THUNDER BAY - A unique program is providing women in criminal justice system an opportunity to explore and discover new skills, while also helping them cope with life inside a correctional centre.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario hosts a weekly therapeutic art program for women at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.
“They absolutely enjoy the program, in particular the fact that they can come together and work collectively on particular pieces,” said Mary Kozorys, coordinator with Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario.
The Elizabeth Fry Society is a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for women who have come in contact with the criminal justice system. The therapeutic art program is one of several different initiatives undertaken by the Elizabeth Fry Society in correctional facilities, which includes yoga classes, meditation, and book clubs.
According to Kozorys, the art program in particular has really provided a way for women to explore new skills and help them cope with a difficult situation.
“Elizabeth Fry provides programs that are very unique in that they assist women with skills that will help them within the correctional centre, skills that help them focus and cope with the reality of being in a correctional centre,” she said. “As well as trying to discover some of the skills that they have and that they can transport into the community.”
Kozorys said there is so much talent amongst the women in the program that often goes unnoticed and she hopes programs like teaching therapeutic art will tap into some of that creativity and talent.
But the program also provides the women with something other than a creative outlet, which Kozorys said can be even more valuable.
“They look forward to coming out weekly to the variety of programs,” she said. “And also the sense of connection they have with the volunteers. For them, it’s an opportunity to make that connection and see that there are people who really do care about their stay within the correction centre.”
As part of Elizabeth Fry Week, held from May 8th to 14th, the art created by the women in the program will be auctioned off during a fundraiser on Friday, May 12 at the Oliver Road Community Centre. The artwork includes decorated plant pots and copper prints. This is the second year the fundraiser has been hosted and last year it raised more than $3,000.
“It’s a huge boost in terms of helping us get supplies, bring in occasional facilitators,” Kozorys said. “We are hoping to exceed that.”
To kick off Elizabeth Fry Week, Copperfin Credit Union donated $750 to the Elizabeth Fry Society on Monday.
Information displays about the Elizabeth Fry Society are also circulating through the Thunder Bay Public Libraries. Kozorys said she hopes people will have a better understanding of the services the society provides, because they do make a big difference, and the success of the art program is a perfect example.
“The women recognize the various skills that they have and the fact that there are people in the community who are interested in seeing them develop their skills and enhance them,” Kozorys said.
