On this International Women’s Day, I think about the incredible, local organizations working so hard in our community to improve the lives of our most vulnerable women and girls.
I think about organizations like the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland NS, who are protecting, advocating, and working with women involved in the criminal justice system. From one-on-one support for women who are currently in prison or jail. To the work they do to help women and girls transition into our community from the system, is incredible. They also help women and girls who might be at risk of getting involved with the criminal justice system.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Emma Halpern, the Executive Director for EFry this week to learn more about how Holly House in Dartmouth is providing a safe, stable place for women in our community while they work to transition out of the system, or are at risk of entering the system.
While we were there, a woman who used to live in Holly House, stopped by for a chat. She explained how much EFry meant to her, and how much the supportive housing and group meant to her. And she told us about how her life was on the up, she had found a great, positive career path and was now feeling confident about the future. Although she no longer lived at Holly house, she knew she was welcome, she knew there was a place and people who would continue to support her.
You can learn more about the important work EFry is doing across the province here: http://efrymns.ca/
