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Our History of Supporting Women and Children

Building brighter futures for 85 years

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver was founded in 1939 by a small group of volunteers determined to improve conditions for women and girls in custody. From those beginnings, EFry has grown into a leading social-service organization supported by around 360 employees and approximately 200 volunteers.

Throughout its history, EFry has challenged inequity, advanced the rights of women involved in the justice system, and created practical solutions where services did not exist. Its achievements include helping establish women’s right to single-gender correctional facilities, securing access to education in prisons, founding Vancouver’s methadone program, and developing community-based alternatives to incarceration that were later adopted across Canada.

Today, EFry supports people across the full continuum of justice-system involvement—from prevention and early intervention to incarceration, release, and the transition to safe, independent living. This work also extends to clients’ children. Supporting children affected by parental incarceration is a key priority because, without meaningful intervention, more than half may become involved in the justice system themselves. With timely, compassionate support, that cycle can be interrupted.

EFry’s history has been shaped by its ability to recognize the needs of marginalized people and act boldly to address them. The organization opened Canada’s first shelter for women and their children and established the country’s first non-governmental group home for youth.

EFry is also a founding member of the Canadian Association of Residential Options for Women, through which it contributes gender-informed expertise to improve access to residential supports for women returning from prison to their families and communities. EFry has also created innovative pathways to economic independence. Its Bridges Program was developed to help marginalized women build skills and secure long-term employment and was later adopted as a Government of Canada employment strategy. EFry also operates Woolwerx, a distinctive social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities for women transitioning from the justice system, homelessness, and substance-use challenges.

EFry Vancouver was the first Elizabeth Fry Society established in Canada. Today, 22 Elizabeth Fry agencies serve communities across the country and collectively form the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies.

Who was Elizabeth Fry?

Elizabeth Fry was born into a wealthy and socially prominent English family in 1780. At the age of 20, she married London merchant Joseph Fry, with whom she had 11 children. Despite the expectations associated with her social position, she was determined to use her influence to improve the lives of people who had been neglected and mistreated.

In 1813, Elizabeth Fry began visiting women incarcerated at London’s Newgate Prison. She was appalled by the overcrowding, poverty, and inhumane conditions she witnessed. In response, she formed the Association for the Improvement of the Female Prisoners in Newgate and led reforms that transformed conditions there and influenced correctional practices throughout Europe.

Her advocacy later expanded to include poverty relief, mental-health care, hospital reform, and improved training for health-care providers. Florence Nightingale credited Elizabeth Fry with influencing her own views on nursing education and the care of people who were ill.

During her lifetime and long after her death, Elizabeth Fry was recognized as a courageous advocate for people whose voices were ignored. Following her death in 1845, Queen Victoria, the King of Prussia, and more than 60 prominent supporters helped establish and endow the Elizabeth Fry Refuge for Women, a transition home for women leaving prison.

That legacy continues today through Elizabeth Fry organizations committed to justice, dignity, safety, and opportunity for women, children, and families.