News and Archives

Now accepting women participants, 18+ years of age, for our Fall 2019 SAGE 12-week program. Please call to make an appointment to conduct an intake with Kachina. Please see the poster for details. Program Information: When: September 10th to November 29th, 2019. What: Learn skills for life, express yourself with writing & photography, learn employment skills and connect with Indigenous culture. Where: Sunalta Community Hall 1627, 10 Ave SW How: To register talk to Kachina, Sage Coordinator to set up a time to meet at: 403 294 0737 ext. 246 | sage@elizabethfrycalgary.ca

In 2018, an increased number of individuals from the Nation attended court and the number of Administration of Justice charges related to warrants and breaches reduced more significantly. Importantly, the support is conducted in the Stoney language, contributing to stronger understanding of processes, supports and resources. In our efforts to reduce incarceration rates of Indigenous peoples, we recognize the importance of working collaboratively within the community to empower opportunities that lead individuals out of the criminal justice system and on a stronger path of healing and wellness. Therefore, we are grateful for our partnerships and collaborations within the community who Read More →

Written by Selwynne Hawkins For people who have been recently incarcerated, access to a stable job reduces the chances of recidivism and is a key factor in successful integration into the community. But, even after an offender has “served their time,” they continue to face stigma and discrimination for mistakes they made in the past. This stigma manifests itself in many ways, making it difficult for people with criminal records to find employment. In a year-long project, the Research and Evaluation team at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary performed a qualitative analysis to investigate the barriers people with criminal Read More →

JACKSON ECKES Jackson Eckes is a recent graduate, with a Criminal Justice degree, who hopes to one day have a career helping youth. He first heard about the Elizabeth Fry Society during his post-secondary education and became involved with the Society in June 2018, when he started with the Youth Mentorship program. He has worked with this program both as a volunteer and a practicum student. Attracted to the Elizabeth Fry Society because it helped him make a positive difference in someone’s life, Jackson supports clients in court matters by providing them with the necessary legal information and knowledge of Read More →

Beading on the Path to Healing Written: by Wes Lafortune Elizabeth Fry’s Indigenous Program Coordinator, Barbara Smith gently cups a tiny beaded moccasin in her hands adorned with wolf willow seeds. It conjures up memories of her own childhood on the Piikani Nation where her grandmother first introduced her to beading at the age of nine. Barbara later relocated to Calgary but spent many hours on the Nation with her grandmother where she learned more about their culture. “All I knew is that I loved this woman,“ recalls Barbara. Her respect and admiration of her grandmother’s beading piqued her own Read More →

“I owe a big thanks to The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary in helping me become the person I wanted to be and am currently,” Dovena said. “And to be the mother I am today.” Dovena first came to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary in 2008, when her caseworker mentioned the organization. She participated in a program the organization hosted at the time, and over the next ten years, Dovena came into the office for food, toiletry items, or just to talk. “I always felt safe and connected with the staff. They were always so kind to me and Read More →