November Appeal

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John NB Inc is a non-profit, charitable organization assisting women and girls who are in conflict, or at risk of coming into conflict, with the law.  We assist on a daily basis through the provision of programs and services offered in communities throughout the Province, at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre, and Nova Institution for Women.

This is our annual appeal for financial assistance.  We have minimum operating expenses, so the monies received go directed to assist women and their children and youth who are incarcerated and or living in the community.

For over twenty years, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John NB Inc has been an advocate for criminalized, marginalized victimized and incarcerated women.  We have become more aware of the plight of the children of incarcerated mothers.  These children are invisible, not only from policy makers, service providers and researchers, but also from communities.  They are the silent victims of imprisonment.

We have been busy as usual with our programs at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.  On the social side, we offer a monthly Bingo with prizes that consist of personal hygiene items, and we conduct a monthly Craft night.  The one – on- one Mentoring Program is an ongoing weekly commitment.  This is a time when women can unburden themselves, discuss innermost feelings, or they may want information about the welfare of their children, how to seek legal assistance or simply need help sorting out the many forms required. 

The weekly Mother/Child Read Aloud Program is dear to the women’s hearts.  A mother may choose two books for each of her children and read the books on tape. 

Volunteers then mail the books, tapes, batteries and a walkman to the children so they can listen to their mother’s voice.  The results are magic.  While a mother reads and relates intimately with her child, the child is reassured that mom has not forgotten him or her.

Recently, we have been granted funding by The United Way of Greater Saint John and The New Brunswick Children’s Foundation, and The Rothesay Police Force to continue to facilitate the Anti-Shoplifting Program, which will begin shortly in grade 5 classrooms throughout School Districts 6 and 8.  The Program includes a video depicting a youth shoplifting and the consequences thereafter, as well as a work book that contains information and quizzes which the student may share with parents and siblings. Our volunteer then responds to questions and has a discussion about the film.

Also in the community, E. Fry has successfully completed two intakes of our Cross Roads Program for female youth who are currently on Probation.  The last session had a 100% success rate, in that each participant attended all sessions and successfully completed the program .We are incredibly proud of our young women and the Program.  We look forward to holding additional programming for female youth in the New Year, with funding received from The Greater Saint John Community Foundation.

The signs of Christmas are upon us once again, with thoughts of happy times spent with family and friends.  They are not so joyful to those with little or no funds for food, let alone the buying of gifts. It would be difficult to imagine such a situation, judging by the glowing commercials on television showing impossibly impressive houses, food laden tables and gift-sated children.  This can be a very sad season for those who have lost loved ones, or are for one reason or another alone.  It is no wonder that this is a very emotional time for the women in jail, especially those who are mothers (almost all) and are separated from their children.  We try our best to mitigate their obvious distress.

Three weeks before Christmas, having obtained the age and size of their children, and with the help of donations, we buy gifts to suit each child.  One night is set aside for each mother to view and wrap the gifts which we mail the following day.  The pleasure the women derive from this is evident by tears of thankfulness.

Unfortunately due to the present financial situation and the decline in the Canadian economy, we have fallen short of our goal.  In order to continue to provide all of these services and programs, we desperately need your assistance.

We have very limited funding from the government and most of what we do get is designated funds.  In the past, we have gracious support from our donors, and it is our hope that you continue to assist us in our many endeavors.

We would like to thank you in advance for any donation, large or small, that you are able to make this year, as well as thank you for any past donations you have made.  It all makes a difference. Tax receipts are provided for all donations.

Sincerely,

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John NB Inc

Women on the inside need friends on the outside.

Want to make a safe, online donation?  Check out our page at CanadaHelps.org.

(www.canadahelps.org, search The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John)