMP Night Out Success!

We had the BEST time at our Charcuterie Board Burning Event!

EFMs and their family members came together to design beautiful boards, enjoy some laughs, and share real conversations about the unique challenges of being EFMP on top of military life.

The biggest takeaway? Our families are so excited for more adult-only nights where they can relax, connect, and recharge.

📸 Swipe to see the gorgeous boards everyone made!

08/01/2025

Did you know If you’re enrolled in EFMP, you may qualify for respite care, giving you time to rest, recharge, and take care of you.

✨ You serve your family every day, let us support you!

Email me today to see if you qualify: Sarah.Edwards.9@us.af.mil

08/01/2025

Checkout our August Newsletter!

07/10/2025

06/25/2025

Psssst... pass the popcorn! 🍿❤️

We have teamed up with Chatter Pediatric Therapy to offer Bottineau's FIRST EVER Sensory Friendly Movie!

Join us for the movie "Shrek" with a sensory friendly theater experience on June 30th, 2025! 🤩

Why a Sensory Friendly Movie? 🎬🎟

For some kids, a typical movie theater can be just too much—loud sounds, bright flashes, crowded spaces, loud popcorn popping and the pressure to sit still can turn an exciting outing into an overwhelming one. That’s why we’re creating a different kind of movie experience—one that’s relaxed, judgment-free, and built with sensory needs in mind! Whether your child has sensory processing differences, autism, anxiety, or just needs a softer environment, this event is designed to let them enjoy the fun without the stress.

🤔 What to Expect:

❤️ Volume turned down significantly
❤️ House lights stay on dimly throughout the movie
❤️ No previews or commercials before the movie
❤️ Concession lines omitted to move quickly into theater
❤️ Flexible seating and room to move around
❤️ No pressure or judgment for arriving late or leaving early
❤️ Designated quiet break zones nearby for stepping out if overwhelmed
❤️ Weighted lap pads or sensory tools available to borrow
❤️ Popcorn pre-popped to reduce noise and smell in the lobby

⭐️ This is an event where kids can just be themselves—and families can enjoy the movie together with no pressure.

⭐️ Free admission to all families + a free small popcorn and water! Everyone is welcomed!

Share with your friends! 🤩🎉

Pediatric Therapy- Minot
Theater