Personal Development & Community Integration

Welcome and Community Orientation
Information and Referral
Employment Assistance Services
Second Language Training
Personal Growth and Development
Volunteer Leadership and Community Involvement

Welcome & Community Orientation

Frequent locations are a reality of military life and may contribute to a sense of isolation and lack of connection with a community. To enhance CF quality of life, the Gander MFRC provides information, activities, and services that help to welcome and orient families to their new communities and make the transition as smooth as possible.

The Gander MFRC coordinates and works with other community agencies to offer:

• Contact with the member and his/her family prior to their arrival, welcome packages, phone calls and other support as necessary.
• An Annual Family Fun Day is held in conjunction with 9 Wing every September.
• Various social opportunities are held throughout the year to help families connect with other military families and feel welcome in their new community.
• Information and referral services provide families with information regarding their new community. A comprehensive data base is maintained.

For more information please contact our Coordinator at 709-256-3599.

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Information and Referral

Relocation can be a stressful time for military members and their families. It is the reason why the Gander MFRC offers resources, programs, and services to help everyone adapt quickly to their new surroundings.

Some of the information we can provide includes:

• Bilingual Resource Library for kids and adults
• Bilingual DVD’s and videos
• Bilingual assistance is available
• Community Information and clubs and organizations
• 9 Wing Information
• Child Care, Day Care, Preschool, School information
• List of available doctors and dentists
• Variety of Information Packages form Canadian bases and detachments available for families to borrow

Our programs and special events offer a wide variety of opportunities to meet new people and to learn about all the services offered by the Gander MFRC, 9 Wing Gander, and the Town of Gander.

Please drop by the Centre to learn about our services, meet our staff, and have a tour of our facility.

For more information please contact our Coordinator at 709-256-3599. If you would like to receive information by e-mail on our upcoming programs, or if you are not receiving our monthly calendars, or quarterly newsletters, please let us know and we will ensure your address is added to our list.

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Employment Assistance Services

The purpose of the Gander MFRC’s Employment Assistance Services is to provide a career development support for spouses of CF members located in the Gander area, through our programs and services.

• Employment Counseling:
We can help you create a personal employment action plan based on what to do with your career. One-on-one we will review your educational and employment goals and work through various job-related issues.
• Résumé, Cover Letter & Interview Preparation:
When it comes to any job interview, you have only one chance to make a great first impression. Our Employment Assistant Coordinator will help you prepare your résumé and cover letters. Personal interview coaching is also available.
• Skills Assessment & Development:
It is important to define the skills you will need to get the job you want. We can look at your current skills and how they can be further developed through educational upgrading or retraining. We will also help you evaluate your transferable skills.
• Educational Opportunities & Information on Academic Upgrading:
If going back to school is a viable option for you, be sure to check out our educational resource library. It contains current information on many educational institutions across Canada.
• Computer Lab:
Computer access for those seeking employment is a must. If you don’t have access to a computer or the Internet at home, feel free to visit our on-site computer lab. Use the Internet to learn about new opportunities or potential employers, or to update your resume and prepare cover letters. There’s always someone close to guide you through the technology.
• Resource Centre:
Information is a powerful thing. Be sure to stop by our ever-growing Employment Resource Centre to learn about current employment trends and issues.
• Home Based Business Information:
With the network of professionals in the area many resources can be found to help you establish a home business or an entrepreneurial endeavor.
• Labour Market Information:
Exploring trends in regional labour markets means you can be pro-active in your career planning. Visit the GMFRC to access current employment statistics.
• Job Board:
Be sure to check out our always-updated Job Board. On it you will find job opportunities that you may not find on the HRDC job line.

Coming Soon, the 9 Wing Gander Bursary Program.

For more information on any of these services or to book an appointment contact the Employment Coordinator at 256-3599

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Second Language Training

The Gander MFRC offers Second Language Training to military spouses and adult dependants beginning each September, January and April. Each session offers 60 hours of instruction based on the Canadian Forces French/English Curriculum (CFFC/CFEC) which has been adapted for military spouses. Other interested individuals may inquire at the MFRC for applicable registration fees, but the cost differs and priority is given to military spouses. The curriculum focuses on conversational skills, although there is a reading and writing component at each level. Participants are offered a choice of daytime or evening classes and every attempt will be made to accommodate the student's preference. The textbooks or curriculum will be provided to students free of charge and will be distributed once a level and classroom have been assigned. Dictionaries and Bescherelles (verb books) may also be available on loan from the MFRC.

For more information or to register, please call the Second Language Training Coordinator at 256-3599 or drop-in to the MFRC.

* Please note, all registrants will be required to have an Oral Placement Test prior to beginning Second Language Training. This test takes approximately 15 minutes and is conducted via telephone. The results of the test will determine the current second language level of each participant and is used to assign students to the appropriate class.

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Personal Growth and Development

The Gander MFRC promotes personal growth, skills development, and social/community engagement. It is our goal to give our military community opportunities to share common experiences and to develop supportive relationships with others by offering various classes, workshops, training sessions and special events. Our monthly calendar and quarterly newsletter will keep you informed of all the upcoming programs and activities.

The Gander MFRC relies heavily on volunteers to help plan, coordinate, and facilitate these activities. You are encouraged to contact the Centre if you are interested in volunteering or if you have a suggestion for a workshop or class as we are always looking for new ideas.

For more information, please contact our Coordinator at 709-256-3616.

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Volunteer Leadership and Community Involvement

Volunteers are an essential component of the Gander MFRC; each volunteer enriches and enhances many of the programs/services we offer. The Gander MFRC accepts, encourages and welcomes the involvement of volunteers at all levels of our organization.

A GMFRC Volunteer:

Many of our programs /services depend on volunteers. We would not be able to provide our community with excellent programs and services without the assistance of our valued volunteers. We could not do what we do without them!

The Benefits of Volunteering:

Volunteering at the GMFRC is a great way to meet new friends, become involved, socialize, be part of a team, develop new skills, share talents with others, and make a difference! The possibilities are endless! Volunteer experience is beneficial on resumes and applications to post-secondary institutions. It is a self-gratifying way to earn experience and be involved in your community. Volunteering at the Gander MFRC is a rewarding experience that you will remember for years to come.

The GMFRC believes that it should not cost a person to volunteer, so when you volunteer your valuable time to the Centre, your child care is on us!

For more information on Volunteer Leadership and Community Involvement, please contact our Coordinator at 709-256-3616.

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