Calendar

A good meal is always better when shared in great company! Join us for this French-language program and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, laughter, and connection. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and spend time in a welcoming Francophone environment.

Participants are responsible for the cost of their own meal and beverages.

Whether you're new to the area, looking to expand your social circle, or simply wanting to connect with others in French, we'd love to have you join us! 

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of crafting, conversation, and connection! Bring along your own craft or project to work on, or use the supplies provided. Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks while connecting with other adults in the military community. Occasional Care-Childminding will be available during the program for a fee; separate registration is required for children who will be attending Occasional Care. Whether you come to create, chat, or simply enjoy some time with others, everyone is welcome!

When a member of your family joins the military it can sometimes be a confusing new world to understand. This fun and interactive workshop offers an introduction to the military and the military lifestyle. Topics will include: an overview of the Canadian Armed Forces, rank structure, acronyms and abbreviations and much more! This is an adult program for ages 19yrs+. Parents of members, partners/spouses of members, adult children, and friends of members are welcome to attend. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7k1E4ttLR2K422I1tCu_Sg

Families with children and youth with diverse care needs are invited to join us in the Occasional & Respite Care Room at the Shearwater site, where caregivers can connect with others who may have similar experiences, share tips and understanding the added challenges of navigating life with family members with diverse care needs. Our sensory cart will also be available while children explore different activities and materials inside, and weather permitting, enjoy the fenced in playground.  There will be snacks available, and you are welcome to bring your own.  There is no tv or video games in the space. 

Military life can take us many places, but meaningful connections keep us grounded. Join us for Cape Breton Virtual Connect, a fun and welcoming online gathering designed for military families, parents of military members, Veterans, and dual-serving couples living in Sydney and surrounding communities across Cape Breton.

Each session offers a chance to connect, learn, and discover what's happening in your local community! The first part of our session will be with a Community Spotlight Guest Speaker, and the second part will encompass Community Connections & Conversations. 

Your ideas matter! If there's a topic, local resource, or community interest you'd like featured in a future Community Spotlight, we'd love to hear from you.

✨ What to Expect

Community Spotlight Guest Speaker Each month, we'll welcome a local guest speaker to share insights, tips, and inspiration on a variety of interesting topics, including:

• Exploring Cape Breton's best hiking trails

• Gardening tips and seasonal growing ideas

• How to get started volunteering in your community

• Nutritious and budget-friendly meals

• Local activities, hidden gems, and much more!

Community Connections & Conversation Stay in the know about local events, activities, programs, and opportunities happening throughout Cape Breton. Learn about MFRC supports and services, meet members of our team, ask questions, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Local Prize Draws As a special bonus, every session includes a draw for a prize from a local Cape Breton business or organization!

Why Join?

✅ Meet new people and build local connections

✅ Discover community resources and opportunities

✅ Learn about MFRC programs and services

✅ Enjoy engaging guest speakers and discussions

✅ Win great local prizes

Whether you're new to the area or have called Cape Breton home for years, we'd love to connect with you.

Register today and come be part of the conversation. We can't wait to meet you! 

Please note: Participation by camera is completely optional. Registration is required and will close two business days prior to the event.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2OoHZwZwQTiEUcrvp8l3hQ

October 28th Topics: October 28th Topics: Catherine Droesbeck from Nova Scotia Walks will talk about local walking clubs and Steven Rolls from Moosebait Adventure Tours will share insights on hiking trails and outdoor adventures in Cape Breton.

Venez savourer un délicieux brunch en famille, pendant que les enfants jouent, explorent et s’amusent dans un environnement accueillant et détendu. C’est également une belle occasion de rencontrer et d’échanger avec d’autres familles militaires de la communauté.

Que vous veniez pour le brunch, le jeu libre ou les deux, nous vous attendons pour une matinée remplie de plaisir au Centre de Shearwater!

Join us for a fun and festive morning of holiday crafting and play! Families can get creative with seasonal crafts, enjoy some time to play, and connect with other military families in a relaxed and welcoming space. Come ready to make something festive and enjoy some holiday fun together! 

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a family-friendly taco bar with all the fixings! Families can grab a bite to eat, enjoy some social time, and connect with others in the military community. Come hungry and ready for a fun afternoon at the Centre! 

The Occasional and Respite Child Care program is designed specifically to support the unique needs of military families by offering flexible, short-term, unlicensed childcare in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment with Early Childhood Educators.

Children ages 8 months to 12 years will engage in a variety of age-appropriate games, connect with peers through play and social experiences, listen to stories, sing songs and much more.  Priority will be given to families who are experiencing additional stressors due to the military lifestyle.

More details:
https://cfmws.ca/halifax/halifax-region-military-family-resource-centre/h-r-mfrc-children-families/occasional-child-care

The Occasional and Respite Child Care program is designed specifically to support the unique needs of military families by offering flexible, short-term, unlicensed childcare in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment with Early Childhood Educators. 

Children ages 8 months to 12 years will engage in a variety of age-appropriate games, connect with peers through play and social experiences, listen to stories, sing songs and much more.  Priority will be given to families who are experiencing additional stressors due to the military lifestyle. 

More details: 

https://cfmws.ca/halifax/halifax-region-military-family-resource-centre/h-r-mfrc-children-families/occasional-child-care 

This program is now full. Add your name to our waitlist: info@hrmfrc.ca

Mental Health First Aid Veteran Community is the help provided to members of the Veteran Community developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. 

It does not train people to become counsellors or therapists and just like with physical first aid, we need to ensure that those most in contact with members of the Veteran Community can identify an emerging mental health problem and respond effectively in the event of a crisis. 

Participants will gain a solid understanding of the 5 basic actions of ALGEE: 

Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
Listen non-judgmentally 
Give reassurance
Encourage professional support
Encourage other supports

For more information and to register contact:
info@hrmfrc.ca
902-427-7788

Priority will be given to medically released Veterans, and their families. Other community members are welcome to join, space permitting.

Looking to kick back and relax? What better way to do so than to come out to the YC for Open Drop-ins! This is a safe space for youth to hang out with friends to play with our sports equipment, foosball, video games, board games, and it’s a creative space with paint and craft supplies. All this and more are available during our drop-in times. Registration Required. 

The YC is looking for volunteers, ages 12-17 years old, that would like to share program ideas, help out at events and mentor younger youth. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and sharpen your talents working with a team. And as a bonus, you’ll be involved in your community and build your resume! Register online today!

Continue the adventure after D&D! Youth can hang out, paint their own miniatures, and spend some time developing their characters through backstories, personalities, and other creative details. Registration Required! 

Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy based role-playing game played with 4+ people. Together with the Dungeon Master, imaginary worlds are created. Moving through the story, individual characters will form teams that explore, battle and problem solve through each adventure. Together we will gather treasure, knowledge and experience points. Register online today.

Looking to make friends, build confidence, and learn skills that will help you handle life’s ups and downs? Then come join friends and staff at the Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre for Smart Steps: The Comms Circle; a fun and interactive program designed for youth ages 9–13 to practice social skills, emotional regulation, and peer connections through games, group discussions, and hands-on activities. For more information, please reach out to Hannah. Registration required – register today! 

Who holds the glory of the ultimate Super Smash Bro Champ at the YC? It could be you! Register today to reserve your spot for our head-to-head Smash Bro Royal (using Nintendo Switch). No experience needed, just bring your best game face and get ready to smash your way to the top! Bragging rights guaranteed! Register online today!!        

Join us for Hearts Apart: Cards of Cheer!
Youth ages 9–16 are invited to help spread some holiday cheer to CAF members serving away from home! Create holiday cards filled with messages, drawings, and well-wishes to send to deployed members this holiday season.

We’ll enjoy some pizza while we create, connect, and send a little holiday cheer across the miles.

Teens ages 13+: An evening intended for older youth to come and hangout; youth will have the opportunity to relax, connect with friends, engaging in mature discussions and participate in activities that build social connections and friendships. Space limited, so register today!

Hang out and relax with your peers in your cozy clothes or pajamas. We'll put some fresh kettle corn on and spend time connecting! Registration Required. For more information, please reach out to Hannah.

H&R MFRC Navigators are military family service professionals who know the military lifestyle and its unique challenges, the community, and the services/supports available to families.  Navigators will work with families to learn about their military journey, listen to their questions, needs, and strengths, and identify the best tools, services and supports available to help them. 

Make an appointment

The H&R MFRC offers a supportive space that helps you build strategies to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of work. Our Career & Employment Services are comprehensive and client centered - focusing specifically on the individual’s needs and finding solutions for their particular job / life challenges.

Make an appointment

We offer free, confidential, short‑term counselling to support families with stress, work-related separations, parenting challenges, relationship issues, separation and divorce, grief and loss, family violence, and more.

Appointments are available in English or French, virtually, by phone, in person, or off‑site, with flexible hours to fit your family’s schedule.

Call (902) 427‑7788 and ask for the intake worker.

The Halifax & Region MFRC invites military and veteran families to join us for a cozy and creative evening at Fired Creations Pottery Painting in Cape Breton. Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never picked up a paintbrush before, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with others, unwind, and create a unique pottery piece to take home.

Who Can Attend?

Military and veteran families are welcome to register for this event.

Cost: Free! The MFRC will cover the base pottery painting cost of up to $30 per person. Any additional costs beyond the base amount, including upgrades or extras, will be the responsibility of the participant.

The Halifax & Region MFRC invites military and veteran family members to join us for an Adult Dinner Out at Boston Pizza in Sydney. Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy an evening of conversation, laughter, and connection with others who understand the unique experiences of military life.

The MFRC will purchase the pizza! 

Any costs beyond the pizza, including beverages, taxes, gratuities, and additional menu items, will be the responsibility of the participant.

Whether you're new to the area, looking to make new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, or simply enjoy a night out, this relaxed and welcoming gathering is the perfect opportunity to share a meal and build community.

Pre-registration is required.