RCMP Officer Ellen Peters is pictured here with her husband, Matthew, and children, William (8), Evelyn (6), and Eddie (4)
The PEI Military Family Resource Centre is unique in many ways, being the main source of support for Military families in a province that primarily houses Reservists and does not have a base. Additionally, due to a special source of funding, the PEI MFRC is able to provide many of its services and resources to RCMP families, who often lead similar lifestyles as our Military Families.
We sat down to chat with RCMP Officer Ellen Peters about the impact the PEI MFRC has had in her family’s life.
PEI MFRC: Hi Ellen! Why don’t we start with you telling us about how long you’ve been an RCMP Officer.
Ellen: I’ve been with the RCMP for over 17 years, all of which I’ve been fortunate enough to serve here on Prince Edward Island. I did do a one-month relief stint up in Nunavut, which was a great experience, but for the most part, my husband and I want to put family first, and we’re fortunate we get to do that here.
PEI MFRC: Did you always know about the PEI MFRC?
Ellen: No, I only learned about [PEI MFRC] two years ago when a neighbour—who is in the Military—told me about it. I started following your Facebook Page, and I signed up to attend the Family Conference in Cavendish. It totally blew me away! It opened up a world to me, as far as support went and meeting others who are doing some of the same stuff…I loved it.”
PEI MFRC: And have you participated in other events since?
Ellen: Yes! It’s such a great organization that’s very welcoming to people—everybody has their own story and the PEI MFRC is there to support people. Our family participates in more of the events now because of that initial welcoming experience. I can’t speak highly enough about the PEI MFRC.”
PEI MFRC: So, you’re a Recruiting Officer for the RCMP?
Ellen: I am and now I tell other RCMP families about the PEI MFRC. I want to pass on that world because I find it so valuable to me.
PEI MFRC: Can you speak a bit more about how the PEI MFRC is valuable to RCMP families?
Ellen: For anyone coming here who may not have family support, the PEI MFRC offers that. Recently, I was chatting with someone who had just moved here, and within 3 minutes of our initial conversation, I was telling them all about the PEI MFRC and saying how they need to get in contact with them.
PEI MFRC: Thank you for that! I’m curious what you think the PEI MFRC offers to families who may already have a support network here on PEI.
Ellen: People can have family and friends—and don’t get me wrong, my family is #1 priority—but it’s still a different point of view and perspective that people may not understand. Within this community, people understand; they get you and they’re there for you… in a way that maybe your family and friends can’t be. It’s not necessarily to replace them; it’s that additional support and resources…all the things that PEI MFRC provides.
Ellen spoke to us about the connections her family has made and how special those connections are.
PEI MFRC: The PEI MFRC is extended family—they’re an extension of family support.
Thank you, Ellen, for chatting with us. We’re so glad you’ve found support through the PEI MFRC, and we look forward to seeing your family at more of our activities and events!