Volunteer
with Elizabeth Fry
On
this page:
Volunteer Information
Volunteer
Q & A
Need Volunteer Experience?
Separate
page:
Elizabeth Fry Volunteer Application
Form
- to print and send by mail or fax
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer
Initiatives Program*
*Note: VIP was formerly funded by Trillium Foundation
of Ontario. VIP is currently funded by United Way of Ottawa.
Information
The
following section provides some important information about the Elizabeth Fry
Society of Ottawa and volunteer requirements. If you have any questions about
any of this information, or you wish to know more, please feel free to email our
Volunteer Coordinator, or call us at 613-237-7427. As well, feel free to browse
the other information provided on this site.
Volunteer Programs
Since
its inception, the Elizabeth Fry Society has benefited from the work and support
of volunteers. Elizabeth Fry Ottawa currently has three main Volunteer Programs:
the Courthouse Program, the Jail Visiting Program and the JF Norwood House Program.
Volunteers are also encouraged to spread their wings in the areas of training,
outreach, community awareness, fundraising, and office administration.
The
Courthouse Program
Volunteers approach women who are awaiting court
proceedings and offer non-judgmental support together with information about the
court system and community resources. The Elizabeth Fry office provides women
with a relaxed and child-friendly environment. Office hours are usually between
8:00am and 11:00am on weekdays, as well as afternoons depending on volunteer initiative.
JF
Norwood House
Volunteers assist in supporting women living at the
residence, offering social interaction, life skills, advocacy, accompaniment,
and supervision. They bring special talents and interests to share with the residents.
There
is no prerequisite experience or skill required to become a volunteer, only the
willingness to learn (a criminal record check is necessary). All necessary training
will be provided. To volunteer, call 237-7427 or email our Volunteer Coordinator.
Ottawa
Carleton Detention Centre
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa offers
support to local women who are provincially and federally sentenced in the province
of Ontario. Through our office at the Ottawa Cerleton Detention Centre, volunteers
provide social activities for women in custody at OCDC through weekly visits.
Professional staff are on site as well to provide counselling support, discharge
planning, and an Anger Solution group.
[Back to the top]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer
Q & A
What Does It Mean to be a Volunteer With
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa?
It is the mission of The Elizabeth
Fry Society of Ottawa to work with women who are, or are at risk of coming into
conflict with the law. Our volunteers are required to support our purpose and
our mission. By offering your time and services as a volunteer, you will not only
be helping the women we work with, but you will also be benefiting your community
and yourself.
Requirements to Join The Elizabeth Fry Society of
Ottawa:
- An interest in furthering our cause
- Commitment
to our mission and core purposes
- Dedication to the work and a time commitment
- The ability to be non-judgmental and open-minded
What is Expected
of Volunteers?
- Attendance at the orientation/training session
-
Keeping track of hours volunteered and submitting them
- Contacting your supervisor
when you cannot make a shift
- Excellent communication skills and team spirit
-
A positive attitude and genuine willingness to help others
- A general attitude
of acceptance and tolerance
- Attendance at Volunteer Gatherings
How
Do I Benefit From Being a Volunteer?
As a volunteer for the Elizabeth
Fry Society of Ottawa, you will gain valuable experiences and a sense of satisfaction
that you are there to help women in distress. You will also receive a reference
letter upon completion of your required hours and on going feedback during your
volunteer placement. As well, countless friendships have been formed between volunteers.
Volunteers will be invited to join our Volunteer Gatherings to share information
and to participate in a lot of fun activities.
I've Received the
Information Package - Now What?
The second step is filling out
the volunteer application form along with the consent forms for a criminal reference
check. Return these forms to us, and once your application is received by the
Volunteer Coordinator, she will contact you to set an appointment to discuss your
interests with The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. This meeting will give the
Volunteer Coordinator and yourself an opportunity to discuss what The Elizabeth
Fry Society has to offer you. It is possible that not everyone who attends the
interview will become a volunteer. Once the interview is completed, you will be
asked to join the next volunteer training session.
Thank you for choosing The
Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa.
We hope that you will be joining our volunteer
team.
[Back to the top]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do
You Need Experience?
Are you interested in working with women who
have been or who are at risk of coming into conflict with the law? Are you hard-working
and wish to help make a difference for your community? If so, please consider
volunteering with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa.
By volunteering,
you are not only helping your community, but you are also helping yourself. Gain
valuable experience, skills, and training by volunteering in JF Norwood House,
at the courthouse, the detention centre, in our office, or as a volunteer driver.
Please
note that references will be provided after completion of required hours.
For
more details, please contact Kay Rawson, Volunteer Coordinator at (613) 237-7427
or by email at kay.rawson@efryottawa.com
[Back
to the top]
