People of the Passage December 2024

by Gail Haarsma — The 12 Wing Shearwater Air Force Base, one of The Beacon’s catchment areas, is part of the largest military community in Canada and home to military families who play a vital role in our community. 

This month’s People of the Passage highlights Holly Rye, a dedicated career and employment counsellor at the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (H&R MFRC) on the Base. For the past 21 years, Rye has been helping military and veteran spouses navigate the unique challenges of relocation, absence, and transition from active duty.

She shared with The Beacon how the population she serves has changed over the years. Many spouses of active members are now highly educated, with a large percentage having post-secondary qualifications. While the Centre is not a placement agency, it provides support to help clients work through employment challenges.

“Spouses often have to start all over when their family is transferred here,” says Rye. “Some keep their jobs in other provinces through remote opportunities, while others, such as those in teaching or healthcare, must recertify to work in Nova Scotia.”

Beyond employment, Rye acknowledges the broader difficulties military spouses face when relocating. Adjusting to a new community without family support, being a single parent during a partner’s deployment and finding a job with flexible hours are common hurdles facing the centre’s clientele. 

That’s where Rye and the H&R MFRC step in. Independent from the military chain of command, she and her team help spouses navigate relocation uncertainties and challenges. Rye notes the most successful employment transitions happen when the Centre works with spouses BEFORE their move.

“Some need casual work to augment their income because of the cost of living in HRM. Some need coaching to relocate their careers, and some need development to gain portable skills for future transfers.”

Certified in work/life coaching and career development, Rye takes a personalized approach to helping clients identify what career satisfaction looks like at their particular stage in life and the role they are currently playing. 

“Some Veteran spouses may find themselves becoming caregivers and primary wage earners, so they may need reskilling, while currently serving spouses might need access to support for children adjusting to new schools. We’re here to help military and Veteran families navigate these challenges.”

As part of an integrated team, Rye ensures clients are connected to the right resources with a “warm handover” to all areas of the care continuum, such as mental health support, short-term accommodations, community navigation, and daycare and youth services.

“My services are very client-centred and tailored to the specific needs of those seeking my counselling. The goal is to find solutions that work best for them.”

A “military kid” herself, Holly Rye is well-placed to understand issues around relocation and transitioning to life after the military. She makes herself available when clients need her, either during the day, on a lunch break or in the evening. 

A tribute to her client-centred approach, Rye notes, “Clients who have moved to other provinces still call me for advice and guidance.”

Since 1986, the H&R MFRC, a community organization governed by military family members, has supported the Royal Canadian Air Force at 12 Wing Shearwater, the Canadian Army - 5th Canadian Division and the East Coast Fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy. It works in partnership with military families, the CAF, and Military Family Services to deliver programs and services to children, youth, adults and families.