DMFS

• DMFS Update
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
• Training
• Funding Central
• MFSP Participant Survey
• Research
• C/MFRCs In Focus
  • Submission Guidelines
• Resources for C/MFRCs
  • Children's Deployment Support Program
  • Key Reference Documents
  • Forms
  • MFRC Board Orientation and Training Kit
  • C/MFRC Contact List
  • MFSP Logos
  • Second Language Training
  • Policies and Standards
  • Publications
  • Research
  • Deployment Support Database
  • Family Violence Prevention and Awareness
• Useful Links

Partners for a Better Community

Throughout the country, Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) and Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Community Recreation staff are friendly neighbours. They often share facilities, work together on projects and programs, and co-host an annual event or two.

The Moose Jaw MFRC and PSP Community Recreation staff have taken the idea of partnership, and decided to do something more. By fully combining their services, they have developed a completely integrated partnership which allows them to serve more members of their military community, and offer enhanced programs. Who’s going to argue with that?

“The partnership began in 2004, when we became co-located,” explains Dave Lyons, 15 Wing PSP Manager. “Once we were under the same roof, we realized that PSP Recreation and the MFRC were duplicating a lot of programs. So, within the last 3-5 years, we’ve worked to build a much greater partnership. By pooling our resources we can provide better services to personnel and families, and work more effectively.”

It’s not just a partnership in name, either. Moose Jaw PSP and MFRC staff work on a joint Community Services Program Committee to plan, organize and run all of their recreational services and events together. Completely integrated, they share their staff, their resources, their funding and their ideas.

Johanne Thibault, Director Sports Recreation and Messes, traveled to Moose Jaw in April 2009 and was impressed by the real partnership between PSP and the MFRC.

“I have never seen such energy and happiness amongst staff,” she says. “PSP and MFRC are in the same open concept offices! People are laughing and working together.”

They’re also getting a lot done. From annual parties for every holiday to community barbeques and splashy Volunteer Appreciation nights, the joint program committee stays busy. They’ve even developed a shared logo, and are in the process of renovating a joint reception area.

“When you walk into the community centre, you shouldn’t be sent all over to speak with different people, in different departments, about different programs,” says Dave. “Here, everyone works together, and anyone – PSP or MFRC – can answer your questions.”

“By working together, families are getting more services, and a higher quality of services,” agrees Regan Gorski, MFRC Executive Director. “I don’t believe the community much cares whether they’re using a PSP service or an MFRC service – they just want their needs met.”
It’s that families-first attitude and sense of camaraderie that makes Moose Jaw stand apart from the crowd. “Moose Jaw is an example for all Bases and Wings,” praises Johanne. “I wish it could be like this everywhere!”