February Newsletter

Absence & Deployment

Deployment services

This year will see many deployments among military families. The daily lives of many of you may be turned upside down. Many are already coping with the absence of a loved one, while others are anticipating it.

Did you know that one of the keys to a successful deployment is the preparation of family members and loved ones? Do you have any questions about our absence services?

Take advantage of the tools and expertise our team has to offer to help you prepare for the deployment of a loved one. One of our professionals will be happy to assist you.

Please contact the psychosocial reception desk at (450) 358-7099 ext. 2917 or by e-mail at SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca for any information or to request a service.

It will be a pleasure to support you!

Reminder: Don't forget the online post-deployment information session.

Age: 18 and over for spouses and next of kin

Date: May 14, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: online, on TEAMS

Cost: free of charge

Registration: through our MFRC portal: crfmmfrcmtl.ca

The social work team at the MFRC is there to listen. For more information about psychosocial counselling services, contact the psychosocial counselling office at 450-358-7099, extension 2917, or send an email to this address: SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca.

Psychosocial Counsellor
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2917
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6821
SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca

Special Care

In April, don't be afraid!

Do you know the expression "In April, don't be a stranger"? It means that despite rising temperatures and sunny days, you shouldn't neglect your outdoor clothing. All you have to do is adapt:

- Replace a winter coat with a spring coat

- Replace mittens with gloves

- Replace a winter toque with a mid-season toque or hat

- Replace snow pants with rain pants

- Opt for rain boots

- Don't forget a scarf to hide your neck

This adjustment will reduce the chances of you and your children getting sick.

For specialized educational support, please contact the psychosocial reception of the Montreal Military Family Resource Centre by phone at 450-358-7099 #2917 or by e-mail at :SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca.

Josianne.lague@forces.gc.ca

Special Care Counsellors
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2909 & #2912
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6834 & #6852

Employment & Education

Rosetta Stone licences are available now!

If you want to learn French or English on your own, at home and at your own pace, Rosetta Stone online courses are for you.

You can register at any time; there is no specific registration date. All you have to do is give us your name when the time is right for you. After that, we will contact you to talk about how Rosetta Stone works and the instructions for beginning your training. This program is provided free of charge, and for military spouses only. There may be a waiting list, since the number of licences is limited.

You can add your name to the list on our registration portal:

https://crfmmfrcmtl.ca/fr/accueil

For more information:

Employment & Education Coordinator
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #6084
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6827

Childhood & Youth

DROP‑IN DAYCARE SERVICES FOR 0‑5 YEAR OLDS

At Saint‑Jean and Saint‑Hubert, our drop‑in daycares offer activity periods for 0‑5 year olds to give parents a break or allow them to attend important appointments, for example. Our activities foster language development, independence, creativity and socialization among 0‑5 year olds.

Services as varied as your needs:

· Full‑time, temporary daycare service (for 3 months)

· Drop‑in daycare service

· Preschool workshops

· Parent‑child activities

· Etc.

Drop‑in daycare registration procedure

You can register your child(ren) aged 0‑5 for drop‑in daycare on the MFRC portal or by phone.

On the portal: Childhood (crfmmfrcmtl.ca)[RA((l/sh1]

• Download the drop‑in daycare registration form at the bottom of the childhood page.
• Fill out the form.
• Send the form to info.crfm@forces.gc.ca and indicate at which service point (Saint‑Hubert or Saint‑Jean) you would like to register your child.

By phone:

Call the childhood and youth coordinator at 450‑462‑8777, extension 6830 (Saint‑Hubert) or 450‑358‑7099, extension 7012 (Saint‑Jean).

For more information, please contact our Childhood & Youth coordinators.

Childhood & Youth Coordinators
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #7012
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6830

Events

A family camp on deployment: a unique opportunity!

Are you facing an absence this year? Have you been through this experience before?

Come and join us at Family Camp, an immersive experience where fun, learning and sharing are the order of the day. You'll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, workshops and unforgettable moments.

Join us as we share tips and tricks to help you cope.

Age: Military, spouse and children

Date: May 17, 18 and 19, 2024

Schedule: Friday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday end of day

Cost: Free of charge

Registration deadline: May 10, 2024 on the crfmmfrcmtl.ca portal

Location: To be determined

Annual General Meeting 2024

The time of year is here! Come and hear about your MFRC at the Annual General Meeting and Annual Report. Enjoy a variety of family activities, while a street truck serves dinner. We look forward to seeing you there!

Age: Military, veterans, spouses and children

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024

Schedule: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location : Saint-Jean MFRC

Cost: Free of charge

Registration period: May 15 to June 7 on the MFRC portal: crfmmfrcmtl.ca

CONNECTIONS OPPORTUNITY - DAD & ME :

PEOPLE OF SHERBROOKE, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Have you heard of "Dad & Me"? It's a unique opportunity for dads to spend special time with their children and strengthen the bond between them. During the evening, you'll have the opportunity to create a coat of arms and build a family shield that you can use during a game of laser tag. Which team will win?

Ages: 4 and up and their daddies from military families and veterans

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

Schedule: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location: Laser Evolution de Sherbrooke, 2257 King Street West, Sherbrooke, QC J1J 2G2

Cost: Free of charge

Registration period: Monday, March 11 to Friday, April 5, on the MFRC portal crfmmfrcmtl.ca.

For more information, please contact info.crfm@forces.gc.ca

Community integration agent | Family connections
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #6654
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6806

Community Integration

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION ACTIVITY: WELL-BEING AND YOGA WORKSHOP
Take a well-deserved break and join us in trying out mindfulness, meditation and yoga techniques. You’ll come away with some tools for coping with the stresses of everyday life and the anxiety that the military family lifestyle can cause.

Age: spouses of members and veterans (18 or older)
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place: at the MFRC Saint-Jean
Cost: free
Registration period: From Tuesday, February 6, 2024, to Sunday, March 10, 2024, on the MFRC portal.

Community integration officers
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2915 & #5059
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6835

Youth community integration

INTEGRATION ACTIVITY FOR YOUTH AGED 12–17 ANS: OUTING FOR TEENAGERS
Release your inner Robin Hood by participating in our Combat Archery! It’s a clever mix of archery, paintball and Nerf ball. This activity is part of our Youth Community Integration program, whose objective is to create connections between young people aged 12–17 who are experiencing similar realities.

Ages: 12–17
Date: Saturday, 24 February 2024[FK(1]
Time: Activity begins at 1:00 p.m.
Place: Combat Archery / Combat d’Archers, 1519 King St. E., Sherbrooke.
Cost: free
Registration period: Friday, January 23, 2024, to Friday, February 15, 2024, on the MFRC portal

Youth Community Integration Centre Coordinator
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2911
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6824

Psychosocial Counsellor
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2917
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6821
SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca

Noémi Trépanier

450‑358‑7099, extension 7012

noemi.trepanier@forces.gc.ca

Caroline Gaucher Morel

450‑462‑8777, extension 6830 (Saint‑Hubert)

Prevention, Support & Intervention

The month of love

The month of February is known for hearts and flowers, chocolate and romantic love. But what about self-love and self-care? What brings you joy and a feeling of well-being? This is also a time for focusing on ourselves. Prioritize your mental health and your emotional and physical well-being (at least for a month!). There are plenty of ways to do that – meditation, exercise, reading or any other activity that you enjoy. The month of February is an excellent opportunity to cultivate a positive and compassionate relationship with yourself. Participate in activities that make you happy, and celebrate your successes, whether they are big or small.

Our social workers are here to provide their support when it is needed. We encourage families, children and veterans to make use of the services they need.

For support in difficult times, please contact

Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2917
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6821
svcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca

Veteran Family Program

Email: SvcPersCRFMSoutienPsyStJean@forces.gc.ca

Veterans Family Program Coordinator
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #2910
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6816

One of our social work interns has created an activity for you in the form of a game/discussion. Join us to test your knowledge and discuss healthy relationships with a social worker and other young people. You never know – maybe you’ll learn something new or meet some amazing people!

Date: February 13, 2024

Age: 17–24

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Teams

Registration period: from January 13 to February 13, 2024

Bilingual activity

Date: February 22, 2024

Age: 11–17

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: On the Youth Connect interactive platform. Click here!

Registration period: from January 15 to February 15, 2024

Bilingual activity

*If you are not already registered on the Youth Connect platform, click here! (You’ll have to create an account on our portal first.*)

To register on the portal, go to www.crfmmfrcmtl.ca and click on “Intervention and parenting support,” then on “Prevention, support and intervention.”

For more information, you can contact

Audrey Gallant M.Sc., T.S./S.W.

Family Liaison Officer

450-358-7099 #5190 (Saint-Jean)

audrey.gallant@forces.gc.ca

Outreach services

Mugs and Mingle Support: To assist with integration into the military lifestyle

An evening where members of recruits’ families can get together to chat, support each other as new members of the community, and learn more about the military way of life. Bilingual workshops.

AGE:Military family and next of kin

DATES:

· Wednesday, January 24th 2024

· Wednesday, January 31st 2024

TIME:6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

LOCATION:Saint-Jean MFRC

COST:Free

REGISTRATION PERIODS:

From one month in advance until the Monday before the activity, on the MFRC portal. A minimum number of people is required

Outreach Promotion officers
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099 #7712 & #2368
Saint-Hubert : 450 462-8777 #6804 & #6833
SvcPersPromotionCRFM@forces.gc.ca

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