JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - The Charleston Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) in Charleston, S.C. held its annual kickoff information session February 16, 2017, at the Red Bank Club here. The kickoff marks the beginning of their annual fund drive, which runs from March 6 to April 14, 2017.
The information session provided NMCRS Charleston representatives the opportunity to distribute informational packages to commands across Joint Base Charleston. The drive raises funds to financially assist NMCRS programs and Navy and Marine Corps personnel in need
"In 2016, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society helped more than 56,000 clients with about $45.1 million in assistance through interest free loans and grants. Visiting nurses and combat casualty nurses made more than 59,000 visits and contacts,” said Autumn Crouser, Director Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Charleston. “Many lives are greatly impacted and changed for the better as a result of the society's programs and services.”
The NMCRS offers a range of programs beyond emergency loans, including financial counseling, education assistance, health education and post-combat support, child budgeting, disaster relief, emergency travel funding and access to thrift shops. By using a workforce composed mostly of volunteers, most contributions directly assist service members and their families.
“Our goal is to educate service members to change the dynamics of their situation and equip them with the tools to take charge of their finances. We don't just want to put a Band-Aid on the situation. We want Sailors and Marines to be mission ready, and the best way to accomplish that is if they're not worried about their finances,” Crouser added.
According to NMCRS’s web site, its mission is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational and other assistance to members of the naval service of the United States including eligible family members and survivors.
“NMCRS has been instrumental in ensuring the readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps by educating service members about the importance of financial health,” said Lt. Ryan Goultry, Naval Support Activity Supply Officer. Goultry is this year’s active duty fund drive area coordinator. He emphasized, “We will achieve 100% meaningful contact. We want to ensure every Sailors and Marine is aware of the services offered by the NMCRS. We hope to raise at least $185,000 to support an organization that benefits all Sailors and Marines.”
Founded in 1904, the NMCRS is a private, nonprofit, charitable organization. It is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates approximately 241 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases around the world.
The NMCRS’s immediate goal is to help each person seeking help in dealing with the crisis at hand. The organization’s long-term mission is to help Sailors and Marines become financially self-sufficient by teaching better financial management skills.