EFry’s child rights petition now before Canada’s Parliament Thanks to the amazing efforts of EFry staff and volunteers, our petition to support the rights of vulnerable children (such as those whose parents are homeless, incarcerated or have addictions) who live in less stable home environments has received over 5,000 signatures. The petition calls on the… Read More
Spring Newsletter 2018
Not just horsing around – alternative therapy methods EFry’s Am’ut Aboriginal Youth Program works with Aboriginal teenage girls who are in conflict with the law and want to make positive changes in their lives. Taking part in Aboriginal cultural activities and values is a key facet of the Am’ut program. To further this goal, as… Read More
Reporting back: What we learned at the International Coalition for the Children of Incarcerated Parents conference
By Shawn Bayes, Executive Director, EFry Last week, EFry representatives joined delegates from more than a dozen countries at the International Coalition for the Children of Incarcerated Parents in New Zealand. This was a major trip for EFry and one we felt was important in furthering our JustKids initiative, which provides specialized programs and supports… Read More
The Privilege of Supporting Women at Every Stage of Life
Having a place to call home is a basic human need. One of the programs we operate, A Key of Her Own, is based on the Housing First model and helps find safe, permanent housing for women dealing with long-term or chronic homelessness. Most of these clients face multiple challenges, among them trauma, addiction, physical… Read More
Inspiration Behind Bars: A Counsellor’s Journey into Prison
by Rikki Fryatt, Clinical Counsellor, EFry “Starting next week, you’ll be facilitating a parenting group in the prison.” My director’s words fell heavy onto my ears. My internal response was squeamish avoidance. My stomach clenched. My heart raced. During my past three years working as a clinical counsellor within EFry, I’ve worked alongside hundreds of… Read More
Culture Supports Healing at EFry’s Am’ut Program for Aboriginal Girls
Sage smudging, sweat lodges and connecting with First Nations elders: these and other cultural traditions are central to EFry’s full-time attendance program for Aboriginal girls in conflict with the law. As an alternative to incarceration, girls ages 12 to 18 may complete their sentences at Am’ut, a 24/7 supervised program based from a home in… Read More