Contact Us 902-427-7788 0R 1-888-753-8827
Contact Us 902-427-7788 0R 1-888-753-8827
Our mission at the H&R MFRC is to strengthen the well-being of all those who share the unique experience of military life. We have been supporting military families for over 35 years and we are committed to continuing our work with you.
To offer programs and services, Military Family Resource Centres apply for annual Military and Veteran Family Services Program funding. As of April 1, 2022, a condition of this funding is the collection of personal information from families accessing our services. This is done by H&R MFRC family support providers who enter your information in a secure client relationship management software platform, called Penelope. The purpose of gathering this information is for service delivery, reporting, auditing, evaluation, and statistics. All personal information is collected and used in accordance with the Privacy Act and the MFSP Privacy Code.
Gathering and securing your personal information isn’t completely new. For years, we have been safely storing the personal information you’ve consented to providing us via Family Contact Forms and our registration system. Penelope is simply a new system to do basically the same thing.
For more information on consent and the Penelope platform, please visit our FAQs.
When the H&R MFRC is closed due to weather, all on-site and off-site programming will be cancelled. This includes virtual programs as well as the Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre.
If the H&R MFRC has early closure due to weather, programs will be cancelled and participants will be contacted to pick up their children from Casual Child Care.
When the H&R MFRC has a delayed opening due to weather, all morning programs will be cancelled. Staff availability, weather conditions, road conditions and clearing of parking lots are factors that determine if afternoon and evening programs will run.
Participants are to check with one of the following sources prior to coming to the program:
When the H&R MFRC is open and Halifax Regional Centre of Education (HRCE) schools are closed or have a delayed opening due to weather, all programs will be cancelled. This includes Casual Child Care and Program Related Child Care. Staff availability, weather conditions, road conditions and clearing of parking lots are factors that determine if afternoon and evening programs will run.
If the Shearwater site is open and the Halifax site is closed, or, if the Halifax site is open and the Shearwater site is closed, programs at the site that is closed will be cancelled; programs at the site that is open will run as scheduled. If HRCE schools are closed or have a delayed opening due to weather, H&R MFRC programs, including Casual Child Care and Program Related Child Care, will be cancelled.
If we are closed due to inclement weather, registered participants will receive a refund. If the registered participant decides not to attend, there will be no refund. For complete details, please read our policy on Registration, Cancellations & Refunds.
Interested in one of our programs? All of our programs? Click on the link below to check out what is coming up!
Our mission at the H&R MFRC is to strengthen the well-being of all those who share the unique experience of military life. We have been supporting military families for over 35 years and we are committed to continuing our work with you.
To offer programs and services, Military Family Resource Centres apply for annual Military and Veteran Family Services Program funding. As of April 1, 2022, a condition of this funding is the collection of personal information from families accessing our services. This is done by H&R MFRC family support providers who enter your information in a secure client relationship management software platform, called Penelope. The purpose of gathering this information is for service delivery, reporting, auditing, evaluation, and statistics. All personal information is collected and used in accordance with the Privacy Act and the MFSP Privacy Code.
Gathering and securing your personal information isn’t completely new. For years, we have been safely storing the personal information you’ve consented to providing us via Family Connection Forms and our registration system.
For more information on consent and the Penelope platform, please visit our FAQs.
When the H&R MFRC is closed due to weather, all on-site and off-site programming will be cancelled. This includes virtual programs as well as the Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre.
If the H&R MFRC has early closure due to weather, programs will be cancelled and participants will be contacted to pick up their children from Casual Child Care.
When the H&R MFRC has a delayed opening due to weather, all morning programs will be cancelled. Staff availability, weather conditions, road conditions and clearing of parking lots are factors that determine if afternoon and evening programs will run.
Participants are to check with one of the following sources prior to coming to the program:
When the H&R MFRC is open and Halifax Regional Centre of Education (HRCE) schools are closed or have a delayed opening due to weather, all programs will be cancelled. This includes Casual Child Care and Program Related Child Care. Staff availability, weather conditions, road conditions and clearing of parking lots are factors that determine if afternoon and evening programs will run.
If the Shearwater site is open and the Halifax site is closed, or, if the Halifax site is open and the Shearwater site is closed, programs at the site that is closed will be cancelled; programs at the site that is open will run as scheduled. If HRCE schools are closed or have a delayed opening due to weather, H&R MFRC programs, including Casual Child Care and Program Related Child Care, will be cancelled.
If we are closed due to inclement weather, registered participants will receive a refund. If the registered participant decides not to attend, there will be no refund. For complete details, please read our policy on Registration, Cancellations & Refunds.
Here is a list of frequently used resources that find to be helpful for military families. Please note that we vet the resources to the best of our abilities, but we are not responsible for content that appears on external links.
The Unit Family Representative (UFR) is a military member chosen to represent their unit to work closely with the Chain of Command and the H&R MFRC. The role is a collaborative effort to increase resiliency of unit members and their families to meet the challenges of military life. An annual training opportunity is conducted at the H&R MFRC for all UFRs to train and enhance their understanding of the H&R MFRC and their important role.
As ambassadors of the H&R MFRC, the Unit Family Representatives raise awareness of the H&R MFRC as a resource for members and families by:
Upcoming Training Events
Tuesday, March 19 | 8:30am to 12pm | Location: Halifax Site - MFRC
Supporting families of the ill, injured, and fallen.
The FLC is a civilian Registered Social Worker (RSW) who liaises with the Mental Health & Well-Being Team at the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (H&R MFRC) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Transition Centre (TC).
In partnership with the Transition Centre, the FLC serves family members and persons of significance to:
The FLC provides a supportive, confidential environment to discuss the family’s situation. Together, they will develop a personalized plan that may include:
For more information on FLC services, please call us at 902-427-7788 to be directed to the appropriate team member.
Youth Committee members (ages 12 to 17 years) volunteer to work with Youth Centre staff to plan and organize programs and events while gaining skills in leadership, mentorship, facilitation, and organization. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and teamwork. Members of the Youth Committee are required to volunteer monthly for Youth Centre programs and to attend monthly Youth Committee meetings.
Youths interested in becoming a member of the Youth Committee can contact our Youth Coordinator, Hannah Purcell. Spaces are limited and Youth Committee members must be registered members of the Youth Centre.
Ideal for ages 8 to 18, youth programs provide a safe and structured environment to learn valuable skills, discover new interests, and connect with other youth from military families. Staff who express care, challenge growth, support, share power and expand possibilities is integral to the support we provide youth.
The Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre, also known as the YC, is located at the Shearwater site, H&R MFRC. It is a supervised youth centre with a variety of drop-in times and scheduled programming.
There is an annual membership fee for youth, which is $50*. This fee is to offset costs at the YC; it allows youth to have access to over 280 hours of Open Drop-In times and programs, such as Trivia, Nerf Night, Dungeons & Dragons, Teen Nights, field trips, youth committee, holiday themed activities like pumpkin carving for Halloween, etc. Specific programs like Cooking Class, may have a nominal fee to offset the cost of supplies/materials.
For more information on joining the YC, please read the HSYC’s Parent Handbook.
Interested in joining? Please complete the application form!
*We don’t want the fee to be a barrier for youth to join the YC. Please contact Hannah Purcell, Youth Centre Coordinator, to discuss options for joining the YC.
What is the Veteran Family Program?
The Veteran Family Program is funded through Veterans Affairs Canada and in partnership with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. Military Family Services (a division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services) partners with Military Family Resource Centres to deliver services to medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released Veterans and their families from across Canada. A Veteran Family Program Coordinator is available at every Military Family Resource Centre in Canada to support the transition of medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released Veterans and their families into post-service life.
Releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces can be challenging for members and families, but even more so when the release is the result of a medical situation. When a Canadian Armed Forces member makes the transition from active service to veteran status, their family does too. The Veteran Family Program is here to help ease that transition by providing enhanced information and referral services, specialized transition programs and some of the traditional programs offered through Military Family Resource Centres.
The Veteran Family Program benefits the medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released Veterans and their families by helping them navigate the complex process of releasing, the challenges that may arise, and the sometimes unexpected impact on the social, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Programs and services are always aimed to meet individual needs, and work towards finding solutions and support. The Veteran Family Program can enhance other services provided through the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Veterans Affairs Canada and other organizations in the local community.
Some components of the Veteran Family Program which you might find helpful include:
Veteran Family Journal:
Mental Health First Aid – Veteran Community:
COPE: Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday:
Care for the Caregiver:
Family Information Line
The morale mail service is a free one-way service, from Halifax to the deployed unit. Packages must be addressed to a CAF member who is deployed. We recommend that this service not be used within four weeks of member’s/addressee’s return to Canada. Senders wishing to have their parcels insured, registered, etc. will have to mail their parcels/letters using Canada Post (charges do apply), as this service does not track packages.
This service is for the sole benefit of members. Humanitarian aid/charitable donation will not be sent via this service. The morale mail service is not to be used to send mail to “Any Canadian soldier/sailor/aviator”.
Here are a few tips and tricks for getting your package to your loved one. You can always call us, email us, or come on by the Centre if you need more help.
Sending letters and packages can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones and friends serving overseas.
Please note: we only send mail to POBox Stn Forces, Belleville, Ontario addresses and to HMC Ships addressed in Halifax or Victoria. We do not send mail to those members on basic training, IR, or those posted outside to another base. Those packages will need to be sent through Canada Post.
Here are some guidelines to assist in properly preparing your letter or parcel.
The following are specific guidelines for this service (Note: Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted):
maximum length is one meter (Approximately 39 “);
maximum length plus girth is two meters (Approximately 79 “)
The definition of girth = width + height + width + height.
In the following illustration, the parcel has the following dimensions: length = 1 m (approximately 39 ”), width = 0.3 m (approximately 12 ”), and height = 0.15 m (approximately 6 ”).
This service is provided entirely by the Canadian Forces, no claim shall be raised against Canada Post. Should there be any problem, contact the Fleet Mail Office (FMO) at 902-427-6682.
All mail using the CFPS will be security screened for dangerous or prohibited items before it is prepared for shipment overseas.
Parcels suspected of containing questionable contents will be:
HALIFAX SITE, H&R MFRC – Windsor Park (Monday-Friday: 7am – 4:30pm) 902-427-7788
SHEARWATER SITE, H&R MFRC – Hampton Gray Memorial Building (Monday-Friday: 8am – 4pm) 902-720-1885
TRURO – Armoury, 126 Willow Street: 1-902-893-6883
SYDNEY SITE, H&R MFRC – Victoria Park
Garrison, 1 Des Barres Street: 1-902-563-7107
If you are unable to drop your package off to an MFRC or other unit that offers the no-cost morale mail service, packages can be mailed directly (at sender’s expense) to the H&R MFRC.
Wrap the parcel according to morale mail guidelines, including the Canada Post Customs Declaration Form and address label to a specific member, then wrap it a and select one of the following options to send the package to the H&R MFRC:
Senders must use a label that looks like the following, and must be completed in full. At the bottom of this page you will find links with printable address labels.
Senders must complete the Canada Post Customs Declaration Form.
Canadian Armed Forces members serving overseas appreciate receiving correspondence from Canadians as well as groups, schools and organizations from across Canada. Post cards, greeting cards and letters only may be sent as per the addressing on the Canadian Government website here where you will find all the addresses for the overseas operations and instructions for sending letters.
The Canada Post free letter mail program is not extended to letters/cards addressed to “Any Canadian Armed Forces Member” and all such items will require postage.
Perhaps your school, church, community group or business would like to send cards and letters bulked in a parcel to ‘Any Canadian Armed Forces Member’. Visit the Canadian Government website here to find out how. Again, all packages require postage.
Please ensure your parcel does not to contain any other item other than correspondence. Parcels found to contain items other than correspondence will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.
If you wishing to send care packages or donations you can find instructions under the Donations section here.
Youth programs provide a safe and structured environment for 8 to 18 year olds to learn valuable skills, discover new interests, and connect with other youth from military families. The Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre is located at the Shearwater site, H&R MFRC (Provider Road, Shearwater). It is a supervised youth centre with a variety of drop-in times and scheduled programming.
Military Family Services’ (MFS) definition of family is: “The military family is understood to be all Canadian Armed Forces’ personnel, Regular and Reserve Force, and their spouses, partners, parents, children and relatives. Medically released members and their families are also included as well as family members and persons of significance to Canadian Armed Forces personnel who die while serving”.
Family Centred Practice means that families know what their needs are and what works best and therefore must influence the approaches and offerings developed by service providers. In serving families, resources and efforts are channeled to develop solutions that are shaped by families and deliver tangible, meaningful outcomes to them. (MFS Parameters 4 Practice)
The H&R MFRC Family Centred Practice Model includes the following core elements and is the basis of how support is provided to our community. We:
Recognize family strengths, individuality and different methods of coping;
Honour the racial, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of families;
Respect families complex and ever-changing diverse needs and priorities;
Focus on the family as a whole; work with the family unit to ensure the safety and well-being of all;
Build relationships characterized by mutual trust, respect, honesty and open communication;
Share complete and unbiased information with families in supportive ways;
Work in partnership with families at all levels;
Use developmentally appropriate practice;
Encourage family-to-family support and connections; and
Connect families with community supports and services.
The H&R MFRC accepts and welcomes military and veteran families of all abilities. We believe that all individuals deserve an environment and experiences that promote growth in all areas of their development. Our programs and services endeavour to provide for the full inclusion of individuals and families with diverse needs; some reflecting their family’s background or culture. Our team will collaborate with families to develop a plan that will support a positive program experience. If you would like more information, please feel free to reach out to melissa.clark@hrmfrc.ca.
Confidentiality & Privacy
The privacy of families is important to us. The H&R MFRC respects and protects the confidentiality and privacy of its families, students, volunteers and staff. To ensure privacy, all information collected by the H&R MFRC is used solely for H&R MFRC programming purposes under strict confidentiality in compliance with the Privacy Act. The protection of confidential information is vital to the interests of our organization and families. Learn more: https://cfmws.ca/penelope-system-privacy-notice
Right and Responsibilities of Person Served
As a Military Family member accessing programs and/or services through the H&R MFRC you have the right to:
As a Military Family member accessing programs and/or services through the H&R MFRC you are responsible for:
The H&R MFRC relies on financial support from corporate, individual and the community to provide a variety of meaningful and impactful programs and services to CAF members and their families. Contributions from our donors support strong, connected, resilient military families. There are many ways to support the H&R MFRC and our team will work with donors to ensure that their partnership with us is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, fostering a long-term positive relationship!
The H&R MFRC adheres to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Donor Bill of Rights.
Virtual programs are designed to keep families connected, engaged and informed from the comfort of their own homes or office (Internet connection is required). The H&R MFRC offers quality, interactive live workshops using Zoom, an online conferencing tool. Recorded sessions are also available for military families and are accessed through YouTube. Virtual workshops from other MFRCs around the world are also available to military families.
The H&R MFRC offers a range of services and programs to support families, including counselling services. Our Family Well-Being Counsellors are comprised of professionals with experience in counselling, family and peer support, and crisis intervention.
Support can be accessed for a variety of reasons; including: stress, work-related separations, parenting challenges, relationship issues, separation and divorce, grief and loss, and family violence. Counselling sessions are short term and requests for support are typically addressed within 1 business day; evening appointments outside of regular business hours can be accommodated upon request. Counsellors are able to provide referrals to other community agencies and supports, as well as education and prevention programming offered by the H&R MFRC.
There are a range of short-term support resources available to military families during exceptional circumstances. These support services are managed by the Mental Health & Well-Being Team and include, but are not limited to, the following:
We manage six apartments in Halifax for families of CAF members to use when a crisis, compassionate or exceptional circumstance affects the family’s ability to remain in their home. The stay is subsidized by the H&R MFRC and an established criteria is used to determine priority stays and length of stay.
There may be times when families are faced with personal financial challenges. There is an established criteria to determine eligibility for financial support (i.e. Financial Assistance Fund, funds, grocery cards) and we work with families on a case by case basis.
Through the Military Family Services Program (MFSP), Emergency Family Care Assistance (formerly called Emergency Childcare) provides military families support with emergency care for a dependent family member. There is an established criteria for eligibility. If you require support, please contact us: 902-427-7788.
Mental health exists on a continuum, from healthy, adaptive coping (green), through mild and reversible distress (yellow), to more persistent functional impairment (orange), and finally, to severe functional impairment (red).
The mental health continuum model identifies indicators along these different phases to assist you in monitoring your own performance and well-being.
Review the indicators in each phase regularly. Regular monitoring helps to increase your self-awareness which promotes early identification of problems and solutions.
Green categories suggest normal functioning and positive coping strategies are encouraged. Yellow categories suggest mild distress and employing healthy coping strategies with rest and adequate recovery time are encouraged, Orange and red categories suggest more persistent functioning impairment that may be impacting your life and seeking further resources is encouraged.
The H&R MFRC offers a variety of programs and services for Francophone military families integrating into the community. Second Language Services for military families, including English as a Second Language Training are also offered to assist individuals moving to the area improve or maintain their second language skills. Programs are designed to connect Francophone military families with each other.
For a listing of programs, please visit our calendar.
H&R MFRC deployment programs and resources are designed to keep families informed, supported and connected before, during and after a deployment. We provide families with a variety of opportunities to connect and support one another during periods of separation by facilitating briefs, deployment education workshops (in person & virtual), family networks, social activities and social media groups.
Family networks are created, for deployments six months or longer, to organize activities and special events. Family networks are a way to build relationships with other military families. No one knows more about the challenges of deployment than families who are experiencing or who have experienced the separation of a loved one.
The H&R MFRC relies on family contact information provided by the CAF member to begin contact with family members. Once initial contact has been made, family members can decide their preferred level of involvement with the H&R MFRC. We connect with family members in person, by email, phone and closed Facebook groups to provide updates on the deployment, information on activities, programs and services.
If you would like to learn more about our deployment services, and have not heard from the H&R MFRC, please contact us so we can connect with you.
The H&R MFRC accepts and welcomes military family children and adults of all abilities. We believe that all individuals deserve an environment and experiences that promote growth in all areas of their development. Our programs and services endeavor to provide for the full inclusion of individuals and families with unique needs; some reflecting their family’s background or culture. Our Director of Inclusion will work families to discuss specific individual needs and ensure program modifications and adaptions are in place.
Shearwater Children’s Centre is provincially licensed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, subject to the Early Learning and Child Care Act/Regulations. Our child care spaces are available to full-time serving military members, including Full Time Reservists Class B or C.
Our Centre has a reputation for quality care and affordability, as well as staff who have an understanding of the unique experience of military life. Shearwater Children’s Centre is founded on the belief that children learn through active discovery and interactive play. To meet the needs of each developing child we will provide an active, inclusive environment with stimulating activities to enhance all areas of development. The children will be encouraged to direct their own play experiences through the use of adult-arranged activities. These activities are chosen for their potential to engage and challenge while promoting the child’s choice.
We understand our Centre is often the preference for military families, however, should families not be able to access our Centre, our Director and staff will work with families to discuss other child care options available within the community. Currently, there is a waitlist. The highest period for new enrolment happens in September, with some enrolment occurring throughout the year.
Shearwater Children’s Centre is licensed for 161 spaces for children ages 3 months to 12 years offering Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School Aged and Part Day Preschool Programs.
Location: 30 Provider Road, Shearwater (12 Wing Shearwater)
Hours: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
Two snacks and lunch are provided daily.
(Sept to June BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE, full-day summer care for July and Aug)
Due to school bus service, this program is only available to students attending Horizon Elementary School, Seaside Elementary School, École Bois Joli, and École du Carrefour.
We currently do not offer before & after-school care for pre-primary children. Children who attend our school-age program must be 5 years old and registered in Primary or older grades.
Infant Program (3-18 months): $374.00 ($17/day)
Toddler Program (18mos to 3 years): $412.50 ($18.75/day)
Full-day Preschool (3-5 years): $368.50 ($16.75/day)
School Age: Before and After School (5 years to 12 years) - September to June $308. ($14/day)
School Age: After school only (5 years to 12 years) - September to June $297 ($13.50/day)
School Age: Full-day summer care (5 years to 12 years) - July and August - $100/week
The parent fee on subsidy spaces is based on individual assessments by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. For more information contact them directly at 1-844-804-2084.
If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please email our Assistant Director, Alanna at alana.gates@hrmfrc.ca.
Employment that works for you – helping you get from where you are to where you want to be!
Career and job change can be a daunting task at the best of times, but the reality is our job search landscape has changed significantly since the pandemic and a competitive advantage is key to your success. There has never been a better time to consider working with a Career Professional who can help you explore, understand, and implement career related decisions that will make your employment transition a successful and quick one - improving your chances of landing the opportunity you want.
How we can help:
We offer a supportive space that helps you build strategies to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of work. Our Employment assistance program is comprehensive and client centered - focusing specifically on the individual’s needs and finding solutions for their particular job / life challenges. Our Career & Employment Counsellor, Holly Rye, CCDP, is a Certified Career Development Practitioner with over 20 years of experience coaching hundreds of military spouses through successful Career and Job transition. There is no cost for this service.
We understand the realities and lifestyle challenges of working Military and Veteran spouses/ partners and know we can help you fulfill your employment goals. Scheduling employment support sessions has never been more convenient. We can reasonably accommodate most schedules, so if that means an early evening appointment or a lunch hour because that works best for you, we will try our best to accommodate. Our services include virtual options, eliminating the need to arrange for transportation or child care. If you have access to a computer and internet, you can begin your employment journey without having to leave the comfort of your own home – it’s that easy!
It’s your time to benefit from our Professional Career Services! Don’t take the employment journey alone, get connected and let us help you get Employment that works for you!
Contact Holly today: holly.rye@hrmfrc.ca.
Check out Holly’s informative videos on our YouTube channel!
Our programs for children and parents are designed to support military families with children meet the challenges that can come with the unique military lifestyle.
The H&R MFRC accepts and welcomes military family children and adults of all abilities. We believe that all individuals deserve an environment and experiences that promote growth in all areas of their development. Our programs and services endeavor to provide for the full inclusion of individuals and families with unique needs; some reflecting their family’s background or culture. Our Special Needs & Inclusion Navigator will work families to discuss specific individual needs and ensure program modifications and adaptions are in place.
The H&R MFRC’s programs are designed to support the unique needs of families with children living the military lifestyle, and to support healthy child, youth, parent and family development. Programs promote positive child/parent interactions, enhance positive parenting skills, and foster family time. The H&R MFRC provides opportunities for families to develop supportive relationships with other military families.
The H&R MFRC has a youth centre, a licensed child care centre and provides additional child care options for casual use and during an emergency.
