Services & Programs


The Women’s Books For Prisoners Project

The books are donated from the community and university students. The books are vetted for the following exclusion criterion: no hard cover books, true crime stories, and no positive stories of gang and criminal involvement. These books are then distributed to Portage Correctional Centre, the Winnipeg Remand Centre, The Pas Correctional Centre and the Manitoba Youth Centre.


Reading Stories Project

The purpose of the project is to give women an opportunity to connect with their children through reading fictional stories using their voice. These readings are recorded and a copy of the recording and fictional story book is sent to the mother’s child.


Clothing Depot – Elizabeth Essentials

‘Release packages’ to women who have recently been released from the Winnipeg Remand Centre, provincial and/or federal institutions. Often, women who are incarcerated at The Winnipeg Remand Centre or Portage Correctional Centre have only the clothing they were wearing at the time of arrest. If there has been a change of season, the women will have inappropriate seasonally based clothing (re: summer clothing in winter); and

To assist women with very practical needs when they are released from The Winnipeg Remand Centre, provincial and/or federal institutions. These practical needs are providing some clothing, some hygiene products (if available) and a few household items on an ad-hoc basis. The items are obtained through donations are given to the women without any fees attached. It is our understanding that there are no other organizations in Winnipeg that provide clothing and household items with no costs.


Transitional Housing Units

EFSM Housing Units are a transitional housing initiative offering a supportive living arrangement to four to six women by bridging the gap between homelessness and independent living. EFSM will offer women a chance for successful reintegration, an opportunity to work on education, employment literacy, health and other identified objectives, as well as access to services. The above are done in an environment that nurtures the women’s individuality and potential for success.

Rental Agreement  [PDF file]


STOPlifting

The STOPlifting Support Program for women who have or had committed shoplifting, fraud and other breach of trust offences in Winnipeg. The project works to reduce the risk of recidivism and promote a healthier lifestyle though individual and group support programming and community accountability. To ensure women and girls learn and practice new methods of dealing with our shoplifting, fraud and breach of trust offences in a safe and non-judgmental environment.


Women For Change

The Women for Change Program was created in response to the Manitoba Government’s Zero Tolerance policy as a mean of dealing with rise in numbers of women charged and convicted of domestic violence. The program deals with women as abusers. Women are given the tools and knowledge to cope with their anger in a positive non-violent manner. It is a 10 week social-educational group program that runs three times a year. The program looks at the cycle of violence, safety plans, anger management techniques, human emotions, socialization of men and women and the impact of violence on children. The program is offered at the EFSM office as well as the Winnipeg Remand Centre starting in April 2010.


Mothers Day

In May, the EFSM holds a Mothers Day party for the women in The Winnipeg Remand Centre and the Portage Correctional Centre. There is entertainment, refreshments and a gift for each woman.

We are currently seeking donations for our Annual Mother’s Day events. Please see our News & Events page for more information and how to donate.


Christmas Project

In December of each year, donations provide a Christmas package for women who are incarcerated in The Winnipeg Remand Centre or the Portage Correctional Centre. A Christmas party is held, with refreshments and entertainment and a gift for each woman.


Bail Verification and Supervision Program

The Bail Verification and Supervision Program provides community supervision and support to women who are charged with offences. The Bail Program serves the principles upon which our democratic system of justice is based: the presumption of innocence and the fair and equitable treatment of all people regardless of social or economic background.

Bail Verification Brochure [PDF]







Volunteer Court Support Program

If you are a woman appearing at 408 York Street, Law Courts Building (Winnipeg), a trained volunteer Court Worker can assist you through the court experience.

We offer:
  • Support for you in the Court experience
  • Information and Referrals to Community Resources
  • Clarification of the Court Process
  • Referrals to lawyers
  • Assistance with applying for Legal Aid
For more information about this program or to request a volunteer to accompany you to court, please contact our Community Outreach Worker.