Elizabeth Fry Society Of Mainland Nova Scotia

Our organization is devoted to improving the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in Nova Scotia through implementing innovative programming initiatives, providing comprehensive housing supports, promoting justice system reform, and supporting the building of individual capacity, contributing to the development of positive relationships within communities. Additionally, we work to encourage the public’s awareness and understanding of issues impacting women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in the criminal justice system, along with addressing systemic failures and root causes of criminalization. Currently, key programs being delivered to our clients include The Abundance Program (TAP), a comprehensive initiative providing participants with necessary information and tools for supporting their employment and educational journeys; and Women for Change, a five-week comprehensive program addressing the nature of happy and healthy relationships. In addition to these programs, through our Girls action Against Trafficking and Exploitation (GATE) Project, we serve the needs of youth experiencing vulnerabilities to commercial sexual exploitation. Through the EFMNS Prison Legal Services initiative, we are able to provide support in the form of prison law assistance to our clients. Specifically, this entails aiding women and gender-diverse individuals who are currently, or have previously been, incarcerated with prison law matters or in cases of miscarriage of justice. Holly House, located in Dartmouth, has 10 units that encompass both offices and eight single occupancy rooms for women and gender-diverse individuals. It is an inclusive, accessible space. We also deliver housing options through Pinecrest, our second stage affordable housing six-plex located in Halifax. Pinecrest houses Indigenous women, offering them a safe space with programs surrounding culture, teachings, medicine, and spiritual support.