About EFry Toronto
A Brief History— from a one-room office in 1952
1951-1952
In 1951, a group of women from the First Unitarian Church Toronto met to discuss prison reform with Agnes MacPhail, Canada’s first female Member of Parliament. This meeting resulted in the founding of the Elizabeth Fry Society, Toronto Branch incorporating as a non-profit in 1952.
From a one-room office on Jarvis Street, the agency has grown into its current location which provides counselling, support programs, and transitional housing.
How a prison visit led to years of Women’s Advocacy
1780-1812
Elizabeth Fry was an English woman, born in 1780 into a wealthy Quaker family. In 1812, she began visiting women imprisoned in London’s infamous Newgate Prison. She was appalled by the conditions of poor and illiterate women incarcerated with their children and campaigned for their rights. Elizabeth Fry established a school for the children in prison and created work projects for women to gain skills so they would be able to earn money after their release. She also advocated for female guards and better conditions, her persistence and compassion led to real change for women in prison.
Phyllis Haslam — a tireless advocate for the welfare of women
1953-1978
Phyllis Haslam was the Executive Director of Elizabeth Fry Toronto from 1953 until 1978. A tireless advocate for the welfare of women, Phyllis Haslam spearheaded the organization’s considerable growth. The principles by which she led the organization continue to guide Elizabeth Fry Toronto today.
Before her death in 1991, Phyllis Haslam witnessed the building of 215 Wellesley Street House which was the realization of her most profound dreams: caring and professional residential services, counselling programs designed to meet client needs in a sensitive and timely fashion, and community outreach.
About EFry Toronto
Our Vision
Our Values
COMPASSION
ACCOUNTABILITY
EXCELLENCE
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Meet the EFry Toronto Team
Kelly Potvin (she/her), Executive Director, ext 256
Ermelina Balla (she/her), Manager of Community Outreach and Employment Supports, ext 253
Iren Tajbakhsh (she/her), Manager of Counselling and Court Services, ext 238
Lucy Gudgeon (she/her), Manager of Residential and Housing Program, ext 250
Srayashree Mallick (she/her), Human Resources Manager, ext 220
Record Suspension
Cynthia Richards (she/her), Record Suspension Counsellor, ext 244
Madhura Pancha (she/her), P/T Record Suspension Counsellor, ext 260
W.E.B (Women’s Empowerment through Business)
Kaytisha Mayers (she/her), Employment Program Coordinator, ext 226
C: 416-436-6188
Meera Umasuthan (she/her), Employment Program Coordinator, ext 241
Reintegration Services
Julien Benjamin (she/her), Reintegration Counsellor, ext 232
C: 647-612-5652 jbenjamin@efrytoronto.org
General Counselling Services
Sherrette Thomas (she/her), General Counsellor, ext 243
Partner Assault Response (PAR)
PAR Counsellor,
416-924-3708 ext. 247
TREM SS (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model Standing Strong)
Nana Boateng (she/her), TREM SS Counsellor, ext 261
Dana Riley (she/her), TREM SS Counsellor, ext 252
Direct Accountability Program (DAP)
cjwcollegepark@efrytoronto.org
Victoria Di Prospero (she/her), DAP/CJW Counsellor, ext 227
C: 416-705-2920 vprospero@efrytoronto.org
Reach Out to Women (Jean Tweed Centre)
Stephanie Archambault (she/her), Counsellor, ext 254
C: 416-803-3487 sarchambault@efrytoronto.org
Allyson Samuel (she/her), Director of Finance and Administration, ext 240
Shehan Abeynaike (he/him), Finance Coordinator, ext 237
Richard Opoku-Boateng (he/him), Facilities Coordinator, ext 246
Paz Humana (she/her), Reception and Administration Coordinator, ext 230
Nilani Sabanayakam (she/her), CTI Housing Counsellor, ext 224
Residential Staff, ext 233
residencestaff@efrytoronto.org
Mar Barud (she/her), Housing Success Worker, ext 264
Lakmini Wijayawickrama (she/her), Housing Success Worker, ext 265
Sabra Rezaei (she/her, they/them), Volunteer and Community Services Coordinator, ext 248
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Lauriana Mandody
President
Shabnum
Durrani
Director
Frishta
Bastan
Director
Aileen Thompson
Secretary
Cara-Marie O'Hagan
Treasurer
Bhavan
Sodhi
Director
Tiina
Aldridge
Director
Tanisha
Evans
Anna Kay
Bailey
Lauren
Winkler
Kamilah Haywood
Director
Thank You to our Donors & Partners
Your support has been crucial and necessary in ensuring that we are able to provide services to women who are relying on us now more than ever.
Our Programs & Services-and the many women we help depend on your support.