Soldier & Family Readiness Groups (SFRG)

What is a Soldier & Family Readiness Group (SFRG)?

SFRGs promote the commander’s vision throughout the unit’s mission, assist Families in becoming knowledgeable and self-reliant, and solve problems at the lowest level by:

• Providing official, accurate command information

• Advocating efficient use of community resources

• Reducing soldier and Family stress

How can I contact my SFRG?

• Ask your spouse or someone in your spouse’s unit
• Contact the Command Family Readiness Representative at your unit
• Locate the unit’s (Brigade/Battalion) Facebook page and request SFRG contact information for your unit
• Ensure that your unit SFRG roster contains your current mailing address and telephone number
• Send us an Email

SFRG Training & Information

Register online for any class or appointment!
Visit our Facebook Page and click the "Book Now" button to be taken to our scheduler.

The following SFRG training is offered through JBLM DPFR:

• Command Family Readiness Representative (CFRR) Training
  All CFRR Classes are in-person
  This class is designed to instruct the appointed Service member on the roles and responsibilities of being assigned the additional duty of "Command Family Readiness Representative" while working with the Commander and SFRG. Topics covered in this training include:
  
  → WAR Roles:
  • Welcome new Families and Soldiers because first impressions matter
  • Accurate Contact Rosters (Great information is only effective if Families get it!)
  • Resource referral and reliable unit & community Information
  → SFRG's role in readiness
  → Establishing goals for your SFRG
  → Roles and Responsibilities
  → CARE Team Overview (SCFRR role)
  → Informal Funds / Fundraising
  
  2021 Schedule:
  
  Location: Waller Hall (10 people maximum per class)
  Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 

  Dates: Jun. 16  | Jul. 14 | Aug. 18 | Sep. 15 | Oct. 13 | Nov. 10
   

• SFRG Advisor Training
  SFRG Advisors are spouse or Family member volunteers who remain connected to
  the unit's family members and serve as the primary advisor to the unit commander regarding Family Readiness, issues, climate, etc. SFRG Advisors are critical in maintaining positive communication and connecting with unit Families. Topics covered in this training include:
  
  → WAR Rules: Define & elaborate on how to execute at the Company level
  → SFRG's role in readiness
  → Establishing goals for your SFRG
  → Roles and Responsibilities
  → Roles of the SFRG in traumatic situations
  → Resources overview (including the Family Advocacy Program)
  → Fundraising (brief overview)
  → Scenario based exercise
  
  2021 Schedule:
  
  VIRTUAL (Two 1.5 hour sessions)
  Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  Location: Online via Zoom
  Dates:  Jun. 29 & 30 | Aug. 31 & Sep. 1 | Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
• SFRG Key Contact Training
  Provides attendees with resources and scenario exercises to become confident when interacting with SFRG members.
  
  2021 Schedule:
  
  IN-PERSON (One 2 hour session)
  Location: Waller Hall (Max. 10 people maximum per class)
  Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  Dates:  Jul. 12 | Sep. 11 | Nov. 11
   
• SFRG Funds Custodian Training
  Provides regulatory guidance and fundraising information necessary to maintain efficient records for an SFRG informal fund.
  
  2021 Schedule:
  
  IN-PERSON (One 2 hour session)
  Location: Waller Hall (Max. 10 people maximum per class)
  Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  Dates: Jul 7 | Aug. 11 | Sep. 8 | Oct. 6 | Nov. 24
   
• SFRG Training for the Command Team
  Available upon request

For more information, or assistance in registering for a class, please call 253-967-8546.

Interested in Becoming an SFRG Volunteer?

SFRGs are always looking for great volunteers to fill positions.  Ask your unit leadership where you can help. It’s as simple as that!

Overview

The tools listed below are to help manage functions critical to SFRG Operations, such as meetings, rosters, and events.

Rosters

• Sample SFRG Roster
• SFRG Roster Spreadsheet

Membership Management

• Key Contact & Communication Log
• Statement of Complete Non-Participation
• Factors that Motivate Volunteers to Serve

Meetings

• Icebreaker Ideas
• SFRG Meeting Sign-In Sheet
• Tips for Running an Effective Meeting

Events

•  Event Planning Checklist

Overview 

Commanders may authorize their SFRG to maintain one informal fund for non-mission-essential activities in accordance with this directive. No more than one SFRG informal fund may be authorized for a unit. 

SFRG fundraising will be approved at the battalion level (or equivalent), after consultation with the local ethics counselor. A copy of the approval (memorandum or email) will be forwarded to the garrison commander

Informal Funds Resources

• Learn how to apply for an EIN Number
• Account Requirements for ACU & AFB
• Account Ledger - Sample
• Monthly SFRG Financial Report 
• Annual SFRG Financial Report 
• SFRG Purchase Request
• Reimbursement Request

Fundraising

• Request to Conduct a Fundraiser
• AAFES First Right of Refusal
• Online Food Handler Certification Instructions
• Permit to Operate a Temporary Food Operation
• Final Report of Fundraiser

Overview

A unit's virtual FRG site, or vFRG, promotes a community feeling within Army units by providing a place that  contains content customized to the unit.

For Users

• vFRG Quick Start: Sponsor
• vFRG Quick Start: Family Member

For Administrators

• Uploading the Sponsor Database
• vFRG Site Administrator - Mobile Guide