For almost 60 Years, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary (EFry) has been dedicated to changing lives of those who have experienced systemic criminalization. We strive to empower change by strengthening resiliency of those who walk through our doors.

In most Indigenous languages there are no words for justice. It is believed that an error or mistake was made and can be corrected. EFry strives to empower change through restorative justice practices. Those on a a healing path are able to take accountability for their actions and repair the harm done by working on the core issues of their criminalization and restoring the balance and harmony within their families and communities.

Soksipaitapiisin: Indigenous Restorative Justice and Case Management Table

• Works in partnership with the Calgary Indigenous Court (Alberta Justice and Solicitor General) and in collaboration with community stakeholders to work with Indigenous adults and some youth who are working on healing plans to address the core issues of their criminalization.
• Weekly roundtables are conducted with the community case management table, crown and defense counsel meetings, and court to support the processes and progress of participants within Soksipaitapiisin.
• Case managers work directly with the participants who are addressing their charges in the court system through case management (resources, referrals and assistance) and support case monitoring of the healing plans towards completion.
• The healing plan is developed by the recommendations of the Elders, the case management table and the participant themselves. The healing plan encompasses a focus on reconnecting to culture, addressing core issues, and addressing personal accountability.
• Completion of the healing plan is celebrated with a blanket celebration in recognition of the hard work and dedication of the participant

Indigenous Cultural Supports

• Through access to Elders and Knowledge Holders, traditional teachings and ceremonies, cultural activities and programs, as well as Indigenous language classes. Those interested in reconnecting to their culture, regain a sense of belonging, identity and community. Healing is at the core of improving lives.

SAGE: Emotional Wellness and Employment Readiness

• A 12-week daily program to learn the necessary skills towards independence. Through a curriculum focused on experiential and interactive learning grounded in Indigenous ways of being and knowing, women strengthen their emotional well-being and gain skills that contribute to their personal growth. A next steps plan is created to identify educational, vocational training or employment options by the end of the program. Women are provided resources throughout to assist them with child care, and any barriers that may affect their attendance, such as addressing a relapse, support around rehousing, stabilizing mental health etc.

Dana’s House: Transitional Housing Program for Indigenous Women

• Dana’s House provides transitional housing for up to 5 Indigenous women who are working on recovery, healing and wellness. It provides stabilization, life skills, recovery and counselling, programming and resources to support women on their transitional plan. The program is conducted within an Indigenous worldview and supports a reconnection to culture, ceremonies and Elders and Knowledge Holders. Women work towards their personal goals towards building their independence and future successes once housed independent of the program.

Youth Mentorship

Youth involved in the criminal justice system are supported with an adult mentor who provides a minimum of a year of support to youth who limited adult support in their lives. Assistance is given to help them address their charges and successful complete court conditions, work with other community sector agencies, and the care giver to assist with the core issues related to their criminalization. Youth are provided a dedicated volunteer who engages them on an emotional level and supports their access to community supports, interfaces with their school resources and participates in activities which lead them from the situations that led to their criminalization

Volunteer Programs

• Volunteers are an integral part of the support we provide at the court houses. EFry has an in-depth volunteer program, which includes educational training modules and practical training sessions. Volunteers provide legal information and resources, and triage specialized court services.
• Volunteers benefit from the experience and knowledge that often bridges them from education to employment opportunities, or to further their education in the field of law or justice.
• Volunteers support our criminal court floors, domestic violence and Calgary Indigenous Court and provide program support to the agency programs.

Your financial donations contribute to the overall capacity of the agency in providing ongoing programming, and enhance client support. When you make a donation, you are showing the women, their families, and the youth we work with, that they matter and they deserve another chance to plan, build and maintain their well-being. Donations of new and gently used clothing,  hygiene products are always apprecited.