Meet the organizations that received funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund in 2020-2021:
- Aftermath Association Corporation
The Aftermath Association is a registered Canadian charity based in Orleans, ON. The Association will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to support “Camp Aftermath - Roto 3,” the first-ever female-only rotation. Camp participants will learn long term management skills for Operational Stress Injuries and PTSD though volunteerism and the development of positive habits. - RESPECT Campaign
Across Canada, organizations and individuals are committed to helping and providing services and support to military and RCMP veterans dealing with challenges resulting from their service to the nation and the community. With funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, Respect Forum will promote collaboration through networking and knowledge sharing to improve mental health services and reduce homelessness for men and women in uniformed service. - Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
The Calgary-based Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund for its “Built for Zero Canada Project.” This project will expand the Built for Zero in ten communities bringing an end to Veteran homelessness. Built for Zero Canada is currently working with 33 communities in five provinces and one territory. - Canadian Women’s Wellness Initiative
The Canadian Women’s Wellness Initiative, based in Seabright, NS, will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to promote Well-Being. It will offer stress reduction training in the form of the Transcendental Meditation over the next two years. The Canadian Women's Wellness Initiative is working to help all Veterans develop an effective way to manage stress. - Challenge Factory
With funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund (VFWF), the Toronto-based Challenge Factory will develop a series of hiring modules to assist Veterans in finding employment. It will use the Canadian Guide to Hiring Veterans, a VFWF-funded publication that helps small and medium-sized enterprises hire and retain Veterans. The Challenge Factory will evaluate the impact of the Guide and its companion hiring modules and produce findings and recommendations that can inform all transition and job development programs offered to Veterans and employers through VAC, CAF, and other third parties.
Read project summary - Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is partnering with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security on a project to bring an end to the use of child soldiers. With funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, this research project will be the first of its kind to explore the connections between PTSD and the recruitment and use of children as soldiers. This unique collaboration will offer opportunities to apply this research to multiple fields, including health, security sector reform and child protection. This research will improve our collective understanding of the impact of witnessing child soldiers on military personnel's mental health. - Fondation québécoise des vétérans
The Foundation Quebecoise des Vétérans is located in Montreal, Que. It funds therapeutic, social and commemorative programs for Veterans. The Foundation plans to extend this support to Veterans’ support programs in Abitibi, Saguenay, Estrie, Ottawa and Quebec City.
Read project summary - Fredericton Homeless Shelters Inc.
Fredericton Homeless Shelters will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to support its “From Crisis to Home” project. They will identify Veterans who are experiencing homelessness in Fredericton and surrounding areas, and provide them with temporary housing and case management services. This includes supports for mental health, addiction, wellness, housing, and furniture.
Read project summary - Helmets to Hardhats Canada
Helmets to Hardhats Canada, based in Ottawa, ON will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to assist Veterans with obtaining careers in the construction and maintenance industries through apprenticeship programs and direct hires with registered employers. - Homes for Heroes Foundation
Homes to Heroes Foundation, based in Calgary, AB will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to hire a national coordinator. The coordinator will oversee the Foundation’s “Operation National Expansion” (ONE) plan to build Veterans’ Villages in Kingston, ON, Winnipeg, Man, Edmonton, AB, and Surrey, BC. - Ksalsuti Wellness Resources
Ksalsuti Wellness Resources is a Mi’qmaq non-profit organization located in Oromocto, NB. It will partner with the Gagetown Military Family Resource Centre and use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to develop new programs for Veterans and their families. The “Turtle Island” sessions will support the social and emotional Well-Being of children and their caregivers, while honouring the heritage and culture of their ancestors.
Read project summary - Lawson Health Research Institute
With funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, ON, will study the roles of personality and resiliency in Veteran mental health. This project will survey approximately 500 treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking CAF Veterans. The Institute will share findings with healthcare professionals and policymakers, and use social media and the news media to promote the project.
Read project summary - McMaster University
McMaster University, located in Hamilton, ON, has developed an intervention strategy for Veterans who have PTSD after experiencing sexual misconduct during service. The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will support a study for the “Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Intervention” (SMART) strategy. This will be offered throughout the network of Operation Stress Injury Clinics using a virtual platform. - Old Brewery Mission
The Old Brewery Mission is a non-profit organization based in Montréal. Its mandate is to provide various forms of support to combat homelessness. The funding that this organization receives from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will go towards implementing the “Les Sentinelles dans la communauté” [sentinels in the community] program. The program will develop services to promote self-advocacy and economic self-sufficiency for struggling veterans, reduce homelessness and encourage social reintegration. - Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Building on the success of its “Chatting to Wellness” (CTW), the Mood Disorders Society of Canada will offer a similar program for Veterans. Funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will allow trained volunteers to answer a dedicated phone line with calls from Veterans and their families. This gives them the opportunity to form a connection to speak freely and be heard. Participants may be selected to receive peer support training. - Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association
The Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association (SFNVA) will use funding from Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to create teams of First Nation researchers. These researchers will investigate much needed life-sustaining and gender specific services for all First Nations male and female veteran soldiers, peacekeepers, and volunteers.
Read project summary - Team Rubicon Canada
Team Rubicon Canada is a community-based organization that unites the skills and experiences of volunteering Veterans to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. The funding they receive from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will support the delivery of Team Rubicon's “Veteran Pandemic Recovery” project. The program will increase and sustain Team Rubicon's readiness and organizational capacity to effectively respond to disasters within Canada. - The Pepper Pod
The Pepper Pod is a new retreat for women Veterans located in the Gatineau Hills. Funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will support Transition Lifeshops where women can support each other, network and share skills. This includes women Veterans, soon-to-be Veterans and female spouses. - The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110
Located in Trenton, ON, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #110 will compile a resource book for Veterans. The Veteran Resource Guide will provide useful information for those releasing from the military. This includes information on where to find a doctor, counselling and mental health connections, social outlets and places where Veterans gather. This guide is made possible through funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.
Read project summary - True Patriot Love Foundation
True Patriot Love Foundation, a national charity based in Toronto, ON, will use funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to create a “Military Creative Arts” framework. Through discussions with partners, there is a growing recognition that creative arts can play an integral role in Veteran rehabilitation and recovery. - University of British Columbia
“Purpose After Service through Sport” (PASS) is a research project designed and offered though the University of British Columbia. The transition to civilian life can bring challenges for veterans and PASS provides opportunities that foster social connectivity and Well-Being. The program involves participants playing ball hockey, followed by the opportunity to access other support services such as counseling and, career transition information. Using funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, the University plans to expand PASS research across the country. - Vets Canada
Veteran Emergency Transition Services Canada is a federally registered non-profit charity that works within Canadian communities to identify homeless Veterans, provide them with emergency support, and quickly re-establish the bond that exists between soldiers. Veteran Emergency Transition Services Canada will use the funding received from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to offer the Guitars for Vets program.
Read project summary - Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warriors Canada, established in 2006, is the country's leading, independent Veterans’ charity focusing on mental health. Wounded Warriors Canada will implement the “Surviving Spouses” program using funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. This five-day program provides the opportunity for survivors to explore their traumatic loss and to make meaning of their life without their spouse. This program helps participants recognize the function of emotions and offers evidence-based opportunities to understand and process grief.