February 2026 – Families on the Move: How to Prepare for the PCS Season
Posted on: March 10, 2026 | Posted in: Community Blog
Convening Topic
Families on the Move: How to Prepare for the PCS Season
Missed our February Convening or want a refresher? Check out our post with links that help with the PCS season! 59 individuals attended from over 28 different organizations and programs!
We discussed several key themes related to supporting military families during relocation:
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The importance of connecting military families with trusted subject matter experts. Community members and organizations play an important role in directing families to experts (such as our speakers!) for the most current information on topics like relocation entitlements and available resources.
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The value of attending PCS workshops and other support programs designed to help families navigate this transition.
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The need to acknowledge and better understand the mental health challenges that can arise during periods of relocation and change.
When military families are socially connected and well-informed about their benefits and available resources, the PCS process can become a more manageable and less destabilizing experience.
Our amazing speakers were:
– Perlita Rodriguez, Information, Referral & Relocation Program Manager at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
– Denise Hopkins, Work & Family Life Coordinator, Naval Base San Diego Fleet and Family Support Center
– Lily Carlton, Program Manager, San Diego Chapter, Blue Star Families
RESOURCES
If you have any resources you’d like us to add in this month’s resource folder, please email to sdmilitaryfamilycollaborative@gmail.com. Please remember that it must be free, covered by the government (Tricare, GI Bill, etc), or extremely discounted. Please make sure to check the “Other Resources” tab while you’re in there for resources that are outside our topic of the month. We have a scholarship opportunity in there for high school seniors!
You could have connected with the following organizations/programs at the convening! NAVSUPLFC, Operation Homefront, Cohen Veterans Clinic, Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society, Telemynd, Home of Guiding Hands, FFSC Naval Base San Diego, Smorgborg, Blue Star Families, MCCS MCRD San Diego, MCCS FAP, COSD, EFMP, WFL (NBSD), Our Benefits Coach, USMC NPSP, NBPL, Courage to Call, Nexus Letter Experts, SDUSD, KPBS, Empowered Fathers, Dads Corps, San Diego Mojo, National University, LMSVSD, SAY SD, and a Vietnam Veteran.
Make sure to join us in March as our theme is Childcare Outside the Box: Exploring Unique Childcare Options for San Diego!
