Virginia is home to one of the nation’s largest military populations, with 27 military installations and more than 120,000 active-duty service members. Because many military families live off base, they frequently turn to public schools, nonprofits, and other community organizations for resources and support.

However, professionals serving these families may not always be aware of the unique challenges associated with military life. Through OneOp, a collaboration between Virginia Cooperative Extension and eight other universities, service providers can access free, research-based training designed to strengthen their ability to support military-connected families.

OneOp resources cover topics such as helping families navigate the stress of long deployments, improving financial readiness, and supporting military-connected children with autism.

“Professionals throughout our communities are serving military families — whether they realize it or not,” said Molly Herndon, Virginia Cooperative Extension program development specialist and director of programming for OneOp. “Anyone from a local nutritionist to a school counselor could be serving military families and can benefit from training on the unique needs of this population.”

For Ari Foster, a therapist and consultant who serves military clients, OneOp provides valuable insight into the experiences of military-connected families and practical tools to better support them.

“OneOp’s educational trainings are an accessible bridge between civilian professionals and culturally informed practice with military-connected families,” Foster said. “Each training I’ve attended emphasized culturally reflective insights and practical tools that enhance provider understanding and confidence. OneOp is not just a great resource, but a voice of advocacy for the care our military-connected families deserve.”

Through OneOp, service providers can earn continuing education credits while learning strategies to address challenges faced by military families. OneOp has been producing professional developing programming since 2012. In that time, more than 270,000 learners have accessed OneOp resources, including live events, online courses, and podcast episodes.

“Military-connected families are part of every community,” Herndon said. “We’re supporting military readiness by making sure that the counselors, educators, and health care professionals military families might encounter are equipped to understand the challenges they face.”

Learn more about OneOp and access educational materials through the OneOp website.

Recommended resources:

  • Military Family Readiness Academy – An annual programming series that takes a multidisciplinary approach to a complex issue faced by family service providers in their work.

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