Month of the Military Child is always an exciting time at The Barry Robinson Center (BRC). Staff recognized residents during April to ensure each one knows how much they are appreciated for being part of a military family. 

BRC’s residential treatment program is the first in the country to serve only children and teens from military-connected families. This year’s celebration looked a little different due to some annual events being cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. In spite of these changes, staff worked together to create many memorable activities for residents. 

“We celebrate children from military-connected families because our kids and parents serve right alongside the military member. These kids encounter different challenges dues to multiple moves and deployments. We recognize this, and say thank you for what you do,” said CEO Rob McCartney. “Military service also brings many benefits, and the resilience we see in our military-connected kids is amazing.”

Throughout April, activities included: 

• Presenting each child with a Month of the Military Child pencil and certificate of recognition from the Virginia Department of Education
• Daily school announcements with military trivia and patriotic music
• Inspirational quotes on bulletin boards
• “Purple Up!” events 
• Cake celebration in the cafeteria
• Elementary-age residents reading and writing about what it means to be a military child
• Middle and high school-age residents producing MOMC art and writing assignments
• Reading Deployment: One of Our Pieces is Missing by Julia Cook, a book sponsored by BRC and produced by the National Center for Youth Issues in 2018

“In celebrating Military Month of the Child, we have been honing in on how the children are heroes and brave too, just like their military parent, for being here at The Barry Robinson Center,” said Michele Young, lead elementary teacher. “They’re at a new place, needing to trust adults and dealing with tough emotions. How brave is that!”

Staff members take seriously BRC’s mission to improve the lives of children and their families. Many employees are former or retired military, military spouses, military children or parents of military members. It’s their privilege to serve the families of those who serve us.

Since 2013, the Center has served nearly 650 military-connected children from about 40 states and several other countries.