About Us
“We believe in the power of a second chance, fueled by the compassion of a community that refuses to look away.”
History of the Elizabeth Fry Society
How It all Began:
Elizabeth Fry (Gurney) was born into a family of Quakers in 1780 in England. Her mother’s father, the Scottish theologian Robert Barclay, played an important role in defining early Quaker beliefs.
It was fortunate for all concerned that Quakers believed in the equality of women (250 years before women won the vote), otherwise Elizabeth Fry’s unusual talents in the area of prison reform might never have been realized.
Her insight, persistence, organizational ability and her willingness to see a “divine light” in every person resulted in striking reforms taking place in the manner in which women and children were treated in London’s Newgate Prison.
She was a strong proponent of humane treatment for prisoners and regarded by many as a leading expert in prison reform.Most of her life was spent in England, although she did visit Ireland and continental Europe.
She also offered advice to the Americas, Russia and Australia. She died in 1845 at the age of 66 years.The first Canadian Elizabeth Fry Society was established in Vancouver in 1939. The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) was originally conceived of in 1969 and was incorporated as a voluntary non-profit organization in 1978.
Today there are 24 local member societies across Canada.
Our Mission
To prevent and educe homelessness, criminalization, marginalization, racialization, and poverty by addressing systemic causes through advocacy and services
Our Vision
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka envisions healthy, hopeful and housed individuals living free from incarceration.
Our Values
Respect: Appreciate and admire all individuals
Empathy: Understand and share in the journey to wellness
Inclusion: Provide equal access free of judgment
Commitment: Dedication to supporting our program participants
Our Leadership
Guided by a dedicated board and executive team committed to the advancement of social justice in Simcoe Muskoka.
Linda Reid
President/Chair
Denise Resnick
Vice President/Chair
Debbie Sitzer
Treasurer
Vicki Smith
Secretary
Our Staff
Meet the dedicated staff of Elizabeth Fry Simcoe Muskoka, working every day to provide compassionate support, advocacy, and programs that create positive change in our communities.
Meaghan Chambers
Executive Director
Victoria Hvidston
Director of Shelter and Women's Services
Tracy Wood
Director of Operations
Ronda Leduc
Director of Community Justice
Kimberley Copeland
Manager of Community Reintegration Services
Jess Woodward
Manager of Ethens's Place
David Stone
Manager of Facilities
Ali Medeiros
Manager of Muskoka Programs
Jordan Kennedy
Supervisor of Joyce Kope House
Real Stories, Real Change
850+
Individuals supported annually through our crisis intervention and housing support programs.
12,000
Volunteer hours dedicated to advocacy and community mentorship each year.
“Walking through their doors was the first time I felt seen and not just processed. They gave me more than resources; they gave me my dignity back.”
— Jane Doe
Contact Us
Join Our Mission
Whether through donation, volunteering, or advocacy, your support directly impacts the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals in our region.