Blue Star Families Announces First Wave of Blue Star Outposts
Organization Now Accepting Applications for the Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Blue Star Families announced the opening of applications for the first wave of Blue Star Outposts today. Many of the locations are in congressional districts represented by the 13 House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel members. The Quality of Life Panel and their counterparts learned that their service on the panel inspired the gift of a Blue Star Outpost in each of their districts in order to provide military-and Veteran-connected families in their districts with high-impact, evidence-based, in-person and online programming, and resources to meet the growing needs of military families in their communities.
Blue Star Outposts are made possible by support from philanthropist Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist, and craig newmark philanthropies. Newmark announced an overall $100 million gift beginning in 2023 to help strengthen communities and add additional community-based networks for Veterans and military families, increasing their access to resources and care nationwide. Outposts are the first step in bringing Blue Star Families’ programming and opportunities to military families to build the bridge between military families and the communities in which they live and serve.
“We at Blue Star Families are so grateful for the leadership of the House Quality of Life Panel, and with them, we are committed to bringing more support to military-connected families in this district. That’s why we are thrilled to explore a partnership with a local 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit to bring a Blue Star Families Outpost to this area,” says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.
The first wave of Blue Star Outposts will be established in the districts of the following House Quality of Life Panel Members:
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Chairman
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
- Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX)
- Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA)
- Rep. James Moylan (R-GU)
- Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO)
- Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), ex officio
- Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ranking Member
- Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
- Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-WA)
- Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
- Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)
- Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), ex officio
Blue Star Outposts are part of the Do Your Part campaign, which aims to address the challenges military families face by encouraging all Americans to do their part to ensure that the needs of military families are met. Under the Do Your Part campaign banner, a multi-sector coalition of changemakers has come together to deliver more impact for service members and their families. The Do Your Part coalition is led by Blue Star Families with support from Craig Newmark and craig newmark philanthropies.
Blue Star Families is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations to serve locally as Blue Star Outposts. Interested organizations can learn more about the initiative and submit their application here.
Media Contact
Adriene Engstrom
[email protected]
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About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest Chapter-based military family support organization, with a mission to support military families. Its distinctive approach builds stronger communities around military families through knowledge and programs that address the unique needs of those who serve. Blue Star Families’ nationally recognized surveys and analysis give military families an important voice that informs policymakers and its military family programs. It uses the power of its collective resources and cross-sector collaborations to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of members of military families to strengthen the troops, their families, and our nation as a whole. For more information, click here.
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