À propos de nous

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is the only organization in Ottawa providing a feminist, intersectional lens on criminalized women and gender-diverse people. We provide needed services and supports to some of the most marginalized members of our community who, in many cases, would not be served elsewhere.

Through an array of programming, diversion alternatives, and residential services, E Fry Ottawa supports women and gender-diverse people to avoid criminalization and incarceration, stabilize following incarceration, begin to address the trauma of their experiences in the criminal justice system, and develop life skills and structural supports (such as access to housing and mental health treatment) that can reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Our work to advocate for the abolition of prisons continues. This includes increasing public awareness of conditions that contribute to criminalization – such as poverty, abuse, substance use and mental health challenges.

Our Purpose

For E Fry Ottawa, embracing abolition means preventing the criminalization of women and gender-diverse people and creating humane alternatives to incarceration as it exists today. We know that criminalization is preventable when appropriate supports and resources are available and when laws are reformed to reduce the harms of criminalization.

Our Vision

We envision an inclusive and just community without prisons, in which all women and gender-diverse people live with equality and dignity.

Our Mission

We advocate for and support women and gender-diverse people in Ottawa who have been or may become criminalized.

Our Values

As a feminist organization, we value:

• Gender justice and intersectionality
• Equity and inclusion
• Collaboration and allyship
• Creativity and innovation
• Passion and accountability