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MILITARY STRENGTHENING
FAMILIES PROGRAM
The Military Strengthening Families Program (MSFP) is a specialized adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program designed to support active and inactive military families. MSFP focuses on fostering strong family connections, building resilience, and developing essential life skills to navigate the unique challenges faced by military families. Parents and children learn strategies to improve communication, manage stress, and strengthen bonds through evidence-based workshops, interactive activities, and tailored resources. To find the next available session, visit the EVENTS page for up-to-date program offerings.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The MSFP program is offered as a 7-week or 14-week program, depending on the age group. Each session begins with a shared family dinner provided by Cape Assist. Following dinner, parents and youth participate in separate workshops tailored to their specific needs. Parents focus on effective parenting techniques, while youth develop critical life skills, such as decision-making and peer refusal strategies. The evening concludes with a joint family activity, applying lessons in a practical and meaningful way.
The program includes babysitting. Families who successfully complete the program will be awarded an incentive in the form of a gift card.
*The above applies to in-person MSFP sessions. Virtual MSFP sessions are adapted to accommodate the unique aspects of a virtual environment while maintaining the same core program structure and objectives as the in-person format.
PROGRAM AGE GROUP
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Toddlers (Ages 3-5):
Focus: Early childhood behavior management and introduction to social skills.
Activities: Interactive play that teaches cooperation and emotional recognition.
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Children (Ages 6-11):
Focus: Developing communication skills, understanding emotions, and fostering effective coping strategies. -
Activities: Group games and role-playing scenarios emphasizing peer interaction and problem-solving.
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Pre-Teens (Ages 10-14):
Focus: Enhancing decision-making skills and resistance to peer pressure.
Activities: Discussions and workshops preparing youth for teenage challenges, including social pressures and independence.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENT
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Families must reside in Cape May County.
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At least one member of the family must have served or is currently serving in the military.
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At least one attending child must meet the age group requirements specified in the program flyer or event details.
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Families may miss no more than two classes to qualify as having "successfully completed" the program.
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Families are required to complete program registration, pre/post-tests, and evaluations.
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Active participation is expected throughout the program.
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For virtual MSFP sessions, participants must have access to a working camera and microphone.