Kentucky Guard Family Programs - Detailed Guide
Below you will find detailed information about each of the 11 programs managed through Joint Force Headquarters. Each section includes the program's purpose, what services are available to you, the governing regulation, and how to reach the program directly.
Soldier & Family Readiness Program (SFRP)
Regulation: AR 608-1 | CNGBI 1800.02A
What SFRP Does for You
SFRP is the primary connection between families and your Soldier's command. The Family Assistance Centers (FACs) provide a "One Stop Shop and Resource" to help family members cope with any issue they encounter as a military dependent. These centers serve Soldiers, Veterans, Retirees, and their families across the Commonwealth.
Six Essential Services
- Legal - Powers of attorney, wills, SCRA protections, and legal referrals
- Financial - Financial counseling, emergency assistance referrals, and the Kentucky Minuteman Relief Fund
- TRICARE - Health insurance enrollment, TRICARE Reserve Select ($53.80/mo individual, $274.48/mo family), and healthcare referrals
- ID Cards and DEERS - Military ID processing, DEERS enrollment and updates for family members
- Crisis Intervention and Referral - Immediate support and warm handoffs to behavioral health, chaplains, and community resources
- Community Information and Outreach - Connecting families with local resources across all 120 Kentucky counties
Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs)
SFRGs are command-sponsored organizations of family members, volunteers, and Soldiers belonging to a unit. They provide mutual support, a communication network between families and the chain of command, and help prepare families for mobilization or deployment.
Who Can Belong to a SFRG?
- Spouses and children
- Parents, boyfriends, girlfriends
- Friends and relatives
- Retired service members
- Community members who want to support the military
- All service members
Interested in volunteering? Contact the Family Assistance Center nearest you.
KYARNG Benefits Guide Highlights
The Kentucky Army National Guard publishes a comprehensive benefits guide covering every benefit available to Soldiers and families. Download the 2026 KYARNG Benefits Guide (PDF) or review key categories below:
Financial and Insurance
- Drill pay, AT pay, and special incentives
- Kentucky military pay is EXEMPT from state income tax (KRS 141.019)
- SGLI: $500,000 life insurance for $31/month
- FSGLI: Up to $100,000 for spouses
- VA Home Loan: No down payment, no PMI
- TRICARE Reserve Select healthcare
- Kentucky Minuteman Relief Fund for emergencies
Family and Children
- Child and Youth Services (ages 6-18)
- Army Child Care Fee Assistance Program
- Our Military Kids grants ($300/child per deployment)
- FREE Tutor.com for all Guard dependents
- YMCA free memberships for deployed families
- Boys and Girls Clubs $200 military credit
- Kentucky Purple Star schools for military children
- Military OneSource: 12 free counseling sessions
Education and Career
- State and Federal tuition assistance (up to 100%)
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (transferable to spouse/children)
- Army Credentialing Assistance
- CDL test waiver for veterans
- Army PaYS employer partnership program
- AGR, Technician, and Tour of Duty positions
- ESGR employer support and USERRA protections
- Kentucky Career Center veteran job placement
Family Assistance Center Locations Across Kentucky
The Kentucky National Guard operates 10 Family Assistance Centers across the state to ensure families in every region have local access to support. Call the 24/7 hotline at 1-800-372-7601 or contact your nearest FAC directly:
| Region | FAC Location | Phone | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky | |||
| Capital Region | Frankfort (JFHQ, Boone National Guard Center) | (502) 607-1108 | Franklin, Anderson, Shelby, Henry, Owen, Woodford, Scott |
| Bluegrass | Lexington | (502) 607-3552 | Fayette, Jessamine, Clark, Madison, Bourbon, Montgomery |
| South Central | Richmond | (502) 607-5247 | Madison, Estill, Jackson, Rockcastle, Garrard, Lincoln |
| Western Kentucky | |||
| Metro Louisville | Louisville | (502) 607-2646 | Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Spencer, Meade, Hardin |
| Green River | Owensboro | (502) 607-3231 | Daviess, Henderson, Ohio, Hancock, McLean, Webster |
| South Central | Bowling Green | (502) 607-2358 | Warren, Barren, Allen, Simpson, Butler, Edmonson, Hart |
| Northern Kentucky | |||
| Northern KY | Burlington | (502) 607-2624 | Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Grant, Gallatin, Pendleton, Carroll |
| Eastern Kentucky | |||
| Northeast | Ashland | (502) 607-2136 | Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, Elliott, Lewis |
| Big Sandy | Prestonsburg | (502) 607-5583 | Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Martin, Magoffin, Knott |
| Southeast | London | (502) 607-5467 | Laurel, Knox, Whitley, Clay, Leslie, Bell, Harlan, Pulaski |
Lead Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist: (502) 607-1513
24/7 Family Assistance Hotline: 1-800-372-7601
Online: ky.ng.mil/Family-Assistance-Center
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP)
Regulation: 10 USC 10101 | DoDI 1342.28 | CNGBI 1800.02A
What YRRP Does for You
YRRP connects you with resources throughout every phase of deployment. Events include briefings on benefits, financial readiness, legal protections, healthcare, and employment. Meals, lodging, and travel are covered for eligible attendees.
Deployment Phases Covered
- Pre-deployment (30/60/90 days before departure)
- During deployment (mid-deployment touchpoints)
- Reintegration (30/60/90 days post-return)
- Post-deployment (ongoing follow-up and referrals)
Free Online Courses
Complete these at your own pace at yellowribbon.mil/courses:
- VA Benefits 101
- VA Education Benefits (Soldiers and Families)
- VA Home Loan Guaranty Program
- VA Life Insurance Benefits
- Community Integration Resources
- Mental Health for Families
- Survivor and Casualty Assistance
- Federal Employment for Service Members
- USERRA Training (Service Members and Employers)
YRRP Downloadable Handouts
| Handout | Topic | Download |
|---|---|---|
| VA Benefits 101 | Education, home loan, health care, insurance, memorial benefits | |
| VA Education Benefits | Post-9/11 GI Bill for tuition, housing, books | |
| Education for Spouses/Dependents | GI Bill transfer and family education benefits | |
| Home Loan Guaranty | VA home loan eligibility, process, and costs | |
| Life Insurance Benefits | SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI, and VA life insurance options | |
| Reintegration: How I See It | Feelings experienced by Soldiers, families, and coworkers | |
| Renegotiating a New Normal | Building a reintegration plan after deployment | |
| Understanding and Reducing Anger | Anger triggers, the Anger Episode Model, problem-solving | |
| Just Breathe | Breathing exercises for stress management | |
| Legal Considerations for Deployment | POA, wills, and SCRA protections | |
| Mental Health for Families | Local services and community support for families | |
| Community Integration | Federal, state, and local transition resources |
Resilience, Risk Reduction & Suicide Prevention (R3SP)
Regulation: AR 600-63 | DoDI 6490.16 | Executive Order on Veteran Suicide Prevention
What R3SP Does for You
- Suicide prevention training (ASK, ACE, SafeTALK, ASIST)
- Master Resilience Trainer program at the unit level
- Behavioral health referrals and warm handoffs
- Postvention support following critical incidents
- Risk reduction messaging and awareness campaigns
- Connection to Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC)
- Chaplain and behavioral health coordination
Crisis Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1
Crisis Text Line: Text 838255
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
KY Resilience Program: ky.ng.mil/Resilience
You are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. These resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Child & Youth Services (CYS)
Regulation: AR 608-10 | NGB CYS Program Guidance
CYS provides programs for military children ages 6 through 18, including youth camps, workshops, resilience-building events, and deployment support. CYS partners with schools, community organizations, and Operation Military Kids to ensure children have the support they need when a parent deploys or returns. All staff and volunteers undergo FBI/NCIC/NSOR background checks. Contact CYS at (502) 607-1000 or visit ky.ng.mil/Child-Youth-Services.
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)
Regulation: PL 115-232 | AR 608-1 | Army Directive 2021-04
SOS provides long-term case management and advocacy for Gold Star families of fallen Soldiers. Services include benefits coordination (SBP, DIC, education, VA), installation access, financial counseling, legal assistance, and behavioral health referrals. SOS also plans survivor events and memorial activities. If you are a surviving family member, contact SOS at (502) 607-1000 or visit ky.ng.mil/Survivor-Outreach-Services.
Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F)
Regulation: FM 7-22 | AR 350-1 | NGB H2F Guidance
H2F takes a whole-person approach to Soldier readiness across five domains: physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual, and sleep. The program provides embedded professionals including strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, physical therapists, cognitive performance specialists, and occupational therapists. H2F integrates into drill weekends, annual training, and mobilization activities. Contact the H2F Coordinator at (502) 607-1000.
Additional Programs
Casualty Affairs (CASOPs)
AR 638-8
24/7 casualty reporting and notification capability. Trains and certifies CNOs/CAOs, processes DD Form 93, SGLV forms, and SGLI/FSGLI/TSGLI claims. Contact: (502) 607-1000.
Military Funeral Honors
10 USC 1491 | AR 600-25
Ensures dignified funeral honors for all eligible veterans. Coordinates with the National Cemetery Administration and funeral homes statewide. Contact: (502) 607-1000.
Drug Deterrence (DTC)
AR 600-85
Manages the urinalysis program, chain of custody compliance, and drug awareness/prevention education. Contact: (502) 607-1000.
VA Benefits Quick Reference
| Benefit | What It Covers | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | Tuition, housing, books, and supplies for college | va.gov/education |
| VA Health Care | Medical, mental health, and dental services | va.gov/health-care |
| VA Disability Compensation | Monthly payments for service-connected conditions | va.gov/disability |
| VA Home Loan | No down payment, no PMI home loans for eligible veterans | va.gov/home-loans |
| SGLI/FSGLI | Life insurance for Soldiers ($400K) and family members | Automatic enrollment; manage at va.gov/life-insurance |
| Vet Centers | Free counseling, outreach, and referral for combat veterans | vetcenter.va.gov |
| TRICARE Reserve Select | Health insurance for Guard/Reserve and families | tricare.mil/TRS |