Organizations, businesses team to aid military families

LISBON -- The Family and Children First Council, AMVETS Local 45 and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to assist area military families.
The Columbiana County Salutes Our Military Families initiative recognizes the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and provides support to their families, said Elaine Brye, Family and Children First Council coordinator.
Packets of information about support services such as job training, health clinics, counseling and programs for children are available at several locations throughout the county.
The information packets are available in Salem at the Memorial Building on East State Street and in Lisbon at the Columbiana County One-Stop job center at 7860 Lincole Place, or the Family and Children First Council office at The Counseling Center, 40722 state Route 154.
Business effort
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Family and Children First Council are also encouraging local businesses to provide free or discounted services to military families. Brye said that program is Operation United We Care.
Operation United We Care is available to any family that has a husband, wife or child serving on active duty in the United States military.
"Our hope is the program will begin in Salem and spread throughout the state and the country," said Gary Abrams, president of the Salem Retail and Business Association.
He said any business interested in Operation United We Care may obtain details about the program by calling the Salem Chamber of Commerce at (330) 337-3473.