Purpose of National Elizabeth Fry Week
The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) celebrates National Elizabeth Fry Week annually. Elizabeth Fry societies across the country organize public events in their communities throughout the week.
Our goal is to enhance public awareness and education regarding the circumstances of women involved in the criminal justice system, especially those who are criminalized. We hope to challenge and gradually break down the negative stereotypes that exist about women who are victimized and criminalized.

National Elizabeth Fry Week is always the week preceding Mother's Day. The majority of women in prison are mothers. Most of them were the sole supporters of their families at the time they were incarcerated. When mothers are sentenced to prison, they and their children are also sentenced to separation. Many women find this the most severe punishment. We try to draw attention to this reality by ending Elizabeth Fry Week on Mother's Day each year.

By focusing on the needs of women in the community and alternatives to prison, our 24 member societies hope to encourage the Canadian public to examine some productive and responsible means of encouraging community responses to addressing criminal justice matters from coast to coast. Our hope is that, particularly in times of fiscal restraint, this sort of proactive focus will encourage the development of, and support for, community based options, rather than costly incarceration.
Fact sheets, references and a list of pertinent videos are available for those seeking additional information. Please visit the CAEF'S web-site at www.elizabethfry.ca or contact them directly at the CAEFS' office. Happy Elizabeth Fry Week!
Key Messages
We are the community-based voice for women at risk as well as those who are criminalized as a result of their poverty, racism, physical, sexual or substance abuse, and/or lack of education.
The increasing number of Canadian women in prison is clearly linked to the increased cuts to expenditures for social services, health and education. We protect and support women who are in conflict with the law in all situations from first arrival at a police station to maintaining contact with their children and reentering their communities.
Our societies across Canada are dedicated to supporting the efforts of disenfranchised women who are brought into conflict with the law to rejoin productive society, to promote understanding of their needs and the responsibilities of our communities in bringing about these changes.

We address the unique needs of women and First Nations peoples by advocating changes and reforms to the law, penal and correctional regulations, and practices and conditions of the traditional criminal justice system.

Most of the women who are criminalized are considered to have many needs but are seen as low risk, posing virtually no threat to communities in which they live and work.

Only 1-2% of women released, ever re-enter prison for new offences!

We believe that women in conflict with the law have the right to justice without fear of prejudice or discrimination and through our paid and volunteer workers across Canada, we fight for their equality under the law.
Employment Opportunities
None at Present
Volunteer Opportunities
Our organization needs volunteers. They are essential to help us provide the best service possible to our clients, and we need volunteers to help us in our efforts to inform people of the aims and objectives of the Society. The Board of Directors is comprised of community members that bring their expertise to assist in guiding the direction of the Society.
NOTE:The Society is currently looking for new board volunteers. If you have an interest in the criminal justice system and women's issues please see our Contact page for contact information.
The current News
Nov. 2005 A new website is to be released in January 2005. Designers Jon Carewick and Paul Townsend Have done an outstanding job in putting this together. Thanks a lot guys. Sept. 2005 20th Anniversary of the EFry Society. Big Gala dinner to be held October 27. Too bad Paul will miss it!