NMCRS: Your first resource

According to Kings Bay NMCRS Public Relations Chairman Marie Hobson, NMCRS not only helps people during emergencies, but can provide a wealth of resources to assist in everyday living situations. "One of the things we would really like to see is more people come visit us for non-financial assistance," said Hobson.

An example would be when a person is expecting a baby. NMCRS offers an insightful budget for baby class through a private counseling session or a monthly class. After you complete the budget for baby session, you will receive your "baby's first sea bag" filled with $100 worth of gifts including crib sheets, blankets, onesies, and hats.

NMCRS is a great first resource if you are preparing to move off base, buy a house, buy a car, or figure out how you can better manage your finances.A financially trained NMCRS caseworker can sit down with you and help you decide how much you can comfortably spend on a new purchase or create the most effective budget for you and your family.

NMCRS can also assist you during unexpected or unplanned events. "Every service member should have at least three months basic pay in a savings account." recommend Hobson.

Sometimes an event such as a car repair or a death in the family can drain your savings. In such instances, NMCRS may be able to offer you an interest free loan or grant.

NMCRS takes the confidentiality of its clients very seriously."This is a safe haven for our clients. We do not allow commands to come into counseling sessions unless the service member requests the command's presence," said Hobson.

NMCRS only asks for the name of your command when you first call to make an appointment in order to assure that your assigned volunteer caseworker is not from the same command so that your confidentiality is maintained.

NMCRS constantly updates its policy in order to stay current with the evolving world that we live in.Situations that previously were not covered under policy, such as financial assistance with cell phones, may be covered under new updates."The answer is no until you ask," said Hobson."Do not be afraid to pick-up the phone and call NMCRS to see if they can help you. Regardless of the outcome of a request, no person leaves our office empty handed," said Hobson.

If a service member is denied because a request for assistance does not fall within NMCRS' policy, the member receives a command appeal letter explaining reasons for denial.The service member may take the letter back to his or her command where the commanding officer may call the NMCRS director to discuss further arrangements for the service member.

Below is a list of what NMCRS can and cannot do.The dedicated employees and volunteers of NMCRS are waiting to serve you.Kings Bay NMCRS is currently located in the conference building.Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.To learn more about how NMCRS can help you, call 573-3928.

Services NMCRS can offer you:

Interest free loans of grants for:

-Emergency Transportation

-Funerals

-Medical/dental bills

-Food, rent, utilities

-Help when disaster strikes

-Personal needs when pay is delayed

-Essential vehicle repairs

-Educational scholarships and loans

-Budget counseling

-Visiting nurse

-Uniform locker

-Food Locker

Coordination with other agencies and organizations

What NMCRS cannot do for you:

-Pay bills for non-essentials

-Finance liberty or vacations

-Pay fines or legal expenses

-Help you live beyond your means