Family Support

The Family Support team conducts community outreach and mobilization to support and strengthen communities that serve military and veteran families.

Measuring Communities

Measuring Communities is an online social indicators project designed to strengthen community efforts to support military and veteran families. The Measuring Communities tool is organized according to the Community Blueprint. Data from more than 30 diverse, reliable and nationally-representative data sources provide military-specific information about communities, and interactive maps display information using national and regional military- and veteran-specific data about 10 topics. These include employment, demographics, behavioral health and housing. Communities around the nation are already using this tool to help find gaps in local services, make comparisons with other communities, and strengthen their own efforts. You can, too.

MFRI periodically publishes a national Measuring Communities report on the state of military and veteran families in the United States. These reports represent a starting place from which communities can track change, monitor evolving needs and opportunities, and focus their time, effort and resources. The report features a combination of data located on the Measuring Communities tool and data from external sources. This gives additional context and understanding of military and veteran needs. Our goal is for Measuring Communities to help move the needle and increase support for these families. Get a free copy of the latest report by visiting the Measuring Communities website. For other questions, contact Kathy Broniarczyk, director of outreach and operations.

Battlemind to Home Summit

The Battlemind to Home Summit is a collaboration among MFRI, the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Indiana National Guard, and the VA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  
Held each fall, the conference brings together a variety of experts to inform and educate Indiana professionals on the critical issues facing military-connected families in Indiana’s communities.
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Star Behavioral Health Providers

In 2010, MFRI, the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP), the Indiana National Guard (INNG) and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) created Star Behavioral Health Providers (SBHP). The program trains civilian behavioral health professionals about military-specific issues. It also helps military and veteran families find SBHP providers through an online registry that MFRI maintains and manages. An award-winning initiative, SBHP is now active in 24 states. The collaboration was the model for federal legislation that increased civilian behavioral healthcare support for military and veteran families.
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Joining Community Forces Indiana

Joining Community Forces Indiana (JCFI) is a partnership among MFRI, the Indiana National Guard, and the national and state Departments of Veterans Affairs. An outgrowth of the national Joining Forces initiative, JCFI educates nongovernmental organizations, departments of state government, corporations, policymakers and local leaders and works to build and maintain robust working relationships among Indiana communities. Several working groups focus on statewide priorities for military and veteran families: homeless, financial readiness and suicide. To learn more, contact MFRI Outreach Specialist Katie Walter and follow JCFI on Facebook.

Reaching Rural Veterans

Reaching Rural Veterans aims to strengthen resources and services for at-risk military and veteran families. Launched in Indiana and Kentucky, the pilot was a collaboration among rural area faith-based food pantries and veteran and military family service providers. This pilot initiative reduced food insecurity, helped communities increase support for veterans, and served as a springboard for phases two and three, implemented In 2021 and 2022. Phase four of Reaching Rural Veterans is currently underway in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
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Military Supportive Communities Initiative

Many communities throughout Indiana are dedicated to honoring military-connected families. Through a collaboration among MFRI, the Purdue Center for Regional Development and Purdue University Extension Community Development Program, the Military Supportive Communities Initiative (MSCI) helped selected communities organize and mobilize teams that increase their communities’ engagement with and support of the service members, veterans and families who live there.
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Community outreach

Community mobilization is an integral part of MFRI’s efforts. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and community members, we foster strong relationships among military and veteran families, local governments, businesses and community members. In addition, we enhance communities by providing access to resources, data and training on these families’ needs.
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