ABOUT US

Who We Are

The military community established the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre (TMFRC) in 1992 to foster the unique strength of families within the military. We are a non-profit, volunteer-led and supported organization. In 1999, the TMFRC offered full-time child care through our Children’s Playgarden child care centre - a much-needed service for both military and civilian families.

The Department of National Defence, through its Military Family Services Program, is the TMFRC’s primary funder. Fees for service and fundraising activities are other sources of revenue. The Centre works in close partnership with the Area Support Unit (Toronto) Commanding Officer.

The TMFRC supports military families in six key areas:

 

  

The Family Resource Movement
in Canada

Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres are part of a broader family support movement that began in several Canadian cities in the early 1970s with the development of toy-lending libraries and parent-child resource centres. The number of family resource programs grew rapidly, in part due to the efforts of parent volunteers. The first national family resource conference was held in Ottawa in 1982, and a national association, the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (now known as FRP Canada), was formed in 1988. By the early 1990s, programs existed in all parts of Canada.

FRP Canada defines family support programs as “community-based organizations working with children, families and caregivers to enhance strengths, to build capacities and to promote healthy development.” Programs offer a diverse range of activities and services, depending on community needs and available funding. In general, programs focus on primary prevention, and promote health and well-being.

While programs are diverse, they share common values and approaches to supporting families and fostering healthy communities. Programs are guided by the principles of supportive relationship-building, family and community education, respect for diversity and community development.

Family resource programs are characterized by their diversity. Programs are called by various names, reflecting regional differences. Some programs operate as independent organizations while others are part of large multi-service community organizations. Some serve a single neighbourhood while others provide services to many communities, often through mobile programs or satellite locations. While many programs operate out of their own facilities, some are located in community centres, schools, churches, public libraries and other facilities that can be easily accessed (e.g., hours, location, transportation, wheelchair access, etc.).

All levels of government fund family resource programs. User fees, fundraising, and contributions from foundations and corporations are also significant sources of revenue.

Only recently has family support become a recognized “field” in Canada, with a theoretical base, published research, established principles, specialized training, national, provincial and regional associations, a unique approach to working with families and programs across the country.