As we approach the Twentieth Anniversary of the Military Family Services Program (MFSP), the time has come for us to kick off our celebrations by looking back at how far we’ve come, and looking forward to the future. Since its early start in April 1991, the MFSP has grown and evolved over the past 20 years to continue to meet families’ changing needs.

Now more than ever, Canadian Forces (CF) families are diverse and ever changing. Today, the MFSP supports all loved ones of CF personnel, including spouses, children, parents, as well as families of reservists and of the fallen.  Families can and do turn to the MFSP at different points in their lives. Whether families are integrating into a new community, needing child care support, counting on deployment services or drawing on health and wellness programs, the MFSP helps to manage the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.

“The MFSP embraces inclusion, collaboration and community participation,” says Celine Thompson, Director Military Family Services. “This fundamental belief is part of the program’s underlying values and principles. I’m very proud of all that has been accomplished and the evolving partnerships that contribute to the Program’s success.”

The Twentieth Anniversary of the MFSP is also a time to pay particular tribute to the Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre (C/MFRC) staff and volunteers who tirelessly provide services and programs to support military families at home in Canada, in the United States and in Europe. C/MFRCs are the cornerstone of the MFSP, providing accessible and responsive services for thousands of families around the world.

This year is also a fitting time to celebrate the significant contributions families make to our Program, as participants and volunteers.  Long recognized as the “Strength Behind the Uniform”, CF families are celebrated for their resilience and unwavering strength.

So today, whether you are in the military, part of a military family, a C/MFRC staff member or volunteer – take a bow. This year’s celebration is all about recognizing that we all play a part in making the CF a Canadian institution to be proud of. Coincidentally, it’s also a year to announce exciting enhancements to services and programs for families. Stay tuned for more details as the year progresses!