The Calgary Military Family Resource Centre/Centre de Ressources pour les Familles des Militaires (Business Registration Number: 129175667RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the families of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, veterans, and their families in Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.

Overview

The Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) aims to mitigate the unique challenges faced by military families, such as frequent separations, extended deployments, high-risk situations, and the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These challenges are recognized as distinct from civilian life, necessitating specialized support programs and services tailored to military communities.

Services and Programs

The organization offers a wide range of programs and services, including:

• Deployment Support: Assistance for families during all deployment stages—pre-deployment, deployment, reunion, and reintegration.

• Mental Health and Wellness: Access to personal and family counseling, health and mental wellness programs, including partnerships providing free virtual mental health care.

• Child and Youth Services: Programs aimed at supporting children and youth of military families, including prevention, support, intervention, and respite child care.

• Personal Development and Community Integration: Opportunities to build social connections, develop skills, and integrate within the community.

• Educational and Literacy Programs: Including partnerships like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books to children aged 0-5 to inspire a love of reading.

• Fitness and Recreation: Virtual fitness programs designed for Canadian Armed Forces members and families.

The MFRC also offers discounts and benefits to military community members, such as special pricing through affiliated boutiques and services.

Geographic Scope

While headquartered in Calgary, the MFRC serves military families throughout Southern Alberta, extending north to Red Deer and south to Lethbridge, ensuring broad regional coverage for families affiliated with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Funding and Support

As a registered charity compliant with Canada Revenue Agency regulations, the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre relies heavily on donations and fundraising initiatives to sustain and expand its services. Funds raised are directed toward local military community support, including mental health counseling, child and youth programs, and deployment services. Fundraising campaigns occasionally benefit from matching contributions, enhancing the impact of donor support.

Community Engagement

The MFRC encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, parenting and employment support, and platforms for Canadian military community members to share their voices and experiences. Engagement platforms such as the MyVoice Facebook group facilitate communication between families and Military Family Services.

The Calgary Military Family Resource Centre serves as a vital support institution that strengthens the resilience and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces families by addressing their unique needs through comprehensive, community-focused programming and resources.

[1] https://cfmws.ca/calgary [2] https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/womens-centre/resources/womens-resource-database/calgary-military-family-resource-centre [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/calgary-MFRC/ [4] https://cfmws.ca/support-services/families/military-family-resource-centres [5] https://ckc.calgaryfoundation.org/profile/calgary-military-family-resource-centre-4/