Military Family Advisory Network

Military Family Advisory Network MFAN envisions a world where all military-connected families thrive. We also are building responsive programs to support our community.

Our mission is to understand & amplify the needs of military-connected families & inspire data-informed change. Founded in 2013, the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring military families have the resources they need to thrive. MFAN designs and delivers responsive, collaborative, and scalable programs that support the military-connected community.

Our mission is to understand and amplify the needs of military-connected families and inspire meaningful, data-informed change.

04/27/2026

This April, we’re celebrating our partnership with US Foods! Thank you for standing with military families!

04/25/2026

For 250 years, military families have carried the weight of service.

This year, we’re telling their story.

Starting today, Generations of Strength will explore how military family life has evolved from the early days of America and what hasn’t changed along the way.

Follow along. Share your story. Be part of what comes next.

🔗 https://milfanet.org/Generations

⚠️ DHS Funding Update — April 24, 2026 ℹ️ The latest: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is now in its 6...
04/24/2026

⚠️ DHS Funding Update — April 24, 2026

ℹ️ The latest: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is now in its 69th day, and there is still no agreed upon path forward. Both the House and the Senate are scheduled to be out until Monday, April 27th.

Currently, DHS is using emergency funds to pay Transportation Security Administration officers and other affected agencies, including the Coast Guard. However, DHS officials warn those funds are running low and could be exhausted by early May, raising concerns about disruptions in pay for DHS personnel.

⚖️ Legislative: The Senate passed a bipartisan, compromise DHS funding bill back on March 27th that excludes funding for ICE and CBP, but House leadership has said it will not consider that bill without a plan to fund immigration operations. House and Senate leadership are now trying to fund ICE and CBP through the reconciliation process, which is a complicated process that requires multiple steps and agreement between both the House and Senate. On Thursday, the Senate passed a budget resolution to initiate the reconciliation process. The House is expected to act on this soon, but there is still no agreed upon path forward at this point, and this process could take several more weeks.

⚓ Military Specific Info: Because the Coast Guard is funded through DHS, it remains the only military branch directly affected by the shutdown. While Coast Guard members continue receiving pay, there are concerns pay disruptions could begin as early as May if funding is appropriated.

Beyond pay, the shutdown continues affecting daily operations. DHS officials say that as of late April, more than 5,000 utility bills have gone unpaid, with more than 100 providers reportedly threatening to cut off electricity and water to Coast Guard stations and air stations. Some maintenance and support services for aircraft, patrol boats, and other vehicles also remain delayed or paused.

💛 Support: This sustained uncertainty can take a real toll on families. If you are Coast Guard-connected, continue planning conservatively and seek support early if needed. Resources remain available through:
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
• Coast Guard Foundation
• Military OneSource
You can also access mental health support resources such as the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 from any phone).

MFAN will continue monitoring this situation closely and sharing verified, nonpartisan updates as developments unfold. We know the weight this places on Coast Guard families. You continue to serve through uncertainty, and we remain committed to making sure your experiences are seen, heard, and represented.

04/24/2026

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, we spoke with MFAN Advisory Board member Meg Graves about what she wants people to understand about military kids.

As a Navy spouse and a mom of three, two of whom are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Meg has seen firsthand what constant change can look like for military families.

Military children move often. They adapt quickly. And in the process, they develop resilience, empathy, and leadership in ways that aren’t always visible.

Beyond the transitions, these are young people who are navigating new schools, new communities, and, for some families, complex systems of care and support.

This month, and every month, we recognize and support military kids! 💜

04/23/2026

For 250 years…

Military service has never been carried alone.

We’re about to tell that story. 4.25.2026

We’re officially counting down!60 days until the Military Family 360 Survey data release on June 22!Military life isn't ...
04/22/2026

We’re officially counting down!
60 days until the Military Family 360 Survey data release on June 22!

Military life isn't always visible to the outside world. This data paints the picture.

At MFAN, we take what military families share and turn it into something bigger. A clearer picture of what’s working, what’s not, and where support is needed most. It validates real experiences, reveals gaps that might otherwise be missed, and brings credibility to conversations that shape programs, partnerships, and decisions.

It’s one of the only true windows into military family life. And it helps ensure support is built around what families actually need.

Mark your calendars 6/22/26 🗓️

New duty station means a lot to figure out.If you’ve PCS’d to Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, or Camp Lejeune/New River/Cherry Po...
04/21/2026

New duty station means a lot to figure out.

If you’ve PCS’d to Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, or Camp Lejeune/New River/Cherry Point  within the last 90 days, you qualify for a free PCS Pantry Restock Box delivered right to your door. No rank requirement!

After completing a quick survey, eligible families may also receive 3 months of free groceries through Instacart Fresh Funds.

Here’s how to get started.

Sign up 👉 https://welcome.mfan.org/PCS

Volunteer Appreciation Week is a time to recognize those who give their time and energy to support others.Volunteers hav...
04/19/2026

Volunteer Appreciation Week is a time to recognize those who give their time and energy to support others.

Volunteers have played an important role in key moments across MFAN’s work.

From our Advisory Board to those who supported initiatives like the Million Meals Challenge and Pantry Restock Box program, your contributions have helped expand support for military families.

We appreciate your time, your effort, and your commitment 💙💛

04/15/2026

Purple Up for Military Kids 💜

April 15 is designated as Purple Up Day during the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and celebrate military children and the experiences that come with this life.

Hear from some MFAN kids about how you know you’re a military kid… their answers are honest, a little funny, and something only they truly understand.

Support matters, but so does knowing where to find it.From school transitions and everyday support to connection during ...
04/13/2026

Support matters, but so does knowing where to find it.

From school transitions and everyday support to connection during separation, confidence-building opportunities, and care through loss, there are organizations working every day to support military-connected children and teens.

We pulled together a few of those resources here and hope this gives families a helpful place to start.

Resources featured in this post:
Military Child Education Coalition: militarychild.org
Sesame Street for Military Families: sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org
Our Military Kids: ourmilitarykids.org
United Through Reading: unitedthroughreading.org
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): taps.org
National Military Family Association: militaryfamily.org
Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen: bloommilitaryteens.org

04/09/2026

What does military life really look like right now?

Our research team just wrapped analysis on the latest Military Family 360 survey, and what families are telling us is both complex and deeply connected.

This is more than data. It’s real life at scale. We’ll share the full report on June 22. You’re going to want to see this.

New data is coming. Mark your calendars.On June 22, MFAN will release the Military Family 360 findings, the most compreh...
04/07/2026

New data is coming. Mark your calendars.

On June 22, MFAN will release the Military Family 360 findings, the most comprehensive look at military family life.

Because military family readiness is a cornerstone of national security.

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