Wrap Up to Efry Week With One More Story!!

I have worked with M. for over two years at Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre and the Edmonton Remand Centre.  She was recently convicted of her charge and sentenced to 5 years federally and is now at Edmonton Institution for Women.  M. is a bright and enthusiastic young lady who got caught up in a negative life style resulting in her incarceration. 

Her charges should not reflect who she is as she is a hard worker with a warm heart.  M. worked herself to the bitter end while incarcerated at the ERC.  She accomplished her GED while inside and studied every night.  It took her two years to complete everything but she did it and on top of that she was the first female at the ERC to receive her GED which was very exciting for her. 

 She now plans on continuing her education at EIFW and once released back into the community she would like to complete her medical administration or look into being a dental assistant. 

Written by Britt, our Provincial Prison Liaison and Work4Women Program Coordinator

Another Woman Achieving Success!

B. a fifty year old woman attended the Changing Paths program for 369 hours. She attended regularly, walking 6 blocks from the bus stop in frigid temperatures, sore knees and broken heart. Because of her addictions to gambling, Tylenol, depression her family had disowned her. Over time she took the information shared in the program to heart, and practiced new ways of behaving and responding to family members. She was encouraged to call us anytime and she did. We would work through ‘bumps in the road’ together and she could move on. She learned new coping strategies and a love for life.

Her family ties strengthened and she was welcomed back over time. Today she lives a productive life, volunteering and being a good role model for her daughter. When mothers heal, their children heal also.

Written by Florence, our Changing Paths Program Coordinator

Inspiring Story From One Of Our Clients!

K. a twenty-five year old woman, attended Changing Paths for a total of 284 hours. She attended regularly, punctually and participated as fully as she was able. Some days were better than others as she struggled with an addictions, anger and depression. Because she took the information shared in the program, to heart, and practiced some of the ideas in her life, over time she re-discovered her own strengths and power, learned new ways to communicate, and most importantly, learned to love who she is.

By the time she finished the program, she had mended damaged relationships in her family, and completed a course that allowed to her apply for better jobs.  Her family re-located to a smaller city where she was successful in gaining employment in the local hospital, her dream job.

One of her final quotes when faxing her timesheet to her Probation Officer was “Thank you so much for the referral to the Changing Paths program. It’s changed my life.”

Written by Florence, our Changing Paths Program Coordinator

Hello Everyone!

It is National Elizabeth Fry Week this week!! As part of our celebration we will be sharing a few of our success stories each day. 

Here is the first one:

I first met E. in the summer of 2012 when she accessed our intake services as she wanted to make a call.  I noticed that she was pregnant so I gently inquired as to whether she had support and resources during her pregnancy.   She registered for the Health for Two Program which provides low income mothers with needed resources such as milk coupons, bus tickets and prenatal vitamins.  She further disclosed many things one of those being not having her basic needs met.  She was staying with an acquaintance that was taking advantage of her and was exploiting her.    

I provided her with information and resources as to what options were available to her.  She was drawn to an external life skills program within the community.  With letters of support in hand by the Elizabeth Fry Society and Native Counseling Services she was accepted into Elizabeth House immediately.  From there her strength and courage continued to grow and she really flourished. Through Elizabeth House she was referred to Bent Arrow; a housing first program where she now has her own apartment and has acquired additional supports.  She has worked hard and has started to address the many hardships she has endured in her life. 

I am delighted to say that she has been sober for over one year, has maintained her same apartment and is in the process of having her children returned to her full-time in September.  She has also been attending Yellowhead Tribal College and has been encouraged to transfer to the University of Alberta in September. 

I am also very pleased to share that we still keep in contact and she is still moving forward!

“When I came to Edmonton, the only support I had was you and now I have and now I have more good supports….”

Written by Shawna, our Community Resources Coordinator