Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa
211 Bronson Avenue, Suite 311
Ottawa, ON K1R6H5
Phone: (613) 237-7427
Fax: (613) 237-8312
Web: http://www.efryottawa.com

About Us:

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.

- Within the limitations of legal statutes, clients have a right to confidentiality, and the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding their own lives.

- We also establish partnerships and work closely with other organizations to develop common goals, strategies, and actions to better serve women in this community.