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Military Moves


Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC): Your Guide to Halifax Support Services

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC): Your Guide to Halifax Support Services

Moving to a new posting comes with a lot of change — new routines, new schools, new communities and a lot of questions. The good news? You don't have to navigate it alone. The Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) exists specifically to support you and your family through every stage of military life.

From childcare resources to family programs, deployment support and counselling services, the MFRC is one of the most valuable (and often underused) tools available to DND families. If you're posted to Halifax, this guide will help you understand everything the MFRC can offer and how to make the most of it.


What Exactly Is the MFRC?

The Military Family Resource Centre is a dedicated support organization for CAF families. It's not run by the chain of command — it's run for military families, by people who understand the challenges that come with this lifestyle.

Halifax's MFRC supports:

  • CFB Halifax
  • Shearwater
  • Remote postings and deployed members
  • Families relocating to HRM
  • Partners, children, extended family and caregivers

They're here to support your well-being so you can navigate military life with more confidence and less stress.

Locations You'll Use Most

The MFRC has multiple access points across HRM:

  • Halifax (Stadacona) – Main office and program hub
  • Shearwater – Convenient for Air Force families
  • Virtual programs – Available for those farther out, including Bedford, Sackville, and rural HRM

No matter where you live in the region, support is always close by.


Programs & Services Every Family Should Know About

The MFRC offers far more than many newcomers realize. These are the big ones worth bookmarking.

1. Deployment Support

Whether your member is deployed, on IR, or away for training, the MFRC offers:

  • Deployment briefings
  • Family check-ins
  • Social events for spouses and kids
  • Emergency support
  • Care packages and morale programs

You're never going through deployment alone in Halifax.

2. Child & Youth Programs

If you've got kids, the MFRC quickly becomes your go-to contact.

Services include:

  • Before/after-school childcare referrals
  • Emergency childcare
  • Parenting workshops
  • Youth groups and camps
  • Support during transitions and deployments

These programs help families build stability during big changes.

3. Mental Health & Counselling Support

Life in the CAF can be stressful, and the MFRC provides confidential support for:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship strain
  • Family transitions
  • Grief
  • Post-relocation stress

Even short-term counselling can make a huge difference during a busy posting.

4. Relocation & Newcomer Support

This is a lifesaver when you first arrive.

Resources include:

  • Welcome packages
  • Local area information
  • Housing guidance
  • School and childcare referrals
  • Newcomer meetups
  • Workshops on navigating Halifax life

This helps families settle quickly and feel more at home.

5. Emergency Family Assistance

Emergencies happen. The MFRC can help with:

  • Sudden travel needs
  • Unexpected financial strain
  • Crisis intervention
  • Community resources
  • Practical support during family emergencies

A simple call can connect you to immediate help.

6. Community & Social Connection

The MFRC is a great place to meet other families who “get it.”

You'll find:

  • Coffee groups
  • Family outings
  • Holiday events
  • Welcome barbecues
  • Virtual meetups

It's one of the easiest ways to build a support network fast.


Why the MFRC Matters More Than People Realize

Military life comes with frequent moves, sudden changes and long stretches apart. The MFRC bridges those gaps by offering emotional, practical and community support designed specifically for CAF families.

If you're new to Halifax, the MFRC helps you:

  • Settle in quickly
  • Meet other families
  • Navigate schools and childcare
  • Handle the stress of relocations
  • Build stability for your kids
  • Get help during deployments
  • Stay informed and connected

The Halifax MFRC is one of the strongest in Canada — and using it can make your posting far more manageable.


How to Get Started

Once you arrive in Halifax, your first step is simple:

Drop by the MFRC or register for their email updates.

Most families start by attending a newcomer event or a children's program, then discover how many services they didn't even know existed.

Final Thoughts

The Halifax MFRC is a cornerstone of support for military families posted to HRM. Whether you need help settling in, navigating deployment, finding childcare, accessing counselling or building community, the MFRC gives you a trusted place to turn — anytime, for almost anything.

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Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

Contact Andrea Today

Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Contact Jane Today

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

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Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

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Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

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The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

Contact Karen Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Contact Susan Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.