AFRC begins new spouse program Published April 15, 2015 By Senior Airman Franklin R. Ramos 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center is scheduled to host a Spouse 2.0: Altus Spouse Enrichment program the third Friday of every month beginning April 17, 2015. The program is intended to extend opportunities and connections for all Altus active duty or civilian spouses, through action orientated programming and activities. Spouses will engage in a three hour workshop devoted to topics such as well-being, character, personal and professional development. "If spouses are not going to school or employed outside of their home, they often feel isolated and there's a lot going on outside the gate that people just don't know about. The purpose of this program is to have spouses make connections with each other and beyond the gate," said LisaMarie Mariglia, AFRC community readiness consultant. "We're trying to have spouses get in touch with themselves so that they can get in touch with others." The spouses will visit locations within the community to experience networking and mentoring first hand. Mariglia said, the spouses will visit places such as Western Oklahoma State College and Quartz Mountain. They will also visit Jackson County Memorial Hospital, where they will be met by surgeons to receive an orientation. There is no cost to attending the program. Active duty spouses may receive a free childcare voucher for the Child Development Center and Youth Center, based on age, grade and space availability, from the AFRC provided by the Air Force Aid Society. The schedule is as follows: April 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Professional Development at Western Oklahoma State College May 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - History and Resources in Altus at Altus Dam Tour June 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Connecting In Your Community at Chamber of Commerce and Downton, Altus July 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Health and Well-being at Jackson County Memorial Hospital Aug. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Personal Development at Southwest Technology Center Sep. 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Nature and Nurture at Quartz Mountain Nature Park "April through September seems to be the time when deployments come up and this is a really good way for spouses who might otherwise be leaving the area to participate in something and know that they are not going to be alone," said Mariglia. "If you are not sure that this is for you just call me and I will convince you to come." For more information about Spouse 2.0 or to register call the AFRC at 580-481-6761.