Central Saskatchewan Military Family Resource Centre (CSMFRC) has been hosting My True Power workshops since 2020, providing military families a chance to expand their support networks and improve skills that assist with the demands and uncertainties of life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). And to top it all off, these important events have also been a ton of fun!

To help build community connections and an understanding of the military lifestyle, My True Power is open to all members of the community, not just CAF members. Last year’s workshop welcomed a range of participants from current serving Canadian Armed Forces members, to Veterans, to local community members, as well as a Veteran of the New Zealand Defence Force and their family.

“This event is a great way to start the new year and give emphasis to Bell Let’s Talk Initiatives,” says Megan Boufford, Family Navigator, Central Saskatchewan MFRC. “It’s an educational, inspiring day where families can learn about mental health at levels tailored to all ages and stages.”

The focus of the 4th annual My True Power event is “Peer Support: Strengthening Resiliency and the Importance of Community Connections”. Workshops for both adults and children give all family members the opportunity to create peer connections and learn skills to support resilience.

“When people experience support from their peers and get the chance to share their experiences with others, they create valuable social and emotional bonds,” says Boufford. “We also want to provide workshop participants with the skills to enhance their confidence in navigating through the challenges that the military lifestyle has on CAF families.”

My True Power 2025 will start with a keynote from Chris Beaudry, a father, husband, farmer and mental health advocate who faced personal challenges with addiction and lived through trauma and tragedy while assistant coach for the Humboldt Broncos. These life-changing experiences taught him that pain is to be felt, embodied and integrated, and demonstrate the transformative power of resilience.

“Thank you for putting on a family friendly event that absolutely aims to support our military families and promote health and self growth! We are so grateful for all your hard work and providing our family with quality programming! ❤️” – My True Power 2024 participant

Children and youth will also have workshop sessions geared to their unique needs and experiences. Navera Community Connections will lead a resiliency workshop for kids concurrently with Chris’s keynote address.

In the afternoon, Sara Skipper of Golden Light Art Therapy will host the children’s workshop, to show how making art can build self awareness and help them express feelings that may not be explained with words alone. Sara’s practice is informed by her own experiences in a military family, handling relocations, separations, deployments, transitions and everything else that comes along with this lifestyle.

Sask Mental Health Training & Supports will lead a workshop for adults entitled “Resilient Communities Need Resilient People”. Participants will learn what depletes our resources and limits resilience as well as how the 4 Pillars of Resilience can be enhanced, with a focus on how strong social connections can improve resilience.

That’s a lot of valuable learning – and it even comes with lunch!

Thanks to an investment from the Bell True Patriot Love Fund, the 2025 My True Power workshop is available to Veterans, serving members of the Forces and their families, and civilian families in Central Saskatchewan at no cost!