On Sunday morning, May 2, at 11 a.m., the New Jersey National Guard will open its eighth Family Assistance Center (FAC) at the National Guard Armory at 678 Montgomery Street in Jersey City.

     The “Grand Opening” of the newest FAC in New Jersey will include Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; the Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, 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 Support Program personnel from around the state.

     Sheilah Kelley who will serve 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 Jersey City area who will be affected by the deployment of their family members.   With the recent activations of additional units and personnel to include two units headquartered right here in Jersey City, the strain of coping with the lengthy absence of a spouse or other family member will impact many local families.”

     The FAC will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and available 24/7 in case of any emergencies. There also is a toll free 24-hour Family Support Hotline –1-888-859-0352.

     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 Jersey City Center will establish a food pantry and 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 range of military families to include National Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty personnel.

     With a limited operating budget, FAC's depend heavily on volunteers and donations from the local community. Interested individuals, groups, or organizations should contact Sheilah Kelley at (201) 915-3589 or via the toll free number.

     The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has a full-time Family Program Coordinator at Fort Dix; the Air National Guard has extensive support services at both the 108th Air Refueling Wing at McGuire Air Force Base and the 177th Fighter Wing headquartered at the Atlantic City International Airport.