Correctional Centre Programs

The “Staying Connected Within A Circle of Care” Program at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre is a comprehensive initiative providing crucial support and planning for women+ both during and after incarceration. The program offers one-on-one assistance, advocacy, and release planning, encompassing legal support, counselling, substance use health services, and reconnection with family and community. Access to a toll-free telephone line, a clothing bank, release kits, and necessities is provided. ID Services address systemic barriers to treatment and social services, while courses in Psychological First Aid and Emergency First Aid aim to enhance understanding of stress, grief, and trauma effects. Arts and Crafts Programming, including activities like printmaking and drum-making, supports rehabilitative outcomes, while a Basic Food Safe Handling Certificate Course facilitates employment. Ongoing Meditation and Mindfulness sessions, a yearly Community Services Fair, and programs such as Preventing Opioid Overdose are also carried out. The initiative fosters connections between incarcerated women+ and community resources, emphasizing rehabilitation and holistic well-being.

Arts and Crafts Programming with professional artists enhances rehabilitative outcomes and develops artistic skills through activities like printmaking, book-making, drum-making, and beading. Additionally, an Emergency First Aid Course, a Basic Food Safe Handling Certificate Course for enabling employment and ongoing Meditation and Mindfulness sessions, facilitated by experienced volunteers, have been running for eight years.  The Community Services Fair brings various agencies to the Correctional Centre, fostering connections between incarcerated women+ and community resources. Other ongoing programs include Preventing Opioid Overdose, residential treatment program information from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, and the ‘Circle of Security’ program to aid in child custody matters.