The Blue Star Families Baltimore Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Executive Director Yolanda (Outing) Rayford, has experienced remarkable growth in the past year. Hundreds of events and programs organized in support of our military members and their families; the support from individuals like First Lady Dawn Moore, Governor Wes Moore, and Secretary Tony Woods; and the dedication of our incredible volunteers have all contributed to this growth. This increased visibility and alignment of efforts have truly made 2024 the Year of the Military Family in Maryland — a testament to our collective commitment and a source of inspiration for all. That is why we were overjoyed to hear the announcement from Secretary Tony Woods regarding the name change of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs to the Department of Veterans and Military Families. This is not just a title change but a significant step that validates our advocacy and acknowledges the pivotal role played by military families. This decision, championed by Governor Wes Moore and Senator Dawn Gile, is so important, and we thank you both for your unwavering support of this legislation. This change signifies a commitment to addressing the needs and enhancing the well-being of our service members and their families. It recognizes the critical role families play in the strength and resilience of our military community. Maryland's leadership in this matter is not just a source of pride and hope, but also a reason for us to express our deep gratitude. It shows the nation that honoring Veterans and military members also means embracing and supporting their families. As Mrs. Rayford so eloquently stated in her testimony to the Maryland House, "By broadening the scope to include 'Military Families' in the Department's name, Maryland demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to the well-being of the entire military community." We are so grateful Maryland made this change and look forward to watching other states follow suit. Check out our website to learn how you can #DoYourPart for America's All-Volunteer Force and their families. https://doyourpart.com #MilitaryFamilies #Veteran
Blue Star Families
Non-profit Organizations
The mission of Blue Star Families is to strengthen military families and connect America to the military.
About us
Blue Star Families (BSF) is a national, nonprofit network by and for military families from all ranks and services, including active duty, National Guard and reserves. Wherever American military families go, Blue Star Families ensures connection, support, and empowerment to thrive in every community, across the nation, and around the globe. Founded by military spouses in 2009, the organization has engaged tens of thousands of volunteers and served more than 1.5 million military family members annually, including wounded and transitioning service members and their loved ones. Free BSF worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans, and civilians. For more information, please visit bluestarfam.org.
- Website
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http://www.bluestarfam.org
External link for Blue Star Families
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Encinitas
- Type
- Public Company
- Founded
- 2009
- Specialties
- Military family programs, Military child programs, Military spouse career programs, Caregiving programs, Advocacy, Research, Policy, Military Families, Military Spouse Careers, and Military
Locations
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Primary
Encinitas, us
Employees at Blue Star Families
Updates
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Blue Star Families is pleased to share the news that Board of Directors member Jennifer O'Connor joins Harvard University as Vice President and General Counsel. Jennifer’s distinguished career in both the military and private sectors, combined with her expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and innovation, makes her an invaluable part of our mission. Please join us in congratulating her on this incredible achievement! It’s an honor to be an organization championed and supported by a dedicated and accomplished group. https://lnkd.in/gSVP2Wrg Gwen Bingham, Bryan Tucker, Nada Stirratt, Craig Newmark, Sheila Casey, Val Nicholas, Kathy Roth-Douquet, Brian Whiting, Lindsay Knight, PhD, Ryan Callahan
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PCSing Your Career Webinar; application tools that don't require a resume? Are you moving this summer? Let's #PCSing Your Career with Blue Star Careers. Join this discussion, previously streamed. Select #replay in your comments. This discussion introduced you to Bob Hogan CEO & Founder of Bridge My Return, Ali Crea representing Aditi Consulting and Nila (Leonila) Thompson supporting on behalf of Talents ASCEND. Our focus is all about application tools that support your job search without a resume. Do you need a resume in today's competitive high-tech job market? Our supportive partners share best practices and adaptive services that support job search for all military connected members. Do you have a positive Career PCS story? Share in the comments. let's empower all #Milspouse community members relocating this summer. #Military; To identify additional resources and learn more about career support in your local area, please join our Blue Star Careers Community in the Neighborhood. We are working to bring you the latest employer introductions: https://lnkd.in/gpRpDzJY
PCSing Your Career Webinar; application tools that don't require a resume?
www.linkedin.com
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#BlueStarFamilies teamed up with American Corporate Partners (ACP) for a year-round mentorship opportunity for military spouses. Through this mentorship program, experienced professionals guide military spouses on their career journey. Read the stories of those who are thriving thanks to the help of their mentors: https://bit.ly/3XVc1eA #MentorshipMatters #MilitarySpouseSuccess #ACPBlueStarFamilies
Empowering Military Spouses Through Mentorship: The New Partnership Between ACP and Blue Star Families - Blue Star Families
https://bluestarfam.org
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Ryan Callahan, EVP of Digital Innovation at #BlueStarFamilies, joined Intevity on their podcast, Evolving Industry! They delve into bridging the military-civilian divide and enhancing support for these families. Check out this important discussion! 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3LdK76h 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45UngWN
Bridging the civilian-military divide is critical to understanding the mental and financial strains military families face. That’s because the average military family has to relocate every 2-3 years. As the son of a U.S. Marine, Ryan Callahan knows these challenges all too well. But today, human-centered design and new data models can help military families feel a sense of belonging. The EVP of Digital Innovation at Blue Star Families shared how the organization is using digital innovation to connect military families. Click the links below to listen to Ryan's insights on supporting military families in civilian communities and making a meaningful difference in their lives. #digitalinnovation #militaryfamilies #marketing #bluestarfamilies
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“Military families are on every block. We’re in every neighborhood. We love our local communities, even if we’re only in them for a short time.” We hope all our #MilitaryFamilies had a safe and fun Fourth of July! Check out this CNN segment at A Capitol Fourth with Brianna Keilar and two #BlueStarFamilies military spouses in Washington, D.C. From coast to coast, military families bring a unique spirit and sense of duty to every neighborhood. To all military families, thank you for your dedication, courage, and unwavering support. You embody the true essence of patriotism, and we are grateful for all you do. https://bit.ly/4eNBJb5 #IndependenceDay #Patriotism #MilitarySpouses
The Fourth In America - Military Families and Celebrating July 4th
https://www.youtube.com/
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Settling into a new house this summer? Ditch the boxes and let The Home Depot help you make that house a home! Check out how our awesome Blue Star Partner can help you take your space from drab to fab + save you money! https://bit.ly/4cM35g3
Make That New House a Home with The Home Depot! - Blue Star Families
https://bluestarfam.org
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Thank you Ford Motor Company for capturing Jenny’s story. 💙 Jennifer Akin continues to show her incredible strength and resilience each day. Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage and determination #militaryfamilies embody.
We’re honored to work with Blue Star Families to do what we can to give back to military families through the Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo. Thanks for sharing your Proud to Honor Bronco: Off-Roadeo experience, Jenny. #FordProudToHonor #DoYourPart
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#FourthOfJuly is almost here! Looking for ways to #DoYourPart for our country’s military families on this patriotic day? Read below and get involved here: https://bit.ly/3L94jG8 👉 Become a Blue Star Volunteer: With events happening down your street and across the nation, you can volunteer to further our mission to be the bridge between military and civilian communities 👉 Adopt the 4 +1 Commitment: For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher. Organizations can adopt the 4+1 Commitment to address these concerns and keep military spouses gainfully employed. 👉What YOU Can Do: Support military families in your neighborhood through small, thoughtful actions. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected! 👉 Donate in Honor of a Loved One: Make a one-time or recurring gift to Blue Star Families’ work in honor of a loved one’s service and sacrifice. #BlueStarFamilies continues to support our military-connected families, helping them feel at home no matter where life takes them. Join us in Doing Our Part to show our gratitude and support for the brave men and women who serve our country and their families. Let's make this #FourthOfJuly meaningful by coming together to support our military families. Your efforts, big or small, can make a significant impact. Thank you for your support and patriotism! Do Your Part is made possible by Craig Newmark and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. #CommunitySupport #MilitarySpouses #Patriotism
Independence Day - Blue Star Families
https://bluestarfam.org
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We are thrilled to announce Adriene Engstrom's promotion to Chief of Staff at Blue Star Families! Adriene's journey with us began in 2021 as the Craig Newmark New York Tri-State DEPLOY Fellow under the Campaign for Inclusion. Since then, she has been a driving force behind our communications efforts, serving as Content Editor, National Manager of Storytelling, Senior Manager of Storytelling, and most recently, Senior Director of Strategic Communications. In her new role as Chief of Staff, Adriene will be instrumental in supporting the CEO's strategic efforts to lead Blue Star Families effectively. Please join us in congratulating Adriene on her promotion! #HireMilitarySpouses #Leadership #TeamBlueStar #MilitaryFamilies #PromotionAnnouncement #Congratulations Kathy Roth-Douquet Vin Duncan Brian Whiting Lindsay Knight, PhD
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