FAQs

Unexpected Departures

Q. What resources exist for families leaving Post?

• AAFSW Evacuation Network, AAFSW Whatsapp and Signal chats for USAID families, and the Available Worldwide podcast and social media platform.   

Q. How do I join the AAFSW Whatsapp and/or Signal chats? 

• Contact AAFSW to join.

Families with Children

Q. Is there a group for USAID parents who are looking for help supporting children?

• Join The Raft, a Facebook group for USAID parents run by EFM Behavior Specialist & Parent Coach Sharoya Ham, M.Ed.

Q. Is there a college consulting service familiar with our circumstances?  

• College consulting service Nomad Educational Service is offering free programs for RIFed federal workers and USAID families.  

Q. Where can I find online education for students in grades 2-12?

• The EFM-run accredited nonprofit Hemispheres Academy provides at-cost online schooling for those facing job loss.

• Hemispheres Academy has also invited anyone to join their student group homerooms (separate from their curriculum deal).  See this google doc for details: RIF Offerings

• AAFSW has a Parenting and Education page with resources.

Therapy

Q. Where can I find an EFM/MOH therapist or career coach? 

• The Available Worldwide podcast and social media platform maintains a list of EFM/MOH  therapists and coaches offering free or reduced-cost support for anyone affected by 2025 transitions.

• Moral Courage Consulting provides a confidential and supportive space for healthcare providers, humanitarian aid workers, and other “helpers” to process difficult and traumatic events that may lead to moral distress and moral injury.  Co-founder and EFM Huong Diep, a Licensed Psychologist and international consultant, created a Google Doc titled “Finding Strength in Community.”

• EFM counselor Dr. Fae offers group counseling sessions at reduced/free cost to federal workers impacted by budget/agency cuts and links to other free/pay-what-you-can groups led by other therapists.

Q. Are there family counselors who are familiar with the Foreign Service?

• One option is EFM-run The Big Purple Blob. 

Employment Resources

Q. I’m an Eligible Family Member/Member of Household looking for federal work.  What resources can you recommend for me?

• Join Employee Organization Parallel Professionals, which advocates for career portability and mobility for federally-employed Foreign Service spouses.  Their Facebook group is open to all EFMs and MOHs regardless of employment status. 

• Subscribe to The Network, GCLO’s weekly job listings roundup. 

Small Businesses

Q. I run a small business, or I want to support FS-run businesses.  Where can I promote my business or learn about others? 

• Visit the AAFSW Business Directory for FSO/EFM/MOH and the Every Day EFM Business Directory. 

Community Resources

Q. Where can I find community resources?

• AAFSW hosts in-person networking events in the DMV area and holds monthly virtual events. Check out AAFSW.org/events.

• AAFSW’s Livelines, a listserv is a space to ask questions, connect with others in the Foreign Service, and view archived questions and answers for our community.

• Visit the AAFSW’s page of Foreign Service Community Support Offices, Groups, and Organizations.