Family Separation and Reunion

Contact the Deployment and Family Support Coordinator

Shelley Hillier
422-2000 ext. 2802

What is Family Separation?

Family separation is when a CF member or Reservist is required to spend "time away from home" for a period of 30 days or longer.

This includes:

Temporary Duty
Special Tasking
Field Exercises
Restricted Postings
Course (i.e. Boot Camp)
Overseas Deployments

If you or your family will be experiencing a separation for 30 days or more due to one of the above please drop by the MFRC and let us know. Or fill out the deployment contact form, and e-mail, fax or drop it off to us.

When you register with the MFRC we will ensure that you and your family stay connected and informed of programs and services offered at GMFRC.

Warm Heart Line - The main purpose of the Warm Heart Line (WHL) is to ensure that families of CF members remain connected to base and community resources and services during separations of 30 days or more due to operational demands. The WHL is not a counseling service nor is it the role of the WHL volunteers to give advice. Their role is to offer a friendly voice and a listening ear. All contacts are strictly confidential.
Children's Deployment Program - The Children's deployment program is designed to assist children with the emotional cycle of deployment. The program consists of 8 sessions. Each session presents a different topic corresponding to the cycle of deployment. Some of the topics covered are separation, loss, anger, children & reunion. The program is designed for children ages 5 and up
Adult Deployment Program - The adult deployment program is designed to assist adults with the emotional cycle of deployment. Topics include: separation, spousal relationships, self-care, reunion planning etc.
Pre-Deployment & Reunion Packages - Upon the GMFRC receiving the Family Deployment Contact Form an information package will be sent to the person indicated on the form. The package includes a family handbook, information on preparing for deployment, preparing for reunion, Mission Information Line Mission Information Line - English
Mission Information Line - French, emergency childcare, CFMAP Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program - English CFMAP, greeting letter and tips for mailing care packages.
Pre-Deployment & Reunion Briefings -These information sessions will look at the cycle of deployment and reunion. We will discuss common reactions and ways of coping while your loved one is away and preparing for homecoming. Check your monthly calendar for dates and times.
Coffee Evenings - Is your loved one away for a period of 30 days or more? Yes! Then join us at our weekly coffee evenings. Come out and meet new people, make new friends or reconnect with old friends. Free childcare provided just drop in. Please check your monthly calendar for dates and times.
Voice Mail Messages - Voice mail messages are used to keep families informed of upcoming events. If you would like to be added to the list just give us a call.
Free Deployment Childcare - Is your loved one away for 30 days or more? Would you like a well deserved break from the kids? Free childcare will be provided one Saturday of each month from 9:00am - noon or 1:30 - 4:30pm at the MFRC. Pre-registration is required in order to ensure child staff ratios. Families may sign up for the morning or afternoon session. Please check your monthly calendar for dates.
Free Overseas Mail Drop-Off Location - This free service has been put into place to enable families of deployed personnel to send parcels free of charge to their loved ones presently serving overseas. This service is available to all families, however GMFRC is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage caused to the items.

Proper addressing important! You must include your return address with telephone number and contents must be listed on the outside. For correct mailing addresses overseas Click Here (Write to the Troops - Addresses for Overseas Deployments) www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/addresses_e.asp

Please check with the MFRC nearest you for their local mailing guideline as it varies from centre to centre.

Special Events - Special events are held throughout the year for families with a loved one away for 30 days or more. These include but are not limited to: Ladies Pamper Me Night, Winter Sleigh Ride, Pizza Party, Easter Party etc. Check the monthly calendar for upcoming events.
Also check out the Adult, Child & Youth program section for numerous activities to keep you and your children busy and entertained during your loved ones absence. Adult Programs
Child & Youth Programs

Family Separation and Reunion Links

For more information on any of the above please contact:

Shelley Hillier
Deployment Family Support Coordinator
Gagetown Military Family Resource Centre
A-45 St.Lawrence Avenue
Oromocto, NB E2V 1S5
Phone#: 506-422-2000 ext.2802, Fax#: 506-422-1444
E-Mail: shelley.hillier@forces.gc.ca

Contact the Deployment and Family Support Coordinator

Shelley Hillier 422-2000 ext. 2802

What is Family Separation?

Shelley Hillier
422-2000 ext. 2802