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Your Life in Transition Lunch and Learn Series: Rebuilding Identity After Military Service

November Session Topic: Rebuilding Identity After Military Service

  • 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • South Side Community Centre

Rebuilding Identity after Military Service is a supportive, in-person workshop for medically released Veterans (priority registration) and medically releasing CAF members (space permitting) aged 18 and older. Partners are welcome, recognizing that transition affects both the individual and their support network. There is no cost to participate and lunch is provided.  

Leaving the military is more than a career change. This workshop provides a respectful space to explore the identity shifts that can happen after service and build practical tools for the transition to post-service life. 

Participants will explore: 

  • How military service shapes identity, belonging, purpose, and daily structure 
  • The changes and challenges that can come with transitioning to post-service life 
  • The grief, loss, and uncertainty that may accompany medical or involuntary release 
  • How stress responses can impact communication, relationships, and overall well-being 
  • Practical communication strategies for navigating moments of stress or overwhelm 
  • A guided self-care activity to identify personal supports and realistic next steps 

The session includes teaching, reflection, discussion, and simple activities. Participants will not be pressured to share personal details. The goal is to provide a safe, structured environment where participants can reflect, connect, and leave with practical tools to support their journey after military service. 

Workshop details: 
-Presented by the Veteran Family Program and facilitated by Sherry Lachine, Master of Science in Applied Psychology, founder of  Broadminds Inc.  
-Light lunch is provided  
-Bring a notebook and water bottle if desired 
-There will be a door prize draw at the end of the session   

Register online using the form below by November 2.

For any questions or more information, contact VFP@PetawawaMFRC.com

About the facilitator Sherry Lachine 
Sherry started her career in the military as an engineer. In 2016 Sherry became a mental health professional after completing a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology. Sherry is also a certified advisor on the Workplace Standard for Psychological Health and Safety.

About the Series
This session is part of the Your Life in Transition Lunch and Learn Series, a four-part series of interactive workshops facilitated by professionals. Each session explores a different aspect of the transition journey, including rebuilding identity, navigating Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) as partners, preventing caregiver burnout, and understanding how transition affects children and youth. Attend one session or join the full series. Details will be available soon about additional upcoming sessions.