GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 654-CARE is an established program that not many people know about. By calling this simple automated system you have access to many Goodfellow resources.
"The 654-CARE number is a great resource because there is just one number that you need to dial in order to get in contact with many different individuals,” said Interim Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Laurel Matus.
Violence Prevention Integrator, Donna Casey, one of the earlier advocates of the program, spoke of its origin.
“It all began back in 2011. As the helping agencies; SAPR, mental health, Airman family readiness, first shirts and the chaplains, what we do is we talk about improvements that we can do for the base. We decided to come together with a one-stop shop that people can call so they can get the help that they need.”
The main draw of this program is the easy and the options it provides.
“This is a good one-stop resource, it is an easy number for individuals to remember,” said Matus. “You are going to remember 654-CARE, if you care about those who you are trying to get help for, or even yourself, you will remember CARE.”
The services provided by the 654-CARE program are not only focused on the health and wellness of others, but also the whole Airman concept.
“This is just one more way that we can make our services available for those who serve our great Goodfellow community,” said Lt. Col. Robert Borger, 17th Training Wing chaplain. “Our motto is ‘spiritually investing in Goodfellow,’ and our mission is strengthening, educating and inspiring a spiritually fit Goodfellow community.”
No matter the situation the 654-CARE line is there when needed.
“All of the calls that come through 654-CARE, no matter the hour, will go to the on-call phone,” said Casey. “You know that if you call that number you will get the helping agency that can take care of your needs. There are a lot of times that things happen and you don’t know who to call, so call your first sergeant, no matter what the situation is the first sergeant will know who to call.”
The options provided by the 654-CARE program are listed below and are available and willing to help whenever a situation arises.
1-National Suicide Hotline
2-Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
3-Chaplain, Religious Preference Provider
4-Military Family Life Consultant
5-Air Force First Sergeants
6-Army, Navy, Marine First Sergeants
7-Airmen Against Drunk Driving
8-Mental Health Staff
9-Medical Appointment Line