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FAB: Helping families is the priority

Reach out to this number if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship. Photo credit: Courtesy photo

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Darlene Pacheco is a collaborative person who truly enjoys being a part of something larger than herself.

"I strive to help navigate families to the different resources and the professional help available to them," began the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Specialist aligned with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 2nd Infantry Division, a part of 7th Infantry Division.

Pacheco has served with the brigade for two-and-a-half years. Prior to that, she was the Brigade Family Readiness Support Assistant with the 3rd SBCT, 2ID before it was reflagged as the current 1st SBCT, 2nd ID.  

"I do whatever it takes to support our service members and their families."

The Family Advocacy Program (which comes under the Directorate of Personnel & Family Readiness), is dedicated to preventing domestic abuse, child abuse, and neglect of soldiers and their families through offering education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention, and treatment.

"Darlene has touched the lives of countless soldiers and families in our brigade over the past several years," said 1st SBCT commander Col. Jared D. Bordwell.

"Every day, she and her colleagues in DPFR work hard to strengthen our community and connect military families with resources to foster safe and healthy relationships."

An Army brat, the proud daughter of a Vietnam veteran, and the spouse of retired CSM Patrick Pacheco, she understands well the challenges military spouses face.

"My reason for becoming a Family Advocacy Specialist is to help others and give them the most accurate and updated information to help them overcome the obstacles in their way," explained Pacheco.

More to the point, she helps military spouses overcome challenges like long deployments, assuming the role of a single parent, and the balancing of a career while moving often.

"As a dependent and military spouse, I truly understand what other military families are going through, and that bond forms an incredible community," said Pacheco.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in strengthening the lives of soldiers and their families, the FAP is dedicated to preventing domestic and child abuse through information, discussion and education.

"We recognize the importance of families and JBLM working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect," explained Pacheco.

"For April, the Family Advocacy Program and New Parent Support Program has organized a pinwheel scavenger hunt all over the base in order to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Participants of the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing to win one of four $100 commissary gift cards."

Go here for more information: https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php/my-Joint-Base-Lewis-Mcchord/all-services/FAP.

"The Family Advocacy Program is committed to strengthening the lives of services members and families," emphasized Pacheco. "Our team is dedicated to preventing domestic and child abuse through information, discussion, and education."

Pacheco also pointed out that her team does not always work with families in crisis.

"Many couples seek resources to better their relationship," she added, "and I love making a positive difference."

The Family Advocacy Program is located in Waller Hall at 2140 Liggett Avenue, and the telephone number is (253) 967-5901.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in an intimate partner relationship, please call 253-966-SAFE (7233) for help. Victim advocates are available 24 hours/seven days a week to assist victims of domestic violence. Victim Advocates can offer restricted and unrestricted reporting options for domestic violence on a case-by-case basis.

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