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Navy Military Family Resource Centres receive accolades

Director Military Family Services (DMFS) extends our sincere congratulations to the Halifax & Region and Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs): both have recently been commended for the exceptional services they provide to military families.

Halifax & Region MFRC
On 29 July 2010, the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) was honoured with a Commanding Officer’s Commendation presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Shawn Hale, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (1NSH). The commendation recognized the MFRC’s care and compassion while assisting families from the Battalion.

“The successful outcome during these critical situations highlights the importance of working together, knowing where and what our resources are, sharing information in a team approach and trusting in each other’s professionalism to assist families,” said LCol Hale.

“On behalf of families, the MFRC appreciates the recognition from 1NSH. It is an honour to work with the families and members of 1NSH to ensure they have the resources that will assist them in managing a challenging lifestyle,” said Colleen Calvert, Halifax & Region MFRC Executive Director. “The support of units like 1NSH shows they share our belief that military families are the strength behind the uniform.”

Esquimalt MFRC
On the other coast, Marianne Ostopovich was recently awarded a Maritime Forces Pacific “Bravo Zulu” award from the Formation Commander, Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile.

Marianne has been a valued employee of the Esquimalt MFRC for more than 14 years. In that time, she has served thousands of military families in countless counselling sessions, programs and community outreach efforts. She has been an instrumental part of the Family Crisis Team, and has developed key relationships to strengthen partnerships with the Joint Speakers Bureau on Mental Health, Operational Stress Injury and Social Support, the Integrated Personnel Support Centre, and other MFRCs.

“We are very proud of her and the work she does in our community,” says Gaynor Jackson, MFRC Executive Director. “She has been tirelessly dedicated to working with and for military families. Her impressive commitment is surpassed only by the level of her caring for her clients.” 

Photo captions:
Halifax: left to right are Anne Sampson Roach, MFRC, LCol Shawn Hale, Commanding Officer 1 NSH and Bernie Mullin Splude, MFRC.
Esquimalt: Marianne Ostopovich receives the Bravo Zulu award from Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile.