Basecamp Beeston Expands Nationwide to Support Military Children with “Comfort Critters” During Deployment
Following a full-house Jacksonville launch, the initiative brings recordable stuffed animals with parents’ voices to families across North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
CHICAGO, June 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As military families across the United States navigate the emotional strain of deployment, Basecamp Beeston, led by Jennifer Beeston of Rate, is expanding nationally to provide children with a simple but powerful form of connection: stuffed animals embedded with voice recordings from deployed parents.
Following a sold-out launch event in Jacksonville, Florida, during the Month of the Military Child, the initiative expanded to key military communities in North Carolina and the National Capital Region. Co-founded by Beeston, the number one female VA loan officer in America, and EVP of National Sales at Rate, and Aimee Selix, who leads education initiatives for Team Beeston, the program addresses a growing, tangible need among military families by helping young children maintain emotional connections during long periods of separation.
At its core, Basecamp Beeston provides “Comfort Critters,” stuffed animals that play recorded messages from a deployed parent, giving children a tangible way to hear their parent’s voice while their parent is away. Military deployments often create prolonged separation between parents and children, particularly impacting younger children who rely on routine and physical presence for emotional stability. Programs like Basecamp Beeston are designed to reduce anxiety during deployment, provide emotional continuity for children, and strengthen family connections despite distance. The overwhelming turnout in Jacksonville highlighted both demand and urgency for this type of support.
On April 15, the program deployed to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in collaboration with Operation Deploy Your Dress, Armed Services YMCA, and Blue Star Families, distributing Comfort Critters to local families. On April 17, the initiative traveled to Washington, D.C., for a military appreciation game at Nationals Park, where, in partnership with Blue Star Families and Association of the United States Army, Basecamp Beeston distributed bears to children across the region. The Washington, D.C. event was also at full capacity, reflecting strong community engagement and demand.
Originally launched in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Basecamp Beeston is quickly evolving into a broader, ongoing support platform for military families. By partnering with organizations including American Legion, Blue Star Families, and AUSA, the initiative is building a scalable model for continued outreach.
“The energy from Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. made one thing clear: this is something families truly need,” said Beeston. “When a child can hear their parent’s voice at any moment, it creates a sense of comfort that goes far beyond a toy. This is about connection. We will continue to expand and involve more and more of our loan officers, serving in communities nationwide, in this remarkable program.”
Rate is a leading fintech mortgage company dedicated to simplifying the home-buying process while supporting community-driven initiatives nationwide.
About Rate
Rate believes true wellness is when your financial, physical, and mental health are in harmony. Our mission is to inspire people to live longer, happier and more fulfilling lives. We’ve already helped more than 2 million Americans get into their homes. Now we’re helping them thrive inside their homes — and everywhere else in their lives. To further our mission, Rate is building the world’s largest wellness community to give people the tools, resources and support to build a life they truly love. Learn more at rate.com and download the Rate App today.
We’ve been recognized by: Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year (seven consecutive years), Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet, Multiple recognitions as a Best Mortgage Lender by NerdWallet, Named to Fortune’s Best Mortgage Lenders (2025), Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 by Forbes, Named among the Best Mortgage Lenders of 2025 by Motley Fool, and is recognized as the Most Recommended Mortgage Lender in America by Motley Fool / MarketWatch. Visit rate.com for more information.
Rate has no affiliation with any government agency.
Rate is not affiliated with Operation Deploy Your Dress, Armed Services YMCA, or Blue Star Families, nor does Rate sponsor or endorse Operation Deploy Your Dress, Armed Services YMCA, or Blue Star Families.
Media Contact press@rate.com
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
