Washington DC/MD/VA Newsletter
April 2018
Please be advised that DWAN only allows for text versions of MFS newsletters, email notices, and announcements. If you would like to receive the full version of this newsletter, please reply to the email and provide us with a personal email address.
Employment Opportunities with MFS in Washington DC
and Fort Meade MD!
JOBS in our region with MFS!

Both the MFS Coordinator Position in Washington DC and the MFS Program Provider Position in Fort Meade have been posted! Myself and Karlene will be posting back to Canada this summer, and we are looking for our replacements. Please see the
following advertisements for more information!
Note, the deadline for submission is 13 April!


Cork & Canvas
Saturday, April 7

J oin us for an adult-only night of painting (instructed by a local Member and volunteers!). This is a collaborative event; you BYOB, the Currie family will be supplying the instruction and MFS will supply the appetizers/finger food. Cost for materials to you is only $15 (compare that to the average paint-night fees of $45-50!). Signup is limited, don't miss out!  
Date: 04/07/2018 (Sat.)Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm EDT

Click here to register!
Purple Up! for Military Children

April is the month of the Military Child, a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome!

Statement from Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Seamus O’Regan to recognize the children of military families:

"April is the Month of the Military Child. This gives us a special opportunity to recognize the children of military families, and the children of veterans, for their resilience and sacrifice.
The children of our Canadian women and men in uniform face challenges that many children do not. Military families move often, leaving schools and hockey teams and friends behind. Family members are absent for long periods on deployments, training, or exercises. For some military families, change may be the only constant in their lives."
To see more of this message, click here!

Coffee Date
Wednesday, April 17

Spring is here! Come join Wendy Monaghan at her home in McLean! April 17 at 10am, location will be given through email.
Please RSVP to Wendy wendyd.monaghan@gmail.com

Change is in the Air!

As those in the DMV (DC, MD, & VA) region get ready to move on to their next destination, we are also going to be welcoming new members and their families to our Canadian community.

As people make this transition, it is important that they have access to resources and information that support this change. MFS plays a key role in disseminating this information - through our newsletters, happenings, the  www.cafconnection.ca  website, weekly HHT briefings, the Spousal Sponsor Program and the list goes on!

Please keep your eyes peeled for updates, new information and highlights and feel free to encourage those joining us to connect with MFS Washington DC as they prepare for their next adventure! Thank you!
Sponsor Program 2018

Want to help a CAF family being posted to our region this year? Looking for an opportunity to support and connect with an incoming CAF Member, family, spouse, kids? Well here is your chance to join the Sponsor Program! 

For more information about this fantastic initiative or to add your name to this year's list of sponsors, please contact Michelle Szkwarek at mfs.washington@cfmws.com
Voila` Learning

Voilà Learning, in partnership with Military Family Services, is offering free online homework support in French, English, and Math to military children.

Children also have the opportunity to practice their French and English and play French games on the platform – riddles, pictograms and much more – all while winning points.

The Virtual Immersion Campus is open from Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 8pm .

Virtual services are available to military children from grade 1 to grade 12 regardless of location.
Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) Information
M FAC is an integral part of our community because the focus of the committee is to help families thrive during their OUTCAN posting and to assist with building the community...

"for families, by families".

We are losing a great deal of our committee this year due to postings, so if you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to your MFS Coordinator Michelle Szkwarek at mfs.washington@cfmws.com , or our new AC Chair Bona Normandeau at mfsac.washington@gmail.com .
Military Family Services (MFS) Virtual Programs
Eating Habits in Young Children
Wednesday April 11, 2018 at 3:00 PM MT

Based on the strategies and researched practice of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), these three sessions go beyond just a text book or parenting resources.  

We will not only educate you about ABA, but will also take specific examples from your child's eating habits and put strategies into practice to achieve positive, concrete results. The theories, the strategies and the data will be tailored to fit you, your child and your life.
The 7 C's of Resiliency in Kids
Thursday April 12, 2018 at 12:00 PM MT

J oin Certified Counselor and Family Therapist Francine Ronis to discuss the 7 C's of Resiliency in Kids. 

Learn about a variety of qualities that resilient children possess.This military lifestyle brings children many sorts of challenges. Let Francine help you build a strong, resilient foundation for your child!
Recorded Webex Sessions

Looking for some additional resources? Want to explore topics relevant to your posting to the US like employment? You are in luck! 

Over the last few years, a whole range of fantastic  webex sessions  have been recorded and they are available for you to listen to! Check them out under the link called "view session recordings" and happy listening!
The website you NEED to save to your favorites!
Programs and services! Information and referral! Resources! Important links! FAQs! Upcoming Online meetings and events! Contact Information and MORE!

The new cafconnection.ca website brings together in one place: PSP information for members, National Military Family Services information, and information about the DC/MD/VA Region!

Explore the website and find out some wonderful resources!
Military Family Services Community Coordinator - Washington, D.C.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services / Government of Canada
mfs.washington@cfmws.com / Cell: 253-737-8714 / Tel.: 202-448-6352