South Sound Military & Communities Partnership - SSMCP

12/09/2025

SSMCP is looking for its next Program Coordinator!

If you live in the South Sound, and you’re passionate about public service, community impact, collaborative problem-solving—and have a military-affiliated background —this is a powerful opportunity to make a difference in the South Sound Region.

The City of Lakewood is looking for a Program Coordinator to support the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP)—a regional effort focused on military readiness, infrastructure, resilience & quality of life.

If you have experience in:
* Public administration or planning
* Grant coordination
* Community engagement
* Cross-sector collaboration

Apply here:

10/20/2025

Please note that Army Community Services (ACS) is a great resource for Soldiers and thier families at JBLM, and they are still open during the government furlough!

During the government furlough, ACS continues to support Soldiers and their families with essential programs:

- Army Emergency Relief (AER): Interest-free loans and grants for rent, utilities, food, and emergency travel.
- Lending Closet: Short-term loans of household items like kitchenware and small appliances.
- Family Advocacy Program (FAP): Confidential support, parenting classes, and stress management resources.

Stay connected, stay supported, and stay resilient.
Learn more at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil and ArmyMWR.com.

10/13/2025

October 2025 SSMCP Connections Newsletter -

JBLM employs more than 34,000 troops and 14,000 federal service workers. Federal workers have been furloughed since October 1st, and as we enter day 13 of a federal government shutdown, our active-duty military personnel are bracing for 15 October, when they could miss their first paycheck.  These...

10/10/2025

Join us for our upcoming Military Affairs Forum on November 4th where we will focus on bringing together community leaders, businesses, and organizations to discuss how our region can best support Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). From logistics to collaboration, this is a key opportunity to network, share ideas, and strengthen the connection between the base and the communities that surround it. Register for the event here: https://business.tacomachamber.org/events/details/military-affairs-forum-20013

10/07/2025

Save the date: November 13th, 2025
Join us for the Elected Officials Council, hosted by SSMCP, where community, state, and local leaders gather to discuss the most important issues facing the community. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elected-officials-council-tickets-1608095871039?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/23/2025

Please join us on October 17th, 2025 for a FREE community event! 🌟

Attendees will gain expert insights from leaders like COL Osceola Evans and Lori Highberger, learn about the transition of the DHA contract to TriWest, explore innovative programs for service members and families, and engage in meaningful cross-sector collaboration to improve access, reduce stigma, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

🤝 Let’s connect, share resources, and build stronger support networks—together. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/behavioral-health-forum-tickets-1708870791539?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/26/2025

05/30/2025

At last week’s SSMCP Elected Officials Council, we proudly recognized John Caulfield, City Manager of Lakewood and Chair of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to strengthening regional collaboration in support of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and our surrounding communities. Thank you, John, for your service and steady guidance! 👏

We also extend our sincere thanks to our distinguished speakers who helped make this meeting impactful and inspiring:

Mayor Jason Whalen, City of Lakewood
Chairman Ken Choke, Nisqually Indian Tribe
Council Vice-Chair Cheebo Frazier, Nisqually Indian Tribe
Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, I Corps
Colonel John Berger, 62nd Airlift Wing

We’re also grateful to Amazon for sponsoring the event and supporting our shared mission of regional resilience and military-community partnership.

04/24/2025

Please join us tomorrow to celebrate the Cohen Military Family Clinic's 6th Anniversary and discuss ways to come together as a community to improve mental health for our service members, veterans, and their families here in the South Sound.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-anniversary-mental-health-panel-discussion-open-house-tickets-1286622024109?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawJ2YuhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHmzU_Bgawi2CzRQyCS4DxE7_ofm5-uJAo4OJLqCsN2lhu62P_locI59PSDCW_aem_33PearhpwhjUHp9-MY2E_g

04/14/2025

April 2025 SSMCP Connections Newsletter -

The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) proudly announces Maria Tobin as its new Program Manager. A U.S. Army Veteran with a strong background in regional collaboration and community advocacy, Tobin brings a wealth of experience and commitment to enhancing the connection between ...

03/24/2025

Join us for an important conversation on supporting military children!🎓

📅 Date: May 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Bates Technical College South Campus

Military children face unique challenges, and we’re bringing educators, policymakers, and South Sound stakeholders together to foster collaboration and find solutions.

🎯 What to Expect:
✅ Insights on the current landscape for military kids
✅ Sharing best practices to better support military families
✅ Exploring ways to expand behavioral health resources
✅ Enhancing military cultural competency in schools & services

Be part of this crucial conversation to create positive change for military-connected students! 💙✨
🔗 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-child-education-symposium-tickets-1277469077399?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/18/2025

📢 Another fantastic Military Affairs Forum hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and SSMCP! 🎖️✨

So proud to see our South Sound communities come together with leadership from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to strengthen connections and collaboration.

Special thanks to JBLM Garrison Commander Colonel Kent Park for sharing valuable insights about JBLM! 💬👏

Join us for the next forum on May 20th. Register here:
https://business.tacomachamber.org/events/details/military-affairs-forum-20012?calendarMonth=2025-05-01