Since 1986, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFry) has been advocating for human rights and social transformation to prevent incarceration due to systemic inequities. Growing from a grassroots movement promoting alternatives to prisons, EFry has evolved into an established organization with a strong presence in the Peterborough community that is known for providing compassionate community supports and amplifying voices of those who have been, or are at risk of being, criminalized.
This significant growth has been influenced by, and is also a result of, the increasing complexity and diversity of needs that service users are presenting and the many inter-connected crises our community is facing, including insufficient housing, poverty, substance use, and food insecurity.
Our Guiding Principles & Values
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough is a feminist, abolitionist organization that believes in the liberation of women and gender-diverse people from oppression of all kinds.
We believe that systemic inequities, such as trauma, poverty, mental health, substance use, and violence lead to criminalization.
Guided by these principles, we operate from the following set of core values:
Dignity: We believe everyone deserves respect. We meet people where they are at, without judgement, and we see people for who they are, instead of what their problems might be.
Inclusivity: We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and needs. We work hard to make sure no one is turned away from our organization. We amplify voices of those with lived experience.
Compassion: We treat people with care and empathy, and we honour the voices of lived experience.
Collaboration: We work as a team within our organization, with service users, and with our community partners to address broader systemic challenges and pursue shared goals.
Transparency: We operate in an open and accountable manner within our organization, with our service users and community partners, and with the public.
Listen In – The Social Profs Podcast
We’re excited to share a feature episode of The Social Profs Podcast, hosted by Beth Torrens and Kristy Buccieri. The podcast explores issues of criminology, justice, and community, shining a light on organizations and people creating meaningful change.
In this episode, our Director of Operations, Annessa Stillman, joins Beth and Kristy to talk about the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough. Annessa shares EFry’s history, the range of programs and supports we provide, and how the agency has grown over the years to respond to community needs.
She also reflects on the value of student partnerships, community collaboration, and working together to reduce barriers and build opportunities for the people we support.
Financial Reports
