Direct and Timely Mental Health Support Access for Canadian Veterans and their families
Strongest Families was so pleased to welcome the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs, to our offices on Monday, November 7. He and Parliamentary Secretary Darrell Samson were here to announce $1.05 million to enable Canadian Veterans and their families full access to SFI’s programs over the next three years! Read the full release HERE
“… and the Strongest Families Institute are two outstanding organizations that benefit Veterans and their families. … Strongest Families helps improve the mental health of families and children of Veterans. It is an honour to support the great work both groups do.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
This is an important step in supporting the mental health of those who have dedicated their careers to serving our Country.
Veterans and their families often face unique mental health situations related to the specific duties of their jobs and the effects they can have on the entire family.
This funding enables Veterans and their families to self-refer to SFI and access programs that target anxiety and depression, challenging behaviours, and nighttime bedwetting. This direct connection eliminates any perceived stigma of sharing personal information through traditional channels.
Over the next three years, our team expects to work with more than 3000 Veteran families. SFI will collaborate closely with the Military and Veterans Family Network and other media to spread awareness about this opportunity and encourage families who need help to contact Strongest Families directly to learn more. Then, we will evaluate their situation and offer military-competent programming customized to meet their needs. Learn more about our programs by visiting our Veterans and military page HERE
SFI employee Angela MacKenzie, who grew up in a military family and whose dad is a Veteran, and who is engaged to a service member, was at the announcement and shared how her experience as an army child shaped her life as an adult and led her to “pay it forward” as an employee of Strongest Families. You can read Angela’s full story HERE.
SFI’s President and CEO, Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, knows that strong family relationships significantly impact veterans’ and military members’ well-being and life satisfaction.
Strongest Families Institute has been a leader in mental health support to active and retired Canadian Armed Forces members and their families for eight years. This additional funding expands that support to SFI’s full suite of e-mental health services. Our dedicated telephone-support coaches are ready to equip Veterans and their families with life skills to improve their mental well-being.
Photos from the day: (Credit Veteran’s Affairs Canada)
