Our
Mission
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is a United Way member agency
devoted to helping women and female youth who are, or may be, at risk of coming
into conflict with the law. We offer a variety of different programs and services
to provide women with confidential and supportive living and learning environments.
Our
History
Since 1951, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa has been providing
assistance to women involved in the criminal justice system and those at risk
of coming into conflict with the law. We provide practical and effective support
services for women incarcerated in provincial and federal institutions, and for
marginalized women in Ottawa. Through our programs and services, we help women
put the pieces back together, one woman at a time. And we have been successful
in doing so for over 50 years!
Our Philosophy
The Elizabeth
Fry Society of Ottawa believes in the following principles:
- A caring,
egalitarian society for all, and we demonstrate this belief by focusing on women
who are or may be at risk of coming into conflict with the law.
- The needs
and circumstances that lead most women into conflict with the law are different
from those of men, and as a result, responses of the criminal justice system and
community services and supports must be unique as well. As a society, we all share
a responsibility to help eliminate conditions that are detrimental to women and
can lead them into conflict with the law.
- Incarceration should only be
used as a last resort. The use of alternative measures, based in the community,
should be maximized.
- The criminal justice system should be open and accountable
to public scrutiny, and the voluntary sector should be active participants in
all aspects of the system. This includes helping to keep the public informed about
issues and concerns affecting women involved in the criminal justice system.
-
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa must also be open and accountable to the public,
and offer sound management practices for its staff, volunteers and clients.
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Within the limitations of legal statutes, clients have a right to confidentiality,
and the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding their own lives.
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We also establish partnerships and work closely with other organizations to develop
common goals, strategies, and actions to better serve women in this community.
Please
look around our website and learn more about the programs and services we offer.
If you would like more information about our work, or if you wish to contribute
your time and expertise, please contact us at the e-mail address at the bottom
of this page.
If you would like to make a donation to help support this
important work, you can find more information by clicking on the “Donate”
link below.
Every dollar helps.
