We would like to acknowledge that we work and live on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people of Fort William First Nation, as well as the Metis Nation. I recognize that we are all treaty people  under the Robinson-Superior treaty of 1850 and that we need more than a land acknowledgement to support these communities.
We stand with Indigenous led organizations and Indigenous communities in calling for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, particularly recommendation 30 which addresses the over-incarceration of Indigenous people. 
The population of Indigenous people in prisons designated for women has doubled in the last decade. Urgent action is needed now. In solidarity – Elizabeth Fry Societies across Canada. 

Who We Are

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario (EFSNWO) was established as the first and only organization in Thunder Bay with an exclusive mandate to support women and gender-diverse individuals involved in the criminal justice system. EFSNWO is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for women, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender-diverse people in prison, those transitioning back into the community, and those at risk of criminalization.

Annual Fundraising Goal | 2024

Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.$40,000Raised $9,500 towards the $40,000 target.$9,500Raised $9,500 towards the $40,000 target.24%

Organizational Timeline

January 2021
Relocated

Relocated to a more accessible and strategically located office. This move facilitated the establishment of a community drop-in hub, significantly expanding our outreach and leading to remarkable organizational growth.

April 2021
Transitional Apartment

Opens its first-ever low-barrier, harm-reduction transitional apartment, offering 3 beds.

October 2021
Expansion

First housing expansion, addition of one bed.

January 2022
Second Expansion

Second housing expansion, addition of 3 beds.

May 2022
Court Support Program

Pilots a 1-year Court Support Program with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, hiring our first Court Support Coordinator. 

May 2022
Food Bag Program

Begins a low-barrier food bag program with funding from TBDSSAB Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative.

September 2022
Reintegration Program

Pilots a Reintegration Program with funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, hiring our first Reintegration Navigator.

September 2022
Overnight Support

Added overnight support to the residents by introducing a part-time Harm Reduction Support Worker 4 evenings per week.

November 2022
Transitional Home

Opens its first transitional home with funding from TBDSSAB Homelessness Prevention Program, addition of 5 beds.

December 2022
Emergency Bed Program

Initiated a pilot Emergency Bed Program, providing emergency shelter during the winter months.

May 2023
Full-Time Fundraiser

Hires a full-time fundraiser for one year with funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada.  This project allows the organization to increase its visibility in the community via expanded fundraising efforts, social media, etc. 

September 2023
Second Transitional Home

Opens its second transitional home with funding from TBDSSAB Homelessness Support Program, addition of 19 beds.

January 2024
Emergency Bed Program

Emergency Bed Program runs for the second time with funding from the City of Thunder Bay Community Safety and Wellbeing Committee.

What's New

We're getting close to half of our annual fundraising goal! Help us get the rest of the way there, and help rebuild the lives of marginalized women, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals at risk of criminalization in Northwestern Ontariowww.facebook.com/donate/1180067999654082/#efsnwo #elizabethfrysocietynwo #compassioninaction #2SLGBTQIA+ #MMIWG2S+ #harmreduction #ilovesomeonewhousesdrugs #CommunityStrongerTogether #WomenLead #thunderbayontario #northwesternontario #rebelwithacause #womenandgenderequality #womenandgenderdiversepeople #transvisibility #endsexualexploitation #thunderbaystrong #endracism #socialjustice #InclusivityMatters #empowerment #JusticeForAll #EmpowerWomen ... See MoreSee Less
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Meet Robyn!Her unwavering commitment to advancing organizational goals through innovative fundraising strategies is palpable. In just one year, she has seamlessly integrated herself into our team, playing a pivotal role in achieving our annual fundraising targets. Her multifaceted contributions include developing fresh and imaginative fundraising approaches, orchestrating events, amplifying our message through social media management, the new bold branding, our online store, and the new EFry NWO website. Robyn’s dedication extends beyond mere tasks; she invests her whole heart into every endeavor, leaving an indelible mark on our mission.As our multimedia guru, Robyn’s impact reverberates throughout the organization. Her creative flair and strategic acumen have elevated our fundraising efforts. Notably, she conceptualized and executed Thunder Bay Women+s Day, designed our exclusive “Rebel With a Cause” merchandise, and flawlessly managed the RWC pilot event–capturing the essence of International Women’s Day perfectly. Robyn’s work resonates across our social media campaigns, volunteer recruitment efforts, and the recently launched online 50/50 draw.Robyn describes EFry NWO as a special and unique place, where camaraderie and care among staff members are unparalleled. Her admiration for the progress in day programming and the transitional housing program is boundless. Robyn draws inspiration from this remarkable community, reinforcing her dedication to EFry NWO’s transformative mission. 🌟“At the end of the day, everything I do is for my family. I want them to be proud of what I contribute to the community, and I want my kids to grow up in a safer and more stable world. EFry is the definition of grassroots grit. This is a team of resilient individuals fueled by their inner light and unwavering spirit. I have found a calling in supporting marginalized women+, and in addressing poverty. Efry is the only organization in Northwestern Ontario who specifically works to give women, gender diverse, and two-spirit people their lives back after being affected by criminalization and their impact continues to grow. I just want to encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the mission and show your support however you can. The only way things will truly change, is if we commit to that change, and work together to achieve it.”#efsnwo #ElizabethFrySocietyNWO #CompassionInAction #2SLGBTQIA+ #MMIWG2S+ #HarmReduction #ILoveSomeoneWhoUsesDrugs #CommunityStrongerTogether #WomenLead #ThunderBayOntario #NorthwesternOntario #RebelWithACause #WomenAndGenderEquality #WomenAndGenderDiversePeople #TransVisibility #EndSexualExploitation #ThunderBayStrong #EndRacism #SocialJustice #InclusivityMatters #Empowerment #JusticeForAll #EmpowerWomen ... See MoreSee Less
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