Keesler single parents devise coping strategies Published March 7, 2012 By Paula Spooner Family advocacy outreach manager KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- During last May's Caring for People Forum, the Keesler Integrated Resource Team gathered a substantial amount of valuable feedback from specific base populations regarding quality of life concerns facing Keesler Airmen. Single parents comprised one of the many groups that provided input and feedback. Through focus groups, emails, telephone contact and personal interviews, Keesler single parents provided candid information regarding the myriad stresses and concerns facing today's solo parent. But it didn't stop there -- they also brainstormed potential strategies to decrease stress and strengthen connections with other Keesler single parents. Knowing firsthand how tough it is to arrive at a demanding, new assignment with no local support system, the participants expressed interest in establishing a single parent network that could serve as welcoming committee for newly arriving Airmen. Ideas that were further discussed included establishing an actual support group run by the members -- a forum for information exchange, moral support, resource linkage and possible educational speakers. Other possibilities included organizing a volunteer child care group and a skill or hobby exchange network in which one member who knows how to work on a car could do so in exchange for another decorating their child's birthday cake. If you are a single parent and are interested in getting this off the ground, now is the time. Participants may be separated, never married, widowed, divorced or "geographically single" -- the formal status doesn't matter as much as being a current single parent. Active duty, retired, reservists, civilian employees and family members are all welcome. Plans are currently underway to schedule the kickoff meeting. For more information, call 228-376-3457 or 228-376-3459.