At a time when military deployments are higher than they’ve been in decades, United Way East Ontario is fostering inclusivity and providing additional support for families in Renfrew County, through the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre (PMFRC).
One of the initiatives we’re supporting is their portable sensory space.
“When a parent is deployed, families often carry a heavier emotional load. A child might feel sad, lonely, or anxious—worried about the parent who’s away and concerned for the parent at home who may be struggling too,” shares Amy MacKenzie, Military Family Navigator – Special Needs at the PMFRC.
“Our sensory toys—families might not have access to these kinds of things at home or in the classroom. At busy events, where excitement and stimulation can become overwhelming, our space and equipment provide a quiet moment to reconnect, recharge, and simply be together as a family.”
Amy says, with support from United Way, they have been able to purchase more portable sensory equipment to set up at local community fairs, festivals, Family Days, holiday parties, and more—any community event where there might be a lot of people and families who could use a break.
Many of the families they support in this space have children with autism, ADHD, or other sensory needs.
Everyone deserves to participate in community
Master Corporal Fabienne Ackaoui has three boys—two of whom live with challenges such as ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and other hypersensitivities.
“The excitement and hyper-stimulation at big events can sometimes be too much for my kids. The portable space offers somewhere for us to retreat and feel grounded, so they can return to activities with a calmer mindset.”
“I feel like I’m now actually able to go to some community events with my kids,” adds Fabienne.
Amy says, “With all the sights and smells and sounds [at large gatherings or events], sometimes we all just need a moment, right? Anyone might. So, we try to have a space that is adult and child friendly, that has dim lighting, soft music, and sensory-friendly toys. It’s a quieter space to recharge and regroup, so the family can carry on with the party or transition home.”
Fabienne thinks the portable sensory space is great, not only because it helps her kids, but it raises awareness at community events for kids and folks with neurodiverse needs.
“Petawawa is really small, and we have a hard time accessing these kinds of resources, so when we get this support from the community—especially for your children—it’s precious.”
United Way continues to foster inclusivity
Inclusivity and equity are incredibly important to creating healthy, strong, safe communities.
At United Way East Ontario, we believe our identities or abilities should not determine whether we are healthy, housed, educated, employed, and safe. But, because of the way our societies have operated over time, marginalized communities are worse off in many ways.
By collaborating with underserved communities and thoughtfully distributing resources and opportunities where they are needed most, we are building a more equitable future.
You can improve the lives of families like Fabienne’s by supporting United Way East Ontario.
