Spring 2015 Services Serving families, building futures!

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London Military Family Resource Centre
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Mission Statement
Spring 2015 Services
To enhance the quality of
life of Military Families of
South-western Ontario
Military Family
Services Program
Vision Statement
Capable and connected
Military Families
Serving families, building futures!
The centre is your place!
We are here to support you!
Wolseley Barracks
701 Oxford St East, London, Ontario N5Y 4T7
Tel: (519) 660-5366 * Fax: (519) 660-5340
Toll Free: 1-888-514-7444
E-mail: londonmfrc@familyforce.ca
www.familyforce.ca
 Employment Services,
Family Separation and
Reunion, & Virtual
Programs
 Community Integration,
Information and Referral,
& Community Engagement
 Children, Youth, &
Parenting Services
Prevention, Support and
Intervention
 Volunteer Development
Executive and Board Members 2014/2015
Message from the Executive Director
With the summer now approaching we are looking forward to a number of
upcoming LMFRC events where military families will have the opportunity to
connect with one another and also just have a good time. Watch for program
updates on our web site as well as the LMFRC Facebook page.
The LMFRC is trying out a new fundraising activity for 2015. It will involve
bowling events conducted in St. Catharines, Stony Creek, London and
Windsor, all on the 6th of June. We hope to see as many of you as possible out
to support us that day. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to enhance
the programs and activities offered by the LMFRC.
During the past few months we tried out some newer events (OSI Spousal
Retreat, New Family Conferences etc.) and we hope to continue this trend.
The conduct of virtual workshops is something that we’re just getting started
with and we hope that the service is valuable for the families who have a hard
time making it in for our regular programs. As always, we value any feedback
you may have on these new initiatives as well as our standard programs and
services. Have a great summer!
Gary Willaert
Executive Director
Moon Inthavong – Chair
Roy Goldik – Vice Chair
Katharina Kiewiet – Treasurer
Brenda Dottermann - Secretary
Polliann Maher - Member
Kevin Acs – Member
Dianne Boudreau – Member
Elaine Sainsbury – Member
Shannon Kisslinger – Member
Tracey Baker – Member
Roy Bross - Member
Kim Van Mourik - Member
Bonnie Brennan – Member
Jo-Ann Dick – Non-Voting Member
MWO Wayne Rutter - Ex-Officio
Staff
Gary Willaert - Executive Director
Dorothy Mathews –Administration/Volunteer Development
Bev Robbins – Program Coordinator
Kym Wolfe – Program Coordinator
Deborah Smith – Program Coordinator
Joan Stone - Program Coordinator
Donna Pickering – Hamilton Outreach Coordinator
Anita Wilson – Windsor Outreach Coordinator
Tami Murray - Social Worker, Family Liaison Officer
Let us know if you would prefer to have our newsletter sent to you electronically. Just send us
your e-mail address and we will make sure you receive it!
Check out our website: www.familyforce.ca
And like us on “facebook”
London Military Family Resource Centre
Tel (519) 660-5366
Fax (519) 660-5340
Toll Free: 1-888-514-7444
Kym Wolfe - kym.wolfe@forces.gc.ca (519) 660-5275 ext.5432
Coordinator for Employment, Education,
Family Separation & Reunion, and Virtual Programs
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY MORNINGS!
Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m. No cost unless indicated (although donations are always welcome!)
Childcare provided at no charge during program times but you must preregister with Deborah Smith (at ext. 5005)
Apr. 1 – Board Games, Coffee & Chat. Bring your favourite
Board Game, some will be provided and be ready to teach those who
may not remember what an old-fashioned Board Game is!
May 20 – Workshop: 15 Ways to a Good Night’s Sleep
May 27 – Explore the City: Breakfast at Edgar + Joe’s Café
Apr. 8 – Coffee & Chat Morning
We’ll meet at the café at 10 a.m. in the Goodwill building on Horton St., just west
of Wellington. Plan to spend $10-15 for a terrific breakfast!
Apr. 15 – Workshop: 10 Tips for Mental Health
Apr. 22 – Celebrate Earth Day! Bring your ideas to
reduce/reuse/recycle and enjoy an earth-day themed craft morning!
Apr. 29 – Coffee & Chat Morning
June 3 – 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself
“No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and
make a new ending.” (Maria Robinson)
Join us for an informal chat and let’s see what we can learn about ourselves!
June 10 – Coffee & Chat Morning
May 6 – PAMPERING OUR MOMS!!
Meghan and Randi from “Chic Spa” are generously donating their
time and product to pamper our moms with a “mini manicure”.
June 17 – Workshop: 66 Ways to Self-Care
ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE, so register early.
First-come, first-served! No fee, donations welcome.
May 13 – Coffee & Chat Morning
June 24 – Workshop: Focus on Friendship! + Program
Year Wrap Up/Potluck Brunch. The end of our formal program year is
a perfect time to celebrate friendships, and share a meal together.
What’s
Happening in…
April 2015
L
I
K
E
U
S
O
N
F
A
C
E
B
O
O
K
Sunday
Monday
www.familyforce.ca
(519) 660-5366
Wonderful Wednesday mornings and
Little Troopers Play Group
9:30am -11:30am
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
LMFRC 2015 Fundraising Bowling Event
“BOWL WITH FORCE”
Saturday June 6th in 4 locations:
London, Windsor, Stoney Creek, and
St. Catharines. Check out our website and
facebook for more details!!!!
Friday
Saturday
3
4
Good Friday
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Board Games,
Coffee, & Chat”
(LMFRC Closed)
9:30am-11:30am
5
6
Easter
7
Easter Monday
8
9
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Coffee & Chat
Morning”
(LMFRC Closed)
13
14
After Dinner Learning Series “The Voices of
Children in Military Families Living with PTSD”
April 14th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
15
11
Teen Night
Fleetway
Bowling
7:00pm-10:00pm
9:30am-11:30am
12
10
16
Wonderful
Wednesday
“10 Tips for Mental
Health”
17
18
PA Day
“Mad Science
Workshop”
9:30am-11:30am
19
20
21
22
23
24
30
31
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Celebrate
Earth Day”
9:30am-11:30am
26
27
Triple P Positive Parenting Program for
Parents of Teens
Location: LMFRC Community Room
Dates: April 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Contact Deborah to register
519-660-5274 X 5005
Deborah.smith2@forces.gc.ca
29
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Coffee & Chat
Morning”
9:30am-11:30am
25
Strength Behind
the Uniform
Dinner
London Military Family Resource Centre
Tel (519) 660-5366
Fax (519) 660-5340
Toll Free: 1-888-514-7444
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
PLEASE CONNECT WITH KYM IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN:
 Information and assistance around job
searching, including students looking
for summer work
 Tools to help you decide what kind
of work to look for.
 If you want to be notified about
occasionally offered programs and events,
like Portfolio Development; selfemployment/entrepreneurial information
& training sessions; guest speakers like
Pamela Paterson, an expert in online job
search; etc.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR HELPFUL
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL
COMMUNITY-BASED EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
WHO SPECIALIZE IN RESUME PREP AND JOB
SEARCH SUPPORT.
Kym Wolfe - kym.wolfe@forces.gc.ca (519) 660-5275 ext.5432
Coordinator for Employment, Education,
Family Separation & Reunion, and Virtual Programs
FAMILY SEPARATION & REUNION
Does your family experience short-term but frequent
family separation?
When a military member is away for training and/or taskings one
weekend a month, or a week or two here and there, or perhaps
for longer periods during the summer, it can be helpful for the
spouse and children at home to connect with others who are living
the same lifestyle.
PLEASE CONNECT WITH KYM IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
PARTICIPATING IN OCCASIONAL LOW COST SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN
ORDER TO:
 Connect yourself with other military spouses who share your
lifestyle.
 Connect your children with other children whose mom or dad
(reg force or reserve) is frequently absent due to military
work requirements.
Note: Some activities will be held in our ‘virtual’ meeting
room… so you can participate from the comfort of your
own home!!
What’s Happening
in…
May 2015
Sunday
3
Monday
4
Pampering our Moms
www.familyforce.ca
(519) 660-5366
Meghan and Randi from “Chic Spa” are
generously donating their time and
product to pamper our moms with a
“mini manicure”
Only 12 spots available, so register early.
Wonderful Wednesday mornings and
Little Troopers Play Group
9:30am -11:30am
Tuesday
5
Wednesday
6
Thursday
7
Pampering
our Moms
Friday
Saturday
1
2
8
9
Teen Night
“Planning Party”
7:00pm – 10:00pm
9:30am-11:30am
10
11
12
After Dinner Club
Learning Series “
Things to Stop
Doing to
Yourself”
17
18
6:30pm – 8:30pm
19
Victoria Day
(LMFRC Closed)
24
25
13
14
15
16
21
22
23
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Coffee & Chat
Morning”
9:30am-11:30am
20
Wonderful
Wednesday “15
Ways to a Good
Night’s Sleep”
26
SAVE THESE DATES:
LMFRC SUMMER CAMPS
JULY 6-10 & AUGUST 10-14
9:30am-11:30am
27
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Breakfast at
Edgar
+ Joe’s Café”
9:30am-11:30am
Inter-Comm
28
29
“Improve
Communication in
Relationships”
9:00am-4:00pm
30
Strength Behind
the Uniform
Monthly Dinner
London Military Family
Resource Centre,
Tel (519) 660-5366
Fax (519) 660-5340
Toll Free1-888-514-7444
Email: londonmfrc@familyforce.ca
Website: www.familyforce.ca
Emergency Childcare
The goal of this service is to help
maximize parents’ access to
affordable and regulated childcare
in the time of an emergency. It will
address financial hardship to
families by paying for childcare
during the first 72 hours and a
portion of childcare costs for the
next four days, if required by the
emergency. Emergencies do not
include foreseeable events.
Don’t forget to let us know if you
are expecting a baby- we have a
welcome gift for the little one and
information for the parents!
Little Troopers Play Group
Ages 0 to 5years
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 am
Come and join the fun with our
playgroup friends! Please register
in advance for this program
Children, Youth and Parenting
Prevention, Support and Intervention
Deborah Smith * Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.ca (519) 660-5275 ex. 5005
Triple P Positive Parenting Program
for Parents of Teens
(12-18 yrs) This 3 part series with a 4th by
request on dating will be held at the
LMFRC Community Room Wednesday,
April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 2015. 6:30
to 8:30 pm. Learn how to encourage your
teen to become independent, selfdisciplined at school and involved in their
community! Please register with Deborah
at 519-660-5275 Ext 5005 or
Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.ca
Friday evenings are Free at the
London Regional Children’s Museum
www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca
Inter-Comm
A Course to Improve Communication in
Relationships
Saturday May 23rd, 2015
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lunch Provided
Inter-Comm provides knowledge and tools
that can help you manage conflict and
improve communication
LMFRC Community Room
Contact Deborah to register at 519-6605275 Ext. 5005 or
Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.c.a
Teen Activities
For Teens ages 11 to 18 years7-10 PM- Contact Deborah Ext. 5005 for details
Please send me your email to be added to this group!
April 10, 2015- Fleetway Bowling Night
May 8, 2015- Planning Party at MFRC- Dinner will be
provided
June 5, 2015- East Park Pick 3
Adventure Club: For children 6 to 12 year of age
April 17th – Mad Science Workshop – come find your
inner mad scientist while being a Science Detective!
June 8th – Andrew the Dragon man Workshop - come
meet all of Andrew’s friends, some creep, some crawl and
some slither! Afternoons are organized games and movies
at the LMFRC! $25.00/ Child register by calling Deborah
at Ext. 5005 or at Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.ca
Friend us on Facebook or visit us on the web at:
www.familyforce.ca/London!
Please make sure we have your home email as we
have many workshops and opportunities for families
throughout the year that you may be interested in
joining. Just send me your email permission at
Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.ca and I will make sure
you are on our list!
SAVE THE DATES: LMFRC Summer Camps
July 6-10 and Aug 10-14, 2015
2015
Please contact Deborah at 519-660-5275 Extension 5005 to register for these programs and more information
www.familyforce.ca
(519) 660-5366
What’s
Happening in…
June 2015
Sunday
Wonderful Wednesday mornings and Little
Troopers Play Group
9:30am -11:30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
2
3
Thursday
4
14
8
9
10
PA Day
“Andrew and
his Mini Reptile
Zoo”
After Dinner
Learning Series
“ Mental Fitness
and Suicide
Awareness”
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Wonderful
Wednesday “Coffee
& Chat Morning”
9:30am-11:30am
15
16
17
Friday
Saturday
5
6
11
12
“Bowl With
Force”
Bowling
Fundraiser
13
18
19
20
25
26
27
Strength Behind
the Uniform
Monthly Dinner
6:00pm
Wonderful
Wednesday “30
Things to Stop
Doing to Yourself”
9:30am-11:30am
7
Mental Fitness and Suicide Awareness
Location: LMFRC Community Room
Date: June 9th, 2015
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Register with Deborah at 519-660-5275
X 5005
Deborah.smith2@forces.gc.ca
Teen Night
“East Park”
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Wonderful
Wednesday “66
Ways to Self-Care”
9:30am-11:30am=
21
22
23
24
Wonderful
Wednesday
“Program Wrap
Up/Potluck Brunch”
9:30am-11:30am
28
29
30
Check out our website: www.familyforce.ca
London Military Family Resource Centre
Tel (519) 660-5366
Fax (519) 660-5340
Toll Free:1-888-514-7444
Posted in…..we have welcome packages to help you get
acquainted with this area and see what is available
locally. We will send the package to you in advance or
you can pick one up on your arrival. We want to make
your transition to London as smooth as possible.
Posted out…..posted? If you would like to familiarize
yourself with your new base, the London MFRC has
welcome packages from all of the other Military Family
Resource Centre’s throughout Canada and the United
States. Packages can be taken out on loan from the
MFRC, or we can contact your destination and make
arrangements to have an up-to-date copy with
information that is specific to your needs sent to us or
directly to your home.
Contact Bev for more information.
Did you know…..the MFRC has a resource library with a wide
range of topics. These include topics like self-help, personal
development, how- to, children’s books and French books.
MFRC e-mail service…..would you like to receive regular
emails about all the great activities coming up? If you know
someone that does not receive our newsletter this is a great
opportunity for them to know what’s happening. If you are
interested give Bev a call or email her at
Beverly.robbins@forces.gc.ca
Information & Referral, Community Integration, and
Community Engagement - Beverly Robbins
Beverly.robbins@forces.gc.ca (519) 660-5275 ex. 5027
After Dinner Club Learning Series
6:30 to 8:30 pm
LMFRC Community Room
Dessert served!
April 14th, 2015- The Voices of Children in Military Families Living with
PTSD - Film and Presentation with Tami and Deborah
May 12th, 2015- 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself - When you stop
chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you. As
Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but
anyone can start today and made a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the
truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation, you have to stop
doing the things that have been holding you back.
So let’s get together and discuss some ideas to get you started and hopefully we
can all learn some things about ourselves in the process.
June 9th, 2015- Mental Fitness and Suicide Awareness
· Learn simple strategies to build mental fitness
· Discuss common myths surrounding suicide
· Learn about the warning signs and a 3-step model to help someone at risk
Please register with Deborah at 519-660-5275 EXT 5005 or
Deborah.Smith2@forces.gc.ca
Don’t forget to give us your email
address so we can keep you up to date on
what’s happening at the centre!
London Military Family
Resource Centre
Tel (519) 660-5366
Fax (519) 660-5340
Toll Free:
1-888-514-7444
Website: www.familyforce.ca
Volunteer Development
Dorothy Mathews Dorothy.Mathews@forces.gc.ca Tel (519) 660-5366
“Volunteering leads to personal growth and development, and to community engagement, both of which
are key Military Family Services Program goals.” (Parameters for Practice, 2004) At the London
MFRC, volunteers are the heart of everything we do.
Volunteer Positions Available
Special Events: The MFRC holds many
special events throughout the year. We
welcome anyone who can give some of his
or her time and talent to assist.
Workshop Facilitators: If you have a
special skill, talent or hobby you would like
to share with others, we are always looking
for workshop ideas and facilitators.
Childcare Provider: The MFRC requires
individuals with experience with children to
provide childcare to families at our centre. A
few hours now and then can make such a
difference.
Whatever your interests are, we can help you
find a volunteer placement within the
London area.
Give Dorothy a call and get involved.
BBQ season is just around
the corner. More
information will be sent
out regarding the BBQ’s.
It has not been determined
if they will run every week
at this time.
Volunteer Appreciation Night was held at The
Carousel Room at Western Fair on 14 March, 2015.
We had a good turnout. Our entertainer was Jeff
Elliott.
The Spirit of Military Families Coin was presented to:
Byron Legion, The London Knights Hockey Club,
HMCS Prevost and Phoenix Interactive Design.
Thanks to all who made it a special night
Volunteer
The volunteer is one with
a heart so sincere.
No task too large, no
task too small, who will
help with anything at all.
Who will be there in the
morning light, or help in
the dark of night.
The Volunteer, our extra
hand, on whose future
our children stand.
Never anyone so dear as
an MFRC Volunteer.
Author unknown
Support our team in the Forest City
Road Races on April 26.
You can donate to a runner on line at
www.forestcityroadraces.com. Click on: Sponsor a runner
and search by name or drop off or mail a cheque (made
out to the “LMFRC”). Charitable receipts for donations of
$10 or more are available
Here is our team:
Family member: Mara Mohaupt
31 Svc Bn : MCpl Darcy Richardson
31 Svc Bn : MCpl Colleen Waring
31 Svc Bn : Cpl James Husband
32 CF Health Services Det : Cpl Michelle Pope
Donna Pickering
Hamilton/Cambridge Outreach Support Coordinator
Donna.Pickering@forces.gc.ca
905-972-4000 Ext. 6623
905-972-4000 Ext. 6623
Joan Stone
Outreach Coordinator
Joan.Stone@forces.gc.ca
519-660-5275 Ext. 5002
Anita Wilson
Windsor Outreach Support Coordinator
Anita.Wilson@forces.gc.ca
519-254-2535 Ext. 4501
519-660-5275 Ext. 5002
Happy Spring!
London Military Family Resource Centre Outreach Program
The last few months have been very busy with our Outreach Program. Donna, Anita and I would like to thank all of the
participants who took part in the various activities over this long and very cold winter we have experienced. Our volunteers have
also been outstanding, always lending a helping hand when needed. During the month of March we were able to let them know
how much we appreciate them by hosting a function just for them.
Since our last newsletter, our families have enjoyed skating parties, a class in jewellery making, an NHL Game, magic show, and a
trip to an amusement park. All of these events are planned with the goal of connecting families with our Centre and with each
other. Thanks for your participation!
New to the Canadian Armed Forces?
Military Family Resource Centres have for many years been a resource to assist families to deal with military life, whether it be the
day-to-day struggles or the issues that families face during a deployment. Support to military families during the Basic Training
process can be as important as any other facet of military life. Basic Training is where it all begins and this is where the support
should also begin. Due to the fact that recently new families have been contacting the London Military Family Resource Centre for
support, we have recently put together a manual, “Where it All Begins” – A Guide for New Canadian Armed Forces Families. Our
staff are now involved in meeting new families at Enrolment Ceremonies and briefing them on the resources that we have available
to them. During the next few months, you will also see new initiatives for support to new families. We hope that these families
will connect with our staff and other families to share experiences and support each other. You can check out the manual on our
website home page –
http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/London/EN/Pages/default.aspx
Hope to see you at the Centre!
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Centre de Ressources Pour Les Familles de Militaires de London
--------------------------------------------------------------------------À l’intérieur…
Déclaration de
Mission
Pour améliorer la qualité de vie
des Familles Militaires
d'Ontario du sud-ouest
Programme de
services aux familles
de militaires
La Déclaration de
Vision
Familles militaires capables et
reliés
Services offerts au printemps
2015
Auservices des familles, bâtissons l’avenir!
Le Centre est là pour vous!
Nous vous offrons notre appui!
Caserne Wolseley
701, rue Oxford, est, London, (Ontario) N5Y 4T7
Tél: (519) 660-5366 * Téléc: (519) 660-5340
NO sans frais: 1-888-514-7444
www.familyforce.ca
 Services d'emploi, séparation
de la famille et de la
Réunion, et programmes
virtuels
 l'intégration communautaire,
information et d'orientation,
et engagement
communautaire
 Enfants et services aux
juenes et parentage, et
prévention, soutien et
intervention
 Développement des
Bénévoles