Rooted in Community,
Driven by Connection.

We are a 501(c)(3) supporting military families by empowering social connection, mental health services and advocacy while growing future social workers.

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Our Services

"Crystal’s ability to lead with vision while addressing immediate challenges exemplifies her strength as a leader."

Mary-Justine Todd, Founder/CEO Shamsaha

Meet Our Founder

Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, the heart behind Strength In Service, is a compassionate leader dedicated to the well-being of military families and the professional growth of social workers. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and military spouse, Crystal understands the unique challenges faced by service members and their loved ones. Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work at USC, she specializes in mental health and gerontology, ensuring tailored, empathetic care for those she serves.

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Growing From The Roots

01

Foster Social Health & Belonging

Promote connection and community within military connected individuals to reduce isolation.

02

Build Resilient Communities

Strengthen connections and create environments that support growth through adversity.

03
Prevent Mental Health Crises

Empower military connected individuals to overcome challenges and thrive through proactive evidence based practices.

Elevate your well-being

The Strength in Service Solution

Understanding Social Health

We recognize the urgent need for interventions that promote social health and belonging within military families.
How We Foster Social Health
  • Tools for connecting during PCS moves
  • Social Health resources for deployment challenges
  • Solutions for finding belonging
  • Programs to reduce social isolation and loneliness

Why We’re Uniquely Equipped

We understand the military lifestyle and we work towards fostering connection, resilience, and mental well-being.
Explore Our Programs
  • Promote mental well-being and reduce isolation
  • Strengthening social networks
  • Ensuring military families feel connected
  • Foster belonging and resilience
  • Build & empower communities

Extending our Branches 

We train social workers to deliver culturally competent, high-quality care to military families amid the mental health crisis.
How We Grow Social Workers
  • Culturally Competent Training
  • Community Partnerships
  • Evidence-Based Practices
  • Mentorship for Growth & Support
  • Innovative Ways for Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
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"I have personally witnessed Kari use her clinical skills to help numerous individuals and families navigate the challenges of military life. She is great at helping people manage anxiety, depression, trauma and many life stressors and interpersonal challenges."

Rebecca M.

Commander, US Navy
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"I have never felt so professionally fulfilled than the past two weeks working as a team member with Strength In Service. The building and development of programs and support necessary for non-profit design has brought me so much joy and purpose, and that is all I've ever wanted in this crazy Military life, this opportunity really is going to make such a difference."
K.D.
Associate Social Worker
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"Crystal’s guidance for counseling/resources was literally life changing for me when my anxiety felt absolutely suffocating. The military spouse community, (and everyone) is lucky to have you as an advocate for accessible healthcare."
S.K.
Military Spouse
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"Kari's knowledge, clinical expertise, and genuine empathy for those she serves make her an indispensable member of a team.  She demonstrates exceptional skills as a Social Worker, providing invaluable care to clients through the implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy."
Lalaineya E.
LTJG, US Navy
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"Crystal is a clinical social worker, military spouse, and leader who embodies self-awareness, compassion, courage, and a commitment to advocating against injustice. She also plays a key role in developing others who share these qualities. Anyone touched by military life would be fortunate to receive her care."
Ruth Anne Kramer, LCSW
Author of You Belong: A Guidebook to the Career-Minded Woman on the Move
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11+

Years of experience

10,000+

Hours of therapy

500+

Clients served

Connection Insights

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