Community Safety Requires Critical Support for Women and Girls
Elizabeth Fry Faces Overwhelming Funding Cuts and Termination of Vital Programs
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta is facing a crucial funding crisis with the imminent cancellation of programs and services in courts, in prisons and in communities across Northern Alberta. Our Court Support Programs and Prison Visitation Programs, which have existed since our organization’s origins, will no longer be funded, leaving a sizeable and concerning gap in supports for women, girls, two-spirit and non-binary folks who face added barriers amidst COVID-19.
In 1979, a group of volunteers organized to offer support to individuals attending court in Edmonton. They soon began visiting nearby prisons and eventually organized formally to establish the Elizabeth Fry non-profit organization. For over 42 years, Elizabeth Fry has offered court navigation assistance, advocacy support, reintegration and release planning for prisoners and a level of care and compassion that has been vital to countless lives. However, the current financial crisis has resulted in the imminent and eventual cancellation of these services as they currently operate.
“The impact of these cancellations will have a disastrous effect on our communities,” says Toni Sinclair, Executive Director of Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta. “To not have our presence as a reliable and compassionate source of support and advocacy for those who need us the most, including folks who are criminalized for poverty, addictions, mental health and multiple other barriers, is an urgent and imminent crisis situation unfolding right now. While this might not be the intention, it amounts to the devastation and devaluation of a women’s organization at a time when so many people are further marginalized, criminalized and victimized.”
In 2019, the Elizabeth Fry Society supported more than 35,000 individuals in courts in Edmonton, Stony Plain, Morinville, Sherwood Park, Ponoka, Camrose, Fort Saskatchewan, St Albert, Wetaskiwin, Red Deer and Fort McMurray. In 2020, even amidst the pandemic, our court programs were available to continue to assist folks and were often the only source of social justice support present every day. Trained court workers offer navigational assistance, resources and referrals in an often overwhelming and intimidating environment that is shrouded in legalese and formal suits and ties. “I approached the only person who looked kind and caring,” remarked an Elizabeth Fry client in Red Deer Court. “EFry sat with me when I was otherwise alone and scared.”
In addition, the Elizabeth Fry society assisted more than 754 women and girls in prison in 2019 with developing release plans, making bail arrangements, preparing for parole, reintegration advocacy and support, as well as establishing vital community connections. For many women in our community who have been incarcerated, the Elizabeth Fry Society is the only source of support in helping them maintain meaningful human connections. During the pandemic, this support has temporarily transitioned to phone and video visits; these connections have been even more significant in prisons with harsh and harmful conditions of confinement. “This is about community safety. This amounts to a critical access to justice and human rights concerns that will affect the liberty and well-being of thousands of individuals, most of whom are mothers, most of whom are Indigenous and most of all whom are criminalized for poverty related reasons. This is an absolute travesty. We need help. This work needs to be fully funded so that we can ensure no one is left without support.” says Toni Sinclair. Other programs that have been impacted or cancelled due to funding cuts in 2020/2021 include our Anger Management Program, Addictions Program, Legal Clinic Program and Court Assistance for Female Youth Program.
CALLS FOR SUPPORT
To contribute to the sustainability of our programs and services, we are seeking the following:
Albertans to consider volunteering in meaningful ways to our programs and services; specifically, volunteers with fundraising skills. Interested individuals can email efryvolunteer@efrynorthernalberta.com.
Follow us on social media and amplify our voice to your circles of influence.
Organize an International Women’s Day fundraiser or donor development event on our behalf.
Make a donation in honour of women and individuals who are criminalized, imprisoned, segregated, marginalized and whose lives and well being matter. Individuals can donate at www.efrynorthernalberta.com/donate
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta advances the dignity and worth of women, girls, two-spirit and non-binary individuals who are criminalized and those who are considered at risk.
Contact: Toni Sinclair, Executive Director
780.784.2201
director@efrynorthernalberta.com