The 914th Air Refueling Wing's Community Action Network (CAN) is an initiative that fosters collaboration across Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to support community cohesion and resilience. It serves as a structure for identifying, addressing, and solving community issues by leveraging resources, communication, and collective expertise.
Key Features:
Holistic Approach:
- Focuses on supporting airmen, civilians, and their families through various life and professional challenges.
- Includes mental health, financial readiness, relationship support, and other quality-of-life areas.
Collaboration:
- Engages stakeholders across different levels, including installation leadership, support agencies, and community representatives.
- Encourages teamwork to address systemic issues affecting the force.
Data-Driven Solutions:
- Utilizes metrics and surveys to assess the needs of the community and track the effectiveness of interventions.
- Identifies trends and root causes to guide decision-making.
Resource Sharing:
- Provides centralized access to programs, such as:
- Air Force Resilience programs
- Mental health support
- Family readiness initiatives
- Career counseling and development tools
Feedback Mechanisms:
- Regular meetings and communication channels ensure community voices are heard.
- Encourages innovative solutions and adjusts programs based on feedback.
Prevention and Response:
- Includes a preventive approach to issues like suicide, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
- Ensures rapid response to crises through a coordinated effort.
Implementation:
- Community Action Teams (CATs) are the operational arms of CAN at base and wing levels.
- Integrated Delivery System (IDS) ensures collaboration among service providers and helps synchronize community efforts.
Benefits:
- Improves overall readiness and resilience of the Air Force community.
- Strengthens the connection between personnel and leadership.
- Creates a culture of care and mutual support within installations.