How the RCAF Family Connection Program helped a young family of five

June 17, 2022 - Royal Canadian Air Force

Ambar Syed

When she first became a military spouse, Rini experienced doubts as to whether she would be able to face the difficulties that came with the air force family lifestyle.

Faced doubts

“I think [one of] the biggest challenges I have had [being] a spouse of military pilot was to deal with many days and nights being alone, as [my husband] was often gone on flying, training and search and rescue missions. For many months, I would have to deal with things on my own, [in a] new place, with three little children.

The RCAF responds to about 1,000 search and rescue missions every year, for example, with crews holding “standby” to take off with 30 minutes to two hours’ notice, leaving families with little or no time to react. Planning for every last-minute contingency is a regular part of RCAF life for many families, a task made easier by reaching out for help.

“With the help and support from the military community, not only did I get through the challenges, but I became stronger and grew as a person.

“Military spouses are resilient and strong. We help and support each other,” she emphasized. “We have the ability to adapt to new environments quickly and efficiently. We make our community strong and healthy.”

The RCAF Family Connection Program really helped

Speaking about how she was able to adapt to each new posting, Rini shared her experiences using the RCAF Family Connection Program, a program unique to the RCAF in Canada that was introduced a few years ago (then called the RCAF Family Sponsor Program) to help ease some of these challenging transitions.

Unlike the military member, who often has an automatic support system and people they already know at their new unit or base, newly-posted family members might feel isolated and need to create new networks, friends, and support systems every time they move.

Volunteer connector stepped up

Enter the volunteer connector, who serves as a friendly point of contact for a new family, reaching out before the posting and when the family arrives; thereby easing the settling-in process for families into their new surroundings. Connectors are a soft place to land, so to speak, and can also facilitate introductions, help direct newcomers to services that are available and how to access them if required, while fostering a greater sense of community. All in the name of helping make the transition a little easier, and offering a sense of comfort and reassurance.  This is precisely the aim of the RCAF Family Connection Program – to help families adjust through peer support.

“As soon as my spouse got the official posting message to Greenwood, I got in touch with my connector (formerly sponsor) through the RCAF Family Connection Program,” shared Rini.

“My connector was also a [military] spouse, having children aged close to mine who also happened to attend same school as mine.

“The program really helped me settle in nicely in the new community, as it is tailored more for the family rather than the [service] member,” she explained. “I felt welcomed in the new community, and relieved that my connector understood the need [for] help and support.”

Along with her connector, Rini and her family were able to connect with other people in each new community through the local Military Family Resource Centre.  “[The] MFRC became a good resource for [us] as they offered many programs for spouses and children. They offered respite programs, daycare and deployed spouses’ meetups which were definitely helpful!”

We can all support each other

Reflecting on why she wished to share her story, Rini recalled the difficulty she had experienced in finding the right support programs.

“I had no clue where to start and look for the help that I needed to settle in,” she said. “I am hoping that by sharing my story, [other] spouses can reach out and utilize the amazing RCAF Family Connection Program and benefit themselves!

“Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, as we all can support each other. We understand how you feel, and all those challenges you are facing with as a military spouse!”

If you would like to find a friend or be a friend by participating in the RCAF Family Connection Program, either as a volunteer connector or recipient, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/benefits-military/family-connection-program.html or email the program coordinator at +RCAFFamily_familleARC@forces.gc.ca.

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