The Quantico Exceptional Family Member Program can now simultaneously engage with families on base and at their remote locations thanks to new equipment awarded by the base. The program is now equipped with Smart Boards, Smart TVs, portable projectors, WiFi and other devices that will allow staff to connect with the click of a button.

Since Quantico’s EFMP not only serves the base but all of the East Coast, Europe, Africa and Marines stationed on Inspector-Instructor and Specialty Duty East of the Mississippi, Monique O’Neil, EFMP manager, said it was challenging for program to offer the same level of service to everyone.

“With 57 percent of our case population in remote locations, our biggest problem was connecting with our families,” O’Neil said. “However, thanks to Marine Corps Community Services management and [Col. David Maxwell] the base commander, who listened to our vision, we can immerse both audiences.”

EFMP case workers, who provide family support services, can perform virtual, face-to-face meetings with families using video conferencing software. The program will also stream training and informational sessions held on base for homebound families or those who are remote. Starting this fall, O’Neil said the program will begin “Webinar Wednesdays” twice a month, where a subject matter expert will host interactive sessions for families.

Families can visit the Quantico EFMP webpage on MCCS’ website, www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org, for the class schedule.

Right now, O’Neil said their focus is getting the word out.

“We are kind of on a skeleton crew for now because we’re on a marketing campaign to let families know about all of the new technology initiatives that we’re about to roll out,” O’Neil said. “Our hope is by the time [Permanent Change of Station] season settles out around November or December, we’ll be back fully staffed and people will be fully integrated into the technology.”

With tightening Defense budgets, the EFMP hopes to leverage technology to reduce travel cost, while improving service and engagement with military families with special needs children.