Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto
Providing Programs And Services To Women In Conflict With The Law Since 1952
Annual Report
2003
(April 1, 2002 - March 31, 2003)
Officers
| President | Breese Davies |
| Vice President | Jaki Freeman |
| Chair Person | Kathleen Lapointe |
| Treasurer | Annamie Paul |
Directors
| Florence Chung | Joanne Prince |
| Jill Copeland | Nita Selby* |
| Harriett Grant | Sheila Snyder |
| Mara Beth Greene | Nicole Sookhai* |
| Paula Needham | Alex Vamos |
Staff 2001/2002
| Executive Director | Leslie Kelman |
| Financial Administrator | Elly Vlietman |
| Office Manager | Camella Jones-Phillip |
| Receptionist | Nancy Pimentel |
| Community Programs Manager | Martha Arbuthnot |
| Parenting Program Counsellor | Alma Aiken* |
| Sherrette Thomas | |
| Drug and Alcohol Counsellor | Laurie Charlton |
| Sexual Abuse Counsellor | Elizabeth Amerongen |
| Shoplifting /Fraud Counsellors | Gillian Crawford |
| Eugenia Messner | |
| Diversion Courtworker (College Park Court) | Kristina Petricevic |
| Volunteer Programs Coordinator | Marsha RayDragan |
| Residential Supervisor | Nzinga Walker |
| Residential Asst. Supervisor | Andrea Slack |
| Residential Counsellors | Margaret Arnason |
| Dorrette Barnes | |
| Tegeste Emiru | |
| Kerrie Foster | |
| Maryam Salad | |
| Catherine Wiggan | |
| Coordinator of Community Relations and Fundraising | Nancy Webb |
| Director of Development | Jonathan Rudin/Barbara Yip |
* resigned during the year
History And Mission
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto is a woman-centred, non-profit organization that represents and fosters the community's interest in and responsibility to women who are, have been, or may come into conflict with the law. Founded in the early 1950s, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto was named after the nineteenth century English reformer of the penal system whose work among the women and children of Newgate prison began a long tradition of addressing the special needs of incarcerated women.
The agency offers transitional accommodation, counselling services, a court program at College Park Court, and facilities for research and education. Our volunteers and staff regularly visit the Metro West Detention Centre, Vanier Centre for Women and Grand Valley Institute.
Our mission is to facilitate the empowerment of women and to address the reasons why women come into conflict with the law by:
- facilitating choices and opportunities for individual women;
- affecting systemic change of social conditions, laws and structures;
- promoting a system of justice that leads to the healing of society and responds to the needs of all women involved in and affected by crime;
- ensuring that in all its operations, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto embraces the diverse racial and cultural backgrounds of the people it represents and serves.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto is a member of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) and of the Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies of Ontario. There are currently 24 Elizabeth Fry Societies across Canada including nine in Ontario.
Executive Director's Report
As the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto completes its 50th year of continuous service to women in the criminal justice system we reflect back on how we began and where we are now. Starting with a 2-room rented office in 1953, one social worker and an annual budget of $30,000, the agency has progressed to a building of its own, a staff of 25, an annual budget of over one million dollars, and an even stronger commitment to social change. As we look back over the past 50 years we are are filled with pride because of the work that has been accomplished by the agency's many dedicated staff and volunteers.
The political climate during the 1950s allowed a committed group of volunteers to convince various levels of government and other supportive organizations that aftercare services for women who had been imprisoned was a greatly needed service in the community. The need proved so great that by the late 1960s we had outgrown three different office spaces!
In the 1970s and 80s, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto saw itself functioning as "a helper for those in need, a critic for those in position of power, and an educator for those without knowledge." By this time the agency had established a residential program and satellite apartment, jail visiting programs, become involved in parole supervision, opened a library/resource centre, and presented many briefs and proposed legislation for those in the criminal justice system. The agency also worked in partnership with government corrections whose mandate was to work collaboratively with community agencies.
During the 1990s the political climate began to change from one of rehabilitation and empowerment to one that became focussed more on discipline and punishment . The political "law and order" agenda began eroding the progressive philosophy of the federal strategy "Creating Choices." And the provincial government began restructuring their programs. The restructuring process had an impact on the Elizabeth Fry Society as the agency struggled to maintain its services. Unfortunately some programs and services were cut but the agency survived to start new projects such as counselling/support groups, a multicultural outreach project, visits to the new Ontario federal prison, and the establishment of a second satellite apartment for women who had given birth in prison, and their babies.
The new millennium saw a continuation of the harsh approach started in the 1990s. The provincial government's growing strict discipline policy included the opening of boot camps for young offenders, a provincial superjail, a privatized prison, and 40% fewer provincially incarcerated women receiving parole compared to 1995. But the agency stood firm in its conviction that promoting a system of justice that leads to the healing of society, is the best response to the needs of everyone affected and involved in crime.
In 2002, with the superjails and a private prison operational, the agency struggled to broaden its programs within these institutions and work collaboratively with other community agencies to help women in difficult life situations.
In 2003, the agency will undertake an intensive strategic planning process and a large capital campaign. The determination of our staff and volunteers has never wavered, so it is with full confidence that we face the challenges that 2003 will present.
Community Programs Report
This has been and full and challenging year in the Community Programs area. In addition to providing therapeutic group and individual programs to our community clients, we also invite their participation in the agency in other ways. This past year, as part of our Agency's 50th Anniversary celebration, we hosted a summer picnic in High Park. Past and present clients, volunteers and staff had a wonderful time as we gathered at High Park for a day of games, singing, entertainment, and great food.
In the fall, we participated in an event to acknowledge the first annual United Nations International Day of Peace as a day of global cease-fire and non-violence. Two Community Programs staff gave a poetry reading of works created by incarcerated women. This event was one of several held across the city. The date of September 21st is now fixed in the calendar from 2002 and we look forward to participating on an annual basis.
The first year of the Partner Intervention Program pilot project was successfully completed. This program is for women who have been charged in domestic violence situations, have a guilty plea and are court mandated to attend the program. Over 60 women were served and our contract for the pilot project with the Ministry of the Attorney General has been renewed for another year, with and increase in service to 75 women. While we are saddened by the increasing demand for service, we are grateful to be able to provide a program for women as there had been no service options for them prior to this. There has been great interest in the women's program and we have answered inquiries from other agencies across the province and the country regarding how to serve women charged with domestic assault. We are hoping to create a template for service that will be approved by the Ministry for use in other agencies. This will also be helpful as we try to meet the challenge of providing service to women who require service in languages other than english.
The Sexual Abuse Program was enhanced by receiving one-time grant funds from the City of Toronto, Breaking the Cycle of Violence Program. We have begun to evaluate this program using the Program Effectiveness Organizational Development principals, created by United Way. This approach identifies outcomes of service, based on client needs. This will help us examine the service provision and make any adjustments necessary.
In the Drug and Alcohol Program, The Thelma and Louize Harm Reduction Group had an active year as the women participated in an outing to Centre Island in July 2002; the Rendezvous with Madness Festival at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; and a Fall Fair at the Queen West community Health Centre. Working with the focus on health the women received a yoga session from a visiting instructor and continue to receive a nutritious lunch at each group session. Women are supported at court and in their interactions with systems such as child welfare.
The program staff continue their outreach efforts with diverse community agencies and clients. Additionally, we have membership on the Community Advisory Committee of the Toronto Drug Treatment Court Program and the Toronto Harm Reduction Task Force.
Within the Parenting Program we continue to support incarcerated mothers and mothers at risk living in the community. This work is through individual and group support sessions. Many of the parents participating in the program also have involvement with child welfare agencies. We are tracking this phenomenon as we sense an increase in the number of mothers criminally charged in child abuse situations.
Our work continues to be enriched as we are able to offer field instruction and support to practicum students from local Universities and Colleges.
In the near future we hope to improve service to our funding supporters as we move toward using a data base program for client documentation. It is our hope this tool will enable us to gather useful data relevant to our work and reporting needs.
Residential Program Report
The past fiscal year has been a very busy and challenging one for the agency's Residential Program.
In December 2002, the residential team, organized a very successful conference at Metro Hall. The conference was aimed at providing service providers with a better understanding of some of the issues that lead women into conflict with the law, and the difficulties they experience once they are in the system. The topics discussed included housing issues, with particular emphasize on the difficulties in obtaining suitable housing; the impact of institutionalization on women's mental health; the aftermath of traumatic loss; and new changes to the immigration laws and the impact on women who are in conflict with the law.
The Residential team continues to brace itself for the many changes that are occurring within the institutions controlled by Correctional Services Canada and the Ministry of Public Safety and Security.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Security opened their provincial jail, Maplehurst, in Milton, Ontario in February 2003. While the structure of the institution has been completed and all the women incarcerated in the Toronto area have now been moved to the new facility, the institutional structure is now a challenge. Our staff have less access to the women and it has now become difficult to see women who are on immigration hold. These include women who have lived in Canada for several years with landed status but now hold a criminal record. Once the women are placed on immigration hold they lose contact with the community and their children. Often contacts are only reestablished once they are outside Canada. This inhumane approach is a result of some radical and swift changes to our immigration laws, particularly the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act which allows landed immigrants who are serving federal time to be deported regardless of their charges.
Between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2003, the residential program served 54 women. While the Mother/Child Program did not service any children born in the institution, we were able to support one woman who was experiencing childcare difficulties. We supervised 5,162 bed nights during the fiscal year.
The Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener is expecting to complete their maximum-security unit by the end of 2003. This will have a profound and significant impact on the case profiles of the women we currently serve. For instance, the majority of women who reside at our residential facility are from the Toronto region. As well they are usually serving time for poverty related crimes or crimes that occur as a result of their substance abuse. The new maximum unit will accommodate women from across Canada who are serving time for more serious offences and have been away from the community for a much longer period. Presently, most of these women are expressing an interest in residing in the Toronto region.
Although we are expecting many challenges during the coming year, we are certain that through public education and partnership, the Residential Program will continue to foster new and creative ways to increase the quality of life for the women we serve. We will also continue to explore more effective rehabilitation, and address the systemic issues that lead women into conflict with the law.
Volunteer Programs Report
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto has always had a strong volunteer program. It is with the help of dedicated and reliable volunteers that we can continue our work for the many women who rely on our programs. In this fiscal report, I will make mention of volunteer recruitment, volunteers involvement and their perseverance in the face of difficulties. As well, what has become surprising are the many ways in which our volunteers have become ambassadors for this agency.
Currently we have 85 volunteers. As a result of training sessions held in July 2002 and November 2002 we welcomed 15 new volunteers. Potential volunteers who are interested in knowing more about women and the criminal justice system have sought us out using a variety of means. Many are students with a background in criminology studies from the University of Toronto and York University. Some come from the Assaulted Women and Children Counselor Advocate Program at George Brown College. We have also had responses from ads placed with the Volunteer Centre of Toronto.
At College Park Court, 10 volunteers are supporting and providing assistance to women involved in the court process. In this capacity, they can inform women about E. Fry services, explain court proceedings, and help in accessing services such as emergency shelters and food banks, in addition to providing emotional support. Recently we have been able to strengthen our presence at College Park Court with our ability to have two volunteers working per shift. Volunteers with years of experience are able to act as peer mentors for new volunteer recruits. New volunteers have indicated that this kind of working environment is preferable since it gives them an opportunity to learn and share ideas with senior volunteers. In their work within the court, our volunteers alert us to particular issues of importance as well. They let us know that some clients are released on bail, without means of getting back to Vanier Centre for Women in Milton to pick up their belongings. They share their concern that some women are being charged with domestic violence, while their male partners may not be charged.
Some of our court volunteers have taken on extra responsibilities of providing client accompaniment to various courts across the city. They have assisted women at Old City Hall, Scarborough Court and the Supreme Court of Ontario. Some of the situations are quite emotionally difficult for the clients and the ability of our volunteers to be caring and compassionate helps to ease the women's struggle within the criminal justice system. We have found it best to have volunteers use a buddy system in these particular situations.
Our board volunteers continue to provide guidance and support to the agency. During this fiscal period we had 13 board members. Those members participated on a variety of committees, including the new Strategic Planning Committee, which will be examining the future and vision of the agency in 2003/04. As well, they are participating on our Capital Campaign fundraising committee. We also rely on their services to help organize our Annual General Meeting, and our Rebels for a Cause fundraising event.
The 15 volunteers who participate in providing a social program for the women at the Toronto West Detention Centre, experienced many challenges this past year. The knowledge that the women would be moving in the near future to the new incarceration facility in Milton provided some worry for the volunteers. They were concerned about how the women would feel about this move. They wondered if the women would still be able to receive regular visits from their families; and, would the volunteer program still continue? Many volunteers indicated that they still wish to participate in this program, and would be able to alter their schedules to accommodate that goal. The continued contribution our volunteers made was also evident when we held our Seasonal Support Program for 200 incarcerated women. It was appreciated by the women, and enjoyed by everyone who attended.
Our volunteers have remained dedicated and supportive individuals who understand and value the work they perform. In the coming year we will focus attention on creating a one-to-one program for clients with particular needs. We will be recruiting volunteers with related experience and developing a training program for them. We continue to remain hopeful that our existing volunteers will again provide the social program at the new Vanier Centre for Women in Milton.
We would like to express our gratitude to our volunteers. Their level of commitment and dedication is inspiring.
Resource Development Report
Let's be frank - raising funds for an organization that works with women in conflict with the law is not easy. While the issues that we deal with are important and the work we do is vital, there is not a huge groundswell rising up to donate funds for this work.
It is precisely because we work in such a challenging area that the support we regularly receive from our individual donors is so important. Many organizations, much larger than ours, do not reach out to individuals at all. They are able to rely almost exclusively on government and foundation grants and corporate donations. While we receive government and foundation funding - and are very appreciative and grateful for these funds - we are particularly gratified by the continued support we receive from individual donors.
This support is shown by way of responses to our regular direct mail campaigns, to bequests we receive and to our special events.
Over the years, despite the increasing number of direct mail appeals that individuals receive, our donors have continued to support us - and to give in ever-increasing amounts. Funds from our direct mails go specifically to the programs that the letters highlight - programs that do not receive enough funding from other sources to allow them to continue.
Every year we also receive bequests. We are very moved by the fact that individuals have chosen to remember the work of the Elizabeth Fry Society by an express donation in their wills.
This past year we held our 10th annual Rebels for a Cause event and it was truly a special evening. Our guest host - Sonja Smits put everyone at ease and her familiarity and awareness of our work shone through. Our three honoured rebels - Frances Lankin, Gail Singer and Jan Wong - all gave impassioned, funny and heart-felt talks about their experience with being a rebel.
As wonderful as all these people were, the highlight of the event was having Eileen Adams, one of the founding mothers of the organization, speak about starting the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto 50 years ago. Her words made us remember why the work we do is so important.
And so we thank everyone for the support they have shown the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto over the years, and as fund-raising dictates, we will be in touch soon to ask for your support again.
