South Sound Military & Communities Partnership - SSMCP

07/31/2026

August is National Wellness Month—a reminder that wellness means caring for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Whether it's taking time to recharge, staying active, connecting with others, or reaching out for support when needed, every small step contributes to a healthier, more resilient life.
Military families often face unique challenges associated with frequent moves, deployments, and transitions. Having strong community connections and easy access to trusted local resources can make a meaningful difference.
At SSMCP, we're committed to strengthening the partnerships and resources that help military families and our South Sound communities thrive. Stay tuned for the upcoming JBLM Resource Hub—a new regional resource designed to connect service members, military families, veterans, and community members with trusted services and support throughout Pierce and Thurston counties.
Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient South Sound.

07/17/2026

The strength of our military extends far beyond the gates of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is reflected in the communities that support our servicemembers, military families, and veterans every day.
From local governments and schools to healthcare providers, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, our region works together to build a resilient, connected, and mission-ready community.
Strong defense communities mean:
Better support for military families
Strong partnerships across the region
Thriving local communities
Enhanced quality of life for those who serve

07/10/2026

This July, during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, let's recognize the power of collaboration in creating equitable access to behavioral health services for everyone. One of our members Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Valley Cities https://cohen.valleycities.org/ is well established in our community as helping people get connected to mental health services.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July! Wishing everyone a safe, fun-filled day with family and friends.

07/02/2026

Had a great tour of the Pierce Transit facility this past week! It was fascinating to learn about the history of Pierce Transit, see the behind-the-scenes operations, and meet the dedicated men and women who keep the buses running safely and reliably every day.
From maintenance and repairs to the many moving parts involved in keeping an entire fleet on the road, it was impressive to see the teamwork and expertise that make public transportation possible. Thank you to everyone at Pierce Transit for the warm welcome and for the important work you do serving our community!

06/18/2026

On June 16, Liberty Military Housing celebrated the continued expansion of quality housing options for service members and their families. The new housing units represent a significant investment in modern, comfortable living spaces designed to support military readiness and enhance quality of life.
These homes will provide families with updated amenities, functional living spaces, and access to community resources that help make military life a little easier. Liberty Military Housing continues its commitment to delivering high-quality housing and vibrant neighborhoods for those who serve our country.

06/12/2026

On June 14, 2026, the U.S. Army will commemorate its 251st Birthday, marking more than two and a half centuries of service to the nation. This milestone provides an opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of Soldiers past and present, as well as the families and civilians who support them.

06/05/2026

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at FreedomFest 250 at JBLM!
Two days of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and patriotic celebration:
📅 June 26 – Open to military-affiliated guests
📅 June 27 – Open to the public
🎶 Don’t miss American Authors live on June 27 at 8:00 PM!
Enjoy the festivities, connect with the community, and celebrate this historic milestone together. Details at JBLMFreedomFest.com

12/09/2025

SSMCP is looking for its next Program Coordinator!

If you live in the South Sound, and you’re passionate about public service, community impact, collaborative problem-solving—and have a military-affiliated background —this is a powerful opportunity to make a difference in the South Sound Region.

The City of Lakewood is looking for a Program Coordinator to support the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP)—a regional effort focused on military readiness, infrastructure, resilience & quality of life.

If you have experience in:
* Public administration or planning
* Grant coordination
* Community engagement
* Cross-sector collaboration

Apply here:

10/20/2025

Please note that Army Community Services (ACS) is a great resource for Soldiers and thier families at JBLM, and they are still open during the government furlough!

During the government furlough, ACS continues to support Soldiers and their families with essential programs:

- Army Emergency Relief (AER): Interest-free loans and grants for rent, utilities, food, and emergency travel.
- Lending Closet: Short-term loans of household items like kitchenware and small appliances.
- Family Advocacy Program (FAP): Confidential support, parenting classes, and stress management resources.

Stay connected, stay supported, and stay resilient.
Learn more at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil and ArmyMWR.com.