Life in a New Country

Guide for Service Members with Foreign-born Family Members

Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program Immigration Services 2 Army Community Services

(253) 966-6338 Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 3

Guide for Service Members with Foreign-born Family Members

Page Introduction...... 3

Stages of Adjustment:”How to Make Change Easier”...... 4

Phase I - Cultural Transition (New Arrival)...... 5

Phase II - Accommodation (Getting Going)...... 7

Phase III - Trans-culturation (Blending)...... 9

Common Areas of Misunderstanding and Stereotypes...... 10

Immigration: “The How To’s”...... 13

Resource Index and Related Community Services...... 14

ACS...... 14

Consulates offices and Related Organizations...... 18

Support groups...... 23

Adult Education...... 24

Driving Schools...... 25

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 4 Army Community Services

INTRODUCTION

The change to a new country can be a challenge for both you and your family members. In addition to dealing with the stress associated with a normal relocation, foreign-born family members must also face a complete cultural change, which often means learning a new language and new customs in order to “fit in”.

How your family members adjust to life in America will depend a great deal on how you, the military member, handle the issues.

Moving to a new country can be a rewarding experience or a nightmare. Although discovering new and different lifestyles increase awareness and knowledge, new experiences can be frightening and stressful. Fear of the unknown and misunderstandings can create discomfort in us all. You are the best source of direction for your family members as they are assimilated into the American culture. You are the link between what is new and what was left behind.

This publication is prepared to help you be a teacher and guide. We encourage you to contact the Army Community Service (Relocation Readiness Program), Bldg. 2140 (Waller Hall), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433, (253) 967- 3633/3550, if you need help with specific issues. Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 5

Stages of Adjustment: “How To Make Change Easier”

Arriving in a new country is one of the most exciting times in one’s life. For the foreign-born family members coming to a new country is a total experience. They leave their home and all that is supportive and familiar. Once the initial requirements are completed (i.e., moving in and unpacking, registering the children in school, service member signing in to new unit) and the excitement fades, culture shock sets in. Many questions will come to mind like:

*0 Why do people think and act so differently? *1 What are they thinking? *2 Do they like me?

Your support and understanding are critical at this stage to help your family members work through the shock.

It is important to remember that while the term ‘culture shock’ is most often negative; it is also necessary for cultural learning and personal growth. Continue to encourage your family to make new discoveries about your surroundings with you. Assure them that you understand that they are fearful of making mistakes and feel awkward doing things, and that these feelings are normal. Offer encouragement, being careful not to be critical. Your family members will be happier and have a deeper sense of accomplishment if encouraged to do things for themselves.

Remember, leaving friends and family as well as their homeland, represents multiple losses of major proportions. Driving or walking through the local community looking for grocery stores, businesses, and other people from their native land will help assure your family members that they did not leave “everything” back “home”. Allowing them to pick up little things that remind them of their native land can help pull together the old and the new.

Acting as an independent person in a totally new place without help and preparation is practically impossible. Helplessness and lack of self-confidence and self- esteem are common feelings at this time. Empathy and sensitivity are crucial on the part of those near. Being a friend and caring can encourage and reinforce the feeling of self-worth. The cultural adjustment processes can be divided into three separate phases representing milestones that must be accomplished before moving on. In the end, both the old and new cultures are blended, enriching both.

Phase I - Cultural Transition - (New Arrival)

This phase deals basically with the feelings of the individual. Your family member may feel socially afraid because of new and different surroundings. Depending on your cultural orientation, your personality, and your supportive attitude, the impact of sudden cultural changes during this stage can be mild or severe. The initial success or failure of this initial transition may be a forerunner of the ability to cope in the future. Depending on the originating country and individual personality, this phase can last as long as two years.

Phase I is a time of exploring together the similarities and differences of the two cultures. Put yourself in the position of learning something for the first time. All the little bits and pieces don’t seem to fit together and confusion is the order of the day. We can only grasp so many new things at one time. Be patient! Be prepared to repeat yourself many times, if necessary. This is not because your family member is mentally unable to grasp the situation but, more often; it is due to the tremendous number of new things coming into their senses all at once. Emotional ups and downs are common at this stage. One of the things you must take into consideration is, “What were your family member’s expectations of America?”

When you, as a member of the military service, were assigned to a new country, the familiar surroundings of the military base acted as insulation and provided a sense of security. When you bring your family into America for the first time, they may see nothing in their environment that reminds them of “home” and the security must come from you. As with family, you too may feel overworked, tired and emotionally out of balance. At this time, you may feel frustrated, overburdened and even angry with your family for their dependence on you for guidance and support. Take time to be aware of your own feelings and don’t ignore them or they will, guaranteed, come out later in another form.

It is extremely important that you realize that the full impact of cultural transition, for you, as well as your family members, may take up to a full year to hit. It is then that you may notice changes such as withdrawal and shortness of temper. Some of the things you can do to help through these rough times are:

*3 Obtain a newspaper or magazine from the native country and written in the native language. Your local library can help you.

*4 Draw a map of your neighborhood and take a walk with your family members to make sure they are able to maneuver in their new environment and feel safe and secure. Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 7

*5 Write down Instructions, in picture form if necessary, on how to make sure they are able to maneuver in their new environment and feel safe and secure.

*6 Write down Instructions, in picture form if necessary, on how to operate the telephone, kitchen appliances, washer, dryer, and other household appliances. This will increase the feeling of accomplishment and independence.

*7 Locate a store where food from the native country can be obtained. The commissary and many larger grocery stores offer ethnic food sections as well as small neighborhood specialty markets.

*8 Make sure you can be reached by phone at all times when away from the home, at least until your family member has made other contacts that can be called in an emergency. Call at regular intervals during the time you are gone to reinforce the contact of a familiar voice and to help develop a routine. We are all creatures of habit and a routine helps reinforce the feeling of safety and security.

*9 Visit the Army Community Service, or similar activity at other military installations. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate resources to provide any help you need and to answer your questions.

*10 Make sure you file application for “Permanent Resident Alien Registration Card”. ACS can help you.

Some of the tasks your family members must learn are:

 Use of household equipment, appliances, plumbing.  Getting emergency police, fire, and medical help.  Nutrition and family health information.  Hygiene and clothing of family members.  Food shopping/storage/preparation/waste disposal.  Fire and household safety.  Use of buses and other public transportation.  Relationships with landlords, neighbors, and immediate community.  How to contact you at any time.

Phase II - Accommodation - (Getting Going)

The accommodation phase is one of action. The actual doing and succeeding will enable your family member to let go of the feelings of isolation and replace them with a sense of belonging. Phase II can take as long as five years and usually begins approximately two years after arriving in America. After the newness has worn off and the environment is no longer bombarding them with new information to learn, your family member will begin to settle into the new lifestyle and accept it as normal. Since this phase is one of acting rather than being acted upon, you may see a kind of boredom or restlessness set in. As the “home” environment becomes too confining, your family member will reach out to the world outside the home.

At this time, you will be asked to release some of the control and help your family member establish his/her own financial resources and mobility (drivers license and access to a vehicle) to go to new places and do new things. Your family member will be more confident and competent. They may begin to question and compare the values of their native culture with those in America. At this point in the acculturation process, English classes are essential to the continued growth and development of the individual.

Phase II may be very unsettling for you. You may find yourself living with someone who looks familiar but acts like a stranger. Your first reaction may be to try to restrict these new activities and “settle” your family member down to those things you feel you and your home life have to offer. You may feel that he/she is moving emotionally and perhaps physically away from you resulting in feelings of rejection, betrayal, anger and fear. On the other hand, you may be feeling a great deal of pride in your accomplishments and ability to take control of your family member. You may also be feeling relieved that you are no longer responsible for attending to all the affairs of the home and your personal affairs. It is important that you take note of these contradicting feelings. Avoid allowing your fears to overcome and oppress your family member. The harder you struggle to restrict their horizons, the harder they will struggle to break the bonds.

It is also very important that you continue talking with your family member about the future. Help them establish goals and continue to guide and encourage them to establish skills necessary to obtain these goals. Don’t under-emphasize the importance of English classes. Americans exists in a verbal society and to live here comfortably, one must be able to communicate. Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 9

In Phase II, as in the first phase, there are several things your family member needs to learn. These include:

 Childcare, guidance and supervision.

 Budgeting of household income to meet family needs.

 School enrollment/attendance (including English classes).

 Utilization of and payment for public utility services (telephone, gas, electric and water) and how to call for repairs.

 Banking, check writing and use of money orders.

 Understanding the military pay cycle and benefits, deductions and taxes.

 How to be independently mobile (learn to drive, obtain drivers license, read maps, etc.)

 How to get information.

Phase III - Trans-culturation - (Blending)

The Trans-culturation Phase is the final and least active in the process. This is the time when your family members are able to blend one culture into the other and be able to accept both ways of life. He/she has established an integrated identity and feels relaxed and self-confident. At this time, there are fewer questions to be answered and life choices have been made. This phase usually begins after 8 to 10 years of living in the United States. This may be the time when your family members are ready to take the steps necessary to obtain citizenship.

The cultural assessment processes have affect on you as well. You have taken many things from your family member’s country and blended them into the American lifestyle. You have become worldlier and can probably see many differences between yourself and other Americans. Again, there are several things your family member must do during this phase.

They are:  Learn about car ownership, insurance and safety.

 Become familiar with legal information (immigration and naturalization laws, property, consumer related laws, marriage, separation, divorce and child custody laws).

 What different types of insurance are necessary (automobile, health, life, homeowners, etc.)?

 Learn American customs, holidays and entertaining etiquette.

 Learn how to participate in American recreation activities and sports.

You are now faced with one additional task… ENJOY!!!

If your family has endured the stresses of the acculturation process, you are to be congratulated. Continue planning for the future and doing things together. Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 11

Common Areas of Misunderstanding and Stereotypes

Be sure to discuss this section with your family members. These are the foundations of culture and each country separates itself from other countries through these aspects of behavior. These patterns of interaction become what we call “norms” or accepted ways of behaving because countries teach their citizens to behave in specific ways. We grow up acting different from people of other countries. These differences can cause a lot of misunderstanding and misconceptions. It is important that your family members know how Americans do things and it is also very important for you to understand what and how they were taught to behave.

 Americans show a great deal of emotions. We yell, hit, pout, laugh and joke around a lot. Our public expressions of affection are open and spontaneous. We openly hug and kiss in public.  Americans talk a lot about our thoughts. We have a heavy reliance on words and, as expressed in the previous section of this publication, we are a verbal society. We like to talk about ourselves and tell others about our personal lives.  We use many hand gestures and usually don’t stand on ceremony. We call people by their first names the first time we meet them.  The American people value youth and tend to devalue the elderly in our society. They tend to seek independence and frown on dependence. Parents are to stay out of the affairs of their adult children and are not to reside in the same household with their adult children.  The American family tends to consist of a mother, father, and children. However, single parent lifestyles are becoming more acceptable. We are more restrictive and punitive with our young children than many other cultures. We demand controlled behavior from our youth.  American families emphasize personal belongings and usually show a lack of sharing of material belongings. American parents feel that they own their children and do not easily tolerate interference from others. Our homes are our private domains.  Sharing among non-family members is informal. Male and female companionship is accepted and encouraged. When visiting friends it is expected that you call first before dropping over. It is expected to make appointments for business and personal matters.  Our greetings to each other are a simple “hello” or a casual handshake and our farewells are very brief.  Whether in public or in our homes, it is impolite to make noises while eating or drinking. There are few rules about where to sit at the table and no rules about whom in the family or group eats first. ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 12 Army Community Services

 When talking with others, we seldom talk about important issues, but usually converse about “light” topics or “chit-chat”.  The American moral standards are more open and less inhibited than many other countries. Our conduct is an individual responsibility. American sexuality is expressed openly and is often times exploited.

These are only a few of the things that cause misunderstandings in our relationships with people from other countries and cultures. Again, it is of prime importance that you communicate with your foreign-born family members and work together to discover the differences that you both share.

Some common stereotypes of American, Korean, German and Spanish cultures are:

American Culture  Liberal  Difference between right and wrong not clear  Casual in appearance  Anything goes  Emphasis on money  Talks a lot  Always in a rush  Time oriented  Future (forward) looking  “Me” orientation

Korean Culture  Close family ties  Subservient women  Clean household  No emphasis on talking  Sharing emphasized  “Other” orientation  Many rituals  Clear differences between right and wrong  Concerned with achievement and improving financially Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 13

German Culture  Conservative  Big difference between right from wrong  Very clean  Very structured lifestyle  No emphasis on sharing of feelings  Very close family ties  Not friendly to strangers  Festive holiday drinking  Dress formally  Hard working

Spanish Culture  Close family ties  Strong religious ties  Hot temper  Many rituals/holidays  Relaxed, laid back  Sharing emphasized  Male centered; “machismo”  Very social, festive  Segregation of sexes

You can see where many of these stereotypes could lead to misunderstanding and conflict.

Immigration - The How To’s

The Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord Army Community Service (ACS) offers immigration and naturalization forms and assistance.

There are certain criteria your family members must meet in order to remain in this country legally and not risk deportation. Many of the processes are lengthy (six months or more) so do not delay in reporting to ACS, Bldg 2140 (Waller Hall), Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, Washington for assistance.

The Immigration and Naturalization Assistance Office for Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord is currently operating through the assistance of a USCIS representative from Seattle headquarters. The USCIS officer can provide a complete range of immigration services to include the processing of required citizenship applications. Availability is as follows:

LOCATION DATE TIME PHONE JBLM – Lewis Main 1st Wednesday of 0800 – 1530 hours (253) 967-3633/3550 Waller Hall, Bldg 2140 each month JBLM – Lewis Main 3rd Wednesday of 0800 – 1200 hours (253) 967-3633/3550 Waller Hall, Bldg 2140 each month JBLM – McChord Field 3rd Wednesday of 1300 – 1530 hours (253) 982-2695 Bldg 552 each month

The main USCIS office for Washington is in Tukwila, 12500 Tukwila International Blvd Seattle WA 98168-2506, fax 206-553-1300 (for inquirers). Business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 07:00-15:30 and Wednesday 10:30- 15:30. Appointment is made thru this office by Info-pass only at www.uscis.gov. Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 15

Resource Index Of Related Community Services

*11 Bicultural Family Program *12 Immigration and Naturalization Information *13 Assistance and preparation for citizenship classes *14 English as a Second Language (ESL) Assistance

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Army Community Services Bldg 2140 (Welcome Center) Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, WA 98433 253-967-7166

Mailing Address for ACS:

Department of the Army AFMWR ACS ATTN: RELO 2140 Liggett Ave, Room 400 Box 339500 MS 20 Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA 98433-9500

Email address: [email protected]

ACS provides the following services to military personnel and their family members;

 FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM (FRP) Telephone: (253) 967-3525, Waller Hall o Provides Service members and Families budget development, education and guidance to help them achieve personal financial readiness. o Classes on financial planning, money management, credit, insurance, and consumer issues. o Assists with credit report concerns. o Assists with financial concerns related to a security clearance.

 ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) Telephone: (253) 967-9852, Waller Hall o Assistance with emergency financial needs; rent, utilities, no-pay due, vehicle repair, etc. o Loans/grants ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 16 Army Community Services

o After hours or weekend emergency assistance can be provided by the Red Cross (toll free 1-877-272-7337)

 EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP) Telephone: (253) 967-9704, Waller Hall o Support and assistance for Service members and Family members with special needs (i.e. referral to community resources and assistance). o Education, training and recreational activities. o Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP). o EFMP Support Groups o Respite Care Information o Systems Navigation

 INFORMATION AND REFERRAL PROGRAM (IRP) Telephone: (253) 967-6339, Waller Hall o Conducts assessments with individuals and families; provides necessary assistance and referrals to the appropriate program of agency. o Maintains an extensive resource file of local public, private and voluntary service agencies and organizations. o Referral for WIC and food assistance.

 RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM (RRP) Telephone: (253) 967-3628, Waller Hall o Relocation planning, information and assistance. o Newcomers and Overseas orientations. o Waiting Families Support Group. o Citizenship and Immigration Services. o Computers available for use. o Loan Closet (basic household items).

 OUTREACH PROGRAM Telephone: (253) 968-7199, Waller Hall o Designed to supplement center based services; this program informs, educates, supports and assists Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their Family members who are geographically or socially isolated from a military installation.

 MOBILIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM (MOB/DEP) Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 17

Telephone: (253) 967-6579 / (253) 967-9916, Bldg. 2166, corner of 12th and Liggett o Personal and Family readiness training, consultation and assistance (Family and Personal Care Plans). o Individual and Unit pre-deployment, rear detachment, reunion and reintegration training. o Children and deployment workshops. o Care Team training.

 EMPLOYMENT READINESS SERVICE (ERS) Telephone: (253) 967-3538, Bldg. 2166, corner of 12th and Liggett o Skills assessment/job counseling. o Job application/resume assistance. o Interview skills building. o Job banks and employment referral. o Computers available for use.

 ARMY FAMILY TEAM BUILDING (AFTB) / ARMY FAMILY ACTION PLAN (AFAP) Telephone: (253) 967-2382, Bldg. 2166, corner of 12th and Liggett o Solicits suggestions annually to improve specific programs within the Army or at the installation level. o Support for the Army spouse through social opportunities. o Provides training in Army culture, leadership and personal growth.

 MILITARY AND FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT PROGRAM (MFLC) Telephone: (253) 495-8425, Bldg. 2166, corner of 12th and Liggett o Provides confidential short term, situational and problem-solving counseling services. o Educational presentations, briefings and services to help prepare for the issues surrounding deployment, mobilization, post-deployment, and reunion.

 SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS) Telephone: (253) 967-3672 / (253) 967-7501, Bldg 4274 Family Resource Center o Provides long-term support to surviving Family members. o Conducts research focus groups. o Information and referral services. o Relocation support. o Financial planning-Money and debt management. ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 18 Army Community Services

o E-Mail: [email protected]

 FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM (FAP) Telephone: (253) 967-5940, Bldg 2013-B Pendleton Ave. o Victim Advocacy and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (24/7 # 966-SAFE/7233) o Supports and assists Service members and their Families to strengthen Family relationships using education, information and referral. o Communication & life skills classes. o New Parent Support such as Play Morning and Parenting Classes and in- home support.

 ARMY VOLUNTEER CORPS PROGRAM (AVC) Telephone: (253) 967-2324, Bldg. 4274 Family Resource Center o Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) – www.myarmyonesource.com o Family Readiness Group (FRG) Training o FRG Point of Contact Training

 AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER (A&FRC) Telephone: (253) 982-2695, Bldg. 552, McChord Field o Information and Referral. o Personal and Family Readiness. o Family Advocacy and New Parent Support Programs. o Air Force Aid Society. o Key Spouse Program. o Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Support Services.

Consulate Offices and Related Organizations

The Seattle based consulate offices provides limited types* of information regarding immigration questions and situations for residents who have origins in foreign countries. Most of these offices are located in Seattle. They can assist military spouses with obtaining important documents (i.e. birth records, marriage certificate, family tracer actions, visas, passports, etc.) that are necessary for achieving citizenship status for themselves as well as family members living abroad.

* --Some of these offices and/or related organizations are very limited in the types of services available:

Asian American Affairs, Commission on, State of Washington Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 19

501 S. Jackson Street Suite 306 Seattle, WA 98104 206-464-5820

Australia, Consulate of 401 Andover Park East Tukwila, WA 98188 206-575-7446

British Empire, Daughters of the 12540 123rd Avenue SE Rainier, WA 98576 360-652-4623 Non-profit cultural lodge

Belgium, Consulate of 2200 Alaskan Way Suite 470 Seattle, WA. 98121 206-728-5145

Bolivia, Consulate of Park Ridge Ste100 15215 52nd Ave South Tukwila, WA 98188-2354 206- 244-6696

Canada, Consulate General Of 412 Plaza 600 Bldg. Sixth Ave. & Stewart St Seattle, WA 98101-1286 206-770-4060

Cambodia, Consulate of 1818 Westlake Ave. N. #315 Seattle, WA. 98109 206-217-0830

Conservation Associates of the Pacific Northwest P.O. Box 2756 Olympia, WA 360-754-2093

Croatia, Consulate of 7547 S. Laurel St. Seattle, WA 98178 ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 20 Army Community Services

206-772-2968

Cyprus, Consulate of 5555 Lakeview, Suite 200 Kirkland, WA 98033 425-827-1700

Cultural Center, Evergreen Longhouse Education The Evergreen State College 2700 Evergreen Pkwy, NW Olympia, WA 98505 360-866-6000 X6718

Cultural Diversity 747 Market Street, Rm. 836 Tacoma, WA 98402-3779 253-591-5165

Cultural Homestay International (Student Exchange Program) 8121 Zangle Road NE Olympia, WA 98506 360-709-9225

Cultural, Friendship Force of Olympia P.O. Box 2471 Olympia, WA 98507 360-459-1640 360-491-6291

Danish Brotherhood P.O. Box 2018 Shelton, WA 98584 360-427-0977

Denmark, Consulate of 6204 E. Mercer way Mercer Island, WA 98040 206-230-0888

Filipino, American Community of Puget Sound P.O. Box 3108 Olympia, WA 98503

France, Consulate of 2200 Alaskan Way Suite 490 Seattle, WA 98121 Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 21

206-256-6184

Germany, Consulate of the, Federal Republic of Hubertus Guenther 1045 S. Primrose Lane Spokane, WA 99204 509-624-5242

Germany, Consulate of 1960 Jackson Street San Francisco, CA 94109 415-775-1061

Hispanic Affairs Commission 253-753-3159

Hispanic Women’s Network P.O. Box 1464 Olympia, WA 98507 360-412-1135 360-456-4388

Hungary, Consulate of P.O. Box 578 Kirkland, WA 98083 425-739-0631

Iceland, Consulate of 5610 20th NW Seattle, WA 98107 206-783-4100

Indian Affairs Office - Washington State 360-753-2411

Indian, Chehalis Tribe Oakville, WA 206-273-5911

Indian, Nisqually Community 253-456-5221

Indian, WA He Lut - Indian School Office of Admissions 320 College Street, NE Lacey, WA 98506 ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 22 Army Community Services

Italy, Vice Consulate of 1750 112th Ave N.E Suite E -170 Bellevue, WA 98004-3727 206-349-4411

Jamaica, Consulate of 8223 South 222nd. St. Kent, WA 98032 253-872-8950

Japan, Consulate of 601 Union Avenue, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98101 206-682-9107

Korea, Consulate of the, Republic of 2033 6th Avenue Suite 1125 Seattle, WA 98121 206-441-1014

Korean Women’s Association of Washington State 123 East 96th Tacoma, WA 98445 253-535-4202 253-535-4827 (fax)

Lithuania, Consulate of 5919 Wilson Ave. S Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-4576

Luxembourg, Consulate of 725 First Street South Apt 202 Kirkland, WA 98033 425-822-4607

Malta, Consulate of P.O. Box 1104 Duvall, WA 98019 425-788-3120

Mexico, Consulate of 2132 3rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98121-2306 Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 23

206-448-3526 206-448-6819

Sweden, Consulate of 1920 Dexter Ave. North Seattle, WA 98109 206-622-1756 (Fax)

Netherlands, Consulate of Netherlands 40 Lake Bellevue Dr. Bellevue, WA 98005 425-637-3050

Norway, Consulate of 806 Joseph Vance Bldg. 1402 3rd Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-623-3957

Peru, Consulate of 3717 NE. 157th St. Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98155 206-714-9037

Russian Federation, consulate of Suite 2323 Westin Bldg. 2001 6th Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 206-728-1910

Seychelles, Consulate of 3620 S.W. 309th ST. Federal Way, WA 98023 253-874-4579

Spain, Consulate of 4709 139th Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98006 425-237-9373

Sweden, Consulate of 1920 Dexter Ave North Seattle, WA 98109 206-622-5640

Turkey, Consulate of ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 24 Army Community Services

12328 NE 97th Street Kirkland, WA 98033 425-739-6722

United Kingdom, Consulate of 900 Fourth Ave. Suite 3001 Seattle, WA 98164 206-622-9255

Lizbekistan, Consulate of 800 Fifth Ave. Suite 4000 Seattle, WA 98104 206-625-1199

Foreign Economic and Cultural Organizations

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 600 University St. One Union Square Suite 2020 Seattle, WA 98101 206-441-4586

Support Groups

Tacoma Community House 1314 South “L” Street P.O. Box 5107 Tacoma, WA 98405 253-383-3951

 Trained staff is available to provide professional and confidential services in 23 languages.

German Club Olympia 1013 Capitol Way South Olympia, Washington 98501 www.GermanClubOlympia.com Lakewood Contact: Brigitte Robbings, 253-588-8983 Yelm Contact: Irene Kreutzer, 360-458-9653 Steilacoom Contact: Jutta Stevens, 253-588-9251

 Purpose of the association is to foster an appreciation of the German Culture, traditions, and modern German Zeitgeist, to promote a cultural exchange Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 25

through educational support activities and public events that serve to enrich the community, and also create a bond of friendship.

Japanese Army spouse Support Group Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA 98433 [email protected] Point of Contact: Miki York

 Japanese Army Support Group (JASSG) on Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA is a non-profit support group specifically aimed at supporting military spouses and families. JASSG was founded in 2009 by a small group of motivated Japanese spouses all looking for socialization and friendship! If your spouse is deployed, or deploying, you are new to the area, you have questions, or just want to meet and talk with other Japanese spouses, we are here for you. JASSG is growing and more members are joining every month. JASSG has 4 area leaders to support military spouses and families.

Adult Education

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom ESL Program Coordinator 9401 Farwest Drive SW Tacoma, WA 98498-1999 206-964-6532

 The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Pierce College is a non-credit FREE continuous-entry program for citizens, permanent residents or refugees. *

*Note: People in the United States on non-immigrant visas should contact Pierce College’s International Education department for ESL classes.

Clover Park Technical College 4500 Steilacoom Blvd, SW Tacoma, WA 98499-4098 253-584-5800  Offers course in ESL and citizenship preparation classes

Stone Education Center Bldg 6242, Colorado Avenue Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, WA 98433-9500 253-967-7174 ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 26 Army Community Services

 Offers course in ESL and citizenship preparation classes

 General Education Development (GED) preparation (Testing is free for military spouses)

 Collage placement test (ASSET). A fee is required

 College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing. A fee is required

Driving Schools

 911 Driving: http://www.911drivingschool.com

o Yelm Satellite Location at Baydo Chevrolet 35108 92nd Ave. South McKenna, WA 98558 Phone: (360) 412-0911 Email: [email protected]

o Bonney Lake 911 Driving School 19106 Hwy 410 E. Suite B Bonney Lake, WA 98391 Phone: (253) 891-0911 Email: [email protected]

o Graham 911 Driving School 10225 198th St. E. Graham, WA 98338 Phone: (253) 875-0911 Email: [email protected]

o Lakewood 911 Driving School 6020 Main St. SW, Suite I Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone: (253) 512-0911 Email: [email protected]

o Lacey/Olympia 911 Driving School 730 Sleater Kinney Rs. S.E., Suite D Lacey/Olympia, WA 98503 Phone: (360) 412-0911 Email: [email protected] Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 27

o Puyallup 911 Driving School 1029 East Main Street, Suite C-104 Puyallup, WA 98372 Phone: 253-445-0911 Email: [email protected]

o Seattle 911 Driving School 10109 Aurora Ave North Seattle, WA 98133 Phone: (206) 366-9111 Email: [email protected]

o Tacoma 911 Driving School 6020 Main St. SW Ste. I Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone: 253-512-0911 Email: [email protected]

 Autobahn 101 Lakewood Driver’s Education 8815 South Tacoma Way #122 Lakewood, WA Phone: (253) 581-1420

 Doxa Driving School Suite 118, 8815 South Tacoma Way Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone: (253) 581-1420

 Superior Driving School www.asuperior driving school.com 23-B N Tacoma Ave. Tacoma, WA 98403 Phone: (253) 272-0774 Fax:(253) 272-0774

 A Plus Driving School http://drivereducationsite.com 2703 6th Avenue Tacoma, Washington 98406 Phone: (253) 272-5869 Fax: (253) 272-5879

 A-OK Driving School, LLC http://www.aokdrivingschoolllc.com 11006 Pacific Ave S # 8 Tacoma, WA 98444-5728 Phone: 253.777.1951 Fax: 253.536.7007 E-mail: [email protected]

 A & V Driving School 310 North Meridian Puyallup, WA Phone: (253) 312-1576

 AAA Testing Co PO Box 327 Puyallup, WA Phone: (253) 232-4235

 Puyallup South Hill "A" Driving School 4121 S. Meridian Street #2b Puyallup, WA Phone: (253) 841-5633

 Alexis Driving School www.alexisdrivingschool.com 3703 Pacific Avenue Southeast Olympia, WA Phone: (360) 491-4728

 Drivetech GKHS www.drivetechgkhs.com 22100 Graham Road Graham, WA Phone: (253) 579-4084

 Evergreen State Driving School 1645 South 310th Street Federal Way, WA Phone: (253) 941-3601

 Sears Driving School www.searsdrivingschoolwa.com 1701 S Commons Federal Way, WA Phone: (888) 472-2690 Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 29

 West Coast Driving www.westcoastdriving.net 30814 Pacific Hwy. South Federal Way, WA Phone: (253) 815-9755

 West Coast Driving www.westcoastdriving.net 29500 Pacific Highway South Federal Way, WA Phone: (253) 815-9755 ·

 A Driving School of Gig Harbor, Inc. www.a-driving-school.com 3123 56th Street NW, Suite #15 Gig Harbor, WA Phone: (253) 851-4164  Advantage Driving School LLC www.advantagedrivingschool.net 14023 Purdy Drive Northwest Gig Harbor, WA Phone: (253) 514-2546 ·  First Pass Driving School www. firstpassdrivingschool.com 12629 Renton Avenue South Seattle, WA Phone: (206) 353-8028

 Puget Sound Driving Academy 6417 Fauntleroy Way SW # B Seattle, WA Phone: (206) 205-0019

 Beacon Hill Driving School 2341 15th Avenue South Seattle, WA Phone: (206) 794-1343

 Defensive Driving School www.driving-school.com 13215 SE 240th Street Kent, WA Phone: (253) 856-7879 ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington 30 Army Community Services

 Diamond Driving School LLC www.diamonddrivingkent.com 23609 104th Ave SE # 203 Kent, WA Phone: (253) 639-7102  Behind the Wheel Driving School www.behindthewheeldriving.com 223 1/2 Southwest 152nd Street Burien, WA Phone: (206) 243-6899

 Northstar Driving Academy 30 B Street Northeast Auburn, WA Phone: (253) 939-4446

 First Time Driving Academy 222 E Main St. Auburn, WA Phone: (253) 931-1957

Guide for Service Members with Foreign-Born Family Members 31

Notes:

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE Relocation Readiness Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington