Prior to the 1990s, families of Canadian Military members and Veterans were largely on their own, when it came to overcoming obstacles such as overseas deployment, long periods of separation, and what are now known as operational stress injuries. Military spouses carried significant responsibilities in and outside of the home without a forum to discuss, seek support for, or help others to manage frequent relocations, post-combat concerns, or the desire for respite.
Fortunately, in response to their voices and needs, there has been increasing
recognition of the challenges and experiences, unique to spouses, children and parents of CF members. A greater focus has been placed on the health and wellness of military families.
These goals were supported by the initiation of the Family Support Program Project over 30 years ago, and approval of the Military Family Support Program in 1991. There are now Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) at Military Bases and Wings, across the country. Each MFRC is a non-profit organization that assists Military families with the unique stressors of mobility, separation and risk.
The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre has a strong history of female leadership. The first KMFRC employee, Executive Director, Celine Thompson, was hired in 1993 and, following the incorporation of the KMFRC in March 1994, Suzanne Grant became the first Chairperson of the KMFRC Board of Directors.
The KMFRC is currently led by women: Executive Director Colleen Fairholme, and Board of Directors President, Joanne Cronk. As well, the majority of employees in each KMFRC department are female.
The KMFRC has grown from 5 employees during its first year of operation, to a current team of over 50 employees, who work enthusiastically to support and build resilience among the Military community in Kingston.