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Our Mission
"Operation G.I. Jane is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting deployed, single moms in the U.S. military by providing means of communication, airfare, necessities kits, healing therapy and career transitioning. Additionally, we work diligently to assist in any way we can to ensure the family bond remains strong."
About
 Operation G.I. Jane is the first and only charity solely dedicated to deployed single mothers and their children. It was formed in 2010 by Defense contractor Jula Jane upon returning home from a business trip to Afghanistan. Jane visited several bases including Bagram Airfield, Camp Phoenix and NATO, and was moved to action. "We work directly with the Warfighter in our business and come in contact with some of the strongest people you will ever meet. And sometimes even the strongest of hearts need a little help. I saw that need more than ever with deployed single moms, says Jane." And so, Operation G.I. Jane was born.
There are single mothers serving all over the world away from their children and families, who need financial, emotional, and critical assistance beyond what is offered through established military programs and charities. Operation G.I. Jane was formed to fill that need, to pick up where the red tape leaves off.
"When a deployed single mom comes into our program and into our hearts, we learn what her needs are and work to fulfill them," says Jane. Numbering in the thousands, we have to focus on the greatest need first, which often lies with those deployed in a war zone. As the charity grows we will be able to help every deployed single mom—no matter what! That's our goal.
The Operation has five main Programs designed to keep the family bond strong. These Programs are made possible through alliances with companies and individuals who have a product or service that they generously donate or discount, and through fundraising efforts.
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The first Program, Project Open COMM, provides communication between mother and child in various ways. Jane has secured an agreement with PGI to provide their new iMeet product for the cause. Described as Skype on steroids, iMeet not only enables live video conferencing so the family can see each other in real-time, but also their own personal web site, called a room. Jane is also working closely with SendOutCards®, a company who provides cards and gifts through the mail. The moms will be able to send their children birthday, holiday and custom photo cards and brownies on special occasions or just to say I love you.
The second Program, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, provides transportation for single military moms who need to reunite with their children but don't have the means. Jane explains, "Imagine you've been deployed for a year and finally get to go home for a little R&R, but the base you're sent back to is in Georgia and your children are in California. Some soldiers don't have the financial means to make the journey home, that's where we come in." Whether by plane, train, or automobile, Operation G.I. Jane will facilitate precious visits between mother and child during long deployments and upon returning home from service.
The third Program, Personal Shopper, supplies 'Necessities Kits' packed with basic needs items as well as luxuries for both mother and child. "They can provide us a wish list and we'll try to fill it," beams Jane. "I've been on base in Afghanistan, and though they have many products to choose from, they probably don't have the products she's used to, you know, the comforts of home. I want to brighten someone's day just a bit and I believe her coveted hair care product or a new release from her favorite author will do just that. And for the children, we want to surprise them with their favorite toy, a toy their mother may not be able to provide. We'll send it to them wrapped in a big bow with a card from their mama. After all, it truly is coming from her heart."
The fourth Program, Healing Hearts & Minds, arranges licensed counseling for single military moms and their children before, during and after deployment to address the trauma of forced separation, loneliness, and how the relationship will evolve when the mother returns home. Statistics show that children of deployed parents experience weight gain, fighting, and personality changes, while soldiers often suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Operation G.I. Jane hopes to alleviate some of this pain through much-needed therapy.
The fifth Program, Your Next Mission, assists single mothers transitioning from military service to a civilian career. Jane is working with recruiters, résumé writers, image consultants, and interview coaches to assist in the process.
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While these measures help ensure the bond between the deployed single mom and her child remains strong, there are still many other needs that must be filled. One that weighs heavily on Jane's heart is when the Family Care Plan falls apart and the mom must deploy. The thought of a soldier having to leave her child in foster care while she fights for our country is gut-wrenching to Jane; and therefore she is seeking alternatives that will best serve the family when this situation arises.
Meanwhile, the Operation is underway. Volunteers, partners, awareness, and of course fundraising are all in the works. Learn how to Enlist Your Help in Atlanta, Georgia.
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