VAntage Point Blog-

Blue Star Families is collaborating with VA to ensure Veteran families, caregivers and survivors are pulled into the Veteran community.

VA and Blue Star Families are connecting Community Veterans Engagement Boards and Blue Star Families Chapter locations and neighborhoods for a stronger coordinated support system and to improve access to community resources.

Additionally, Blue Star Families is connecting with VA’s Benefits Administration to improve its outreach, to get resources like the GI Bill, home loan guaranty and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment programs embedded into communities to better support Veterans and their families.

Who is Blue Star Families?

Blue Star Families is a nonprofit organization founded by military spouses that works continuously to create vibrant communities of mutual support through its Chapter model. Why? It believes we’re all stronger when we take care of one another.

It started in World War I. You could often spot a flag or banner featuring a blue star, or stars, within the front windows of homes and businesses of each community. It was generally flown by the families of U.S. soldiers and sailors to signify the number of loved ones actively serving during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged.

Fast forward to today, the blue star thrives at Blue Star Families. It serves as a reminder that countless military families continue to selflessly serve our country. They are the backbone of our armed forces and the fabric from which the flag is woven.

Survey

It conducts a yearly Military Family Lifestyle Survey. No matter if you’re an active duty, Veteran, National Guard, or Reserve family, the survey gathers your stories and challenges. From there, Blue Star Families amplifies your voice to push for positive change to policymakers, community leaders and nonprofits at the local and national level.

It offers unique, yet beneficial military family programming to empower you along your journey.

Blue Star Families’ ultimate goal is to provide continuous solutions to the unique challenges you face as a military family—from frequent moves and deployments to reintegration, transition into the civilian world and more. And to help achieve that, through its research and discussions, the organization offers:

• Complimentary access to Blue Star Museums and Blue Star Parks
• Family and adult reading programs and free books through Blue Star Books
• Military spouse employment opportunities and career support through Blue Star Careers
• Caregiver-specific gatherings and digital resources through Blue Star Caregivers
• Countless discounts and perks (like a free membership to Thrive Market and Headspace)

It hosts exclusive events in Chapter locations & Neighborhoods across the country.

More than 900 events in CONUS and OCONUS locations every year, to be exact. From Chapter launches to Coffee Connects at your local coffee shop, holiday-themed gatherings, hiring events, resources and more, these opportunities get you connected to your community and find you the support you need from civilians who appreciate your service. The goal of Chapter gatherings is to help forge connections between military and civilians, as well as gather valuable information to share across all partnerships in a way that further supports military family members.

It’s important to note that these events and resources wouldn’t be possible without Blue Star Families’ volunteer team and generous Blue Star Neighbors!

Want to tap into these resources and events?

Blue Star Families is eager to support and empower you. Click here to become a part of their family today! Membership is free, and as soon as you join, you’ll begin to receive invites to exclusive events online and in-person, as well as access countless innovative programs that will help you foster meaningful and supportive connections within your community.