Enhancing the Self-Worth of Women in the Criminal Legal System

Our Mission Statement:
To Empower, provide support, advocacy and guidance to women who are involved in the legal system.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba (EFSM) Inc. was established as an independent non-profit organization in 1983 to address the unique needs of women in the provincial and federal justice system.

We provide advocacy, access to resources and support to families of women who are in conflict with the law. Some of the issues our clientele struggle to overcome are addiction, poverty, mental health issues, marginalization, racism, long-term effects of residential schools and other forms of discrimination.

Some of the programs and resources we offer include:
  • Bail Verification and Supervision Program - Supervision and support for women charged with offences
  • Women for Change Program - Anger management
  • Stoplifting Program - Addresses and explores the reasons why women shoplift or commit fraud
  • Transitional Housing - Bridging the gap between homelessness and independent living
  • Reading Stories Project - Connecting institutionalized women with their children through reading
  • Clothing Depot - Providing 'release packages’ to women who have recently been released
  • The Womens’ Books for Prisoners Project - Books are donated by members of the community
We target women  who are at risk at becoming -or have been- involved with the criminal justice system. We also serve women interested in returning to Manitoba or relocating to the province of Manitoba upon their release.

According to the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies:
We aim to increase the availability of community-based, publicly funded, social service, health and educational resources available for marginalized, victimized, criminalized and imprisoned women.

Please contact us for more information.
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