On a recent tour of two new facilities at Purdue University, Barb Gotham learned about the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI).

MISSION

Through research and outreach, the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) works closely with collaborators to improve the lives of service members and their families in Indiana and across the country. More than 2 million military service members have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001, many serving multiple tours in combat zones thousands of miles from home. Their families serve too, managing challenges and opportunities unique to the military lifestyle. MFRI works every day as a "force multiplier" for the support of military families in and beyond Indiana.  Their efforts and leadership are helping to enhance Indiana's reputation in military circles, and have caused them to be sought out by local, state and national decision makers for advice and collaboration.

GOALS

MFRI is guided by five strategic goals:

1. Support the military infrastructure that supports families.
2. Strengthen the motivation and capacity of civilian communities to support military families.
3. Generate important new knowledge about military families.> 4. Influence policies, programs, and practices supporting military families.
5. Create and sustain a vibrant learning organization.

OPERATION DIPLOMA

MFRI created an education and employment initiative, Operation Diploma, to work specifically with Indiana's postsecondary institutions and student veterans' organizations. Operation Diploma has awarded nearly $2.5 million to help create supportive programs and services for student service members and veterans. By helping to strengthen campus and workforce support, Operation Diploma assists these students in their pursuit of their academic and employment goals.

OUTREACH

The Outreach team helps to design and administer programs that apply research findings to real world situations. Some initiatives supplement programs provided by branches of the Armed Forces to help service members through reintegration. Others work independently to help communities better serve and embrace the military families in their midst. Partnerships with researchers and practitioners from the military and civilian communities enable MFRI to design and execute activities to assist military families throughout Indiana and beyond.

RESEARCH

MFRI's Research team conducts and analyzes studies that provide insight into the experiences of military members and their families. Partners include Sesame Street Workshop, ZERO TO THREE, the Indiana National Guard and The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center. Projects include Coming Together Around Military Families, Life After Deployment and Family Journeys.

Sources of Support

The Military Family Research Institute is funded through a variety of sources. These include:

•Gifts and grants from major foundations
•Grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements from federal funders
•Contributions from MFRI advocates and other supporting individuals and organizations
•Non-profit organizations who seek us as partners

If you would like to become an advocate or provide support on any level for the efforts of MFRI to improve the lives of military families in Indiana and across the country, please contact:

Martina Sternberg, Assistant Director

Military Family Research Institute
Hanley Hall Room 210
1202 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2055

http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/mfri/

---