On May 14 at 2 p.m., the New Jersey National Guard will open a Family Assistance Center (FAC) at the National Guard Armory in Woodbury (Evergreen and Progress Avenues).  

    The “Grand Opening” of the eighth FAC in New Jersey will include Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, Leslie Clark, mayor of Woodbury, local elected officials, community representatives, senior members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, local veterans organizations, the Salvation Army, and Family Program and Family Readiness Group personnel from around the state.  

    Heather Altman who serves as the full-time FAC coordinator emphasized the importance of Family Support programs.   

    “We need a local Family Assistance Center to serve Guard and reserve families in the local area who are now or soon will be affected by the mobilization or deployment of family members.   With the recent activations of additional units and personnel, and the Pentagon's announced intention to extend the duration of previous deployments, the strain of coping with the unexpected and sometimes lengthy absence of a spouse or other family member has increased for many families.”

    The FAC will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and available 24/7 in case of emergencies.  

    The state's first Family Assistance Center was established last year at the National Guard Armory in Cape May Courthouse to specifically serve the families of 253rd Transportation Company personnel who were deployed to Iraq.  

    Following the examples of other FAC's, the Woodbury Center also will accept donations of professional services, home, automobile, and appliance repair services, household items, clothing, school supplies, toys, and other items.  It will serve the entire spectrum of military families to include National Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty personnel.  

    With a limited operating budget, the FAC will depend heavily on volunteers and donations from the local community.  Interested individuals, groups, or organizations should contact Heather Altman at 1-888-859-0352 or 856-251-6893.