Coming Full Circle
Melissa is no stranger to military life. Her husband joined the CAF at age 18, which means Melissa has seen him through many stages of his military career. When the couple decided to move to Vancouver from Toronto in 2019, they reached out to Mainland BC MFRC to establish some connections prior to their move. When they arrived, she met with the Community Engagement Officer, who helped the couple integrate into their community.
Over two years later and Melissa is now employed in the very office where she once sought assistance. She works with families posted to the area, helping them establish those same connections that she benefited from back in 2019.
“I provide information about BC, as well as information about our MFRC—what we can offer them, what kind of supports are available to them, and how we can help them integrate into their own communities…how to be a part of not only the military world, but to the civilian world as well…just like [my husband] and I did.”
Identifying Unique Needs of Veteran Families
Along with her role as Information and Referral Coordinator, Melissa also serves as Mainland BC MFRC’s Veteran Family Program Coordinator. When she's wearing this hat, Melissa assists medically releasing and/or released CAF members and their families transitioning from military to civilian life.
“It’s not just about the member—the transition is about the entire family. A family is used to a certain way of life every day and, now, the purpose may have changed. Our role is to ensure that families know that they still have a purpose and what that purpose might look like.”
To assist families in their new life, Melissa helps connect them to various organizations based on their specific needs. She also notes that the age of the average Veteran is younger than what the general public may think, so their needs are different, as families may still well be in their early- to mid-stage of life.
Increasing Awareness: “Different” isn’t Always Negative
Part of Melissa’s role is to increase awareness of how Mainland BC MFRC can assist its families. Every MFRC in Canada operates differently, and, as first point of contact for new families, Melissa’s job is to communicate how these differences aren’t necessarily negative.
“There are things other MFRCs may offer that our families might be used to that we don’t. I assure families that—despite our differences—we can assist and our here for them.”
The Mainland BC MFRC relies heavily on the impact of their outreach and a personalized approach to serving their communities. Melissa works closely with CAF members and their families to provide them with resources and services tailored to their specific needs.
And, if the size of the staff’s collection of Good News Stories is any indication, it’s easy to see that this approach is clearly working.
“Whether it’s a photo of a child with their latest Dolly Parton's Imagination Library book, a new family with their Soldier Bear, or a written thank you note, we know our impact because we have these stories. Sometimes I’ll start my day by reading a few of them, and it’s a great reminder of why we are here…why we do what we do. We literally see the impact.”
More than Just a Job
Melissa enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle while also embracing the “cozier” things in life. She cherishes her time with her own family and understands the importance of work/life balance.
She also enjoys exploring various communities within BC which allows her to share her knowledge with Mainland BC's military families.
"My role goes beyond my job. I'm constantly learning, and am happy to provide information to those in need, personally and professionally. I believe that we're all connected in some way and what you put out is what you get back, and I try to base my life on that.”
