Berkana House
Why
A joint project of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary and the Calgary John Howard Society, Berkana House is a residence for women who are on conditional release from the federal correctional system. Berkana House can accommodate children reuniting with their mothers.
Berkana House offers a healing and empowering environment to help women make a positive transition from the institution to the community.
What
- Located in a quiet residential area of the city
- Contains 4 fully furnished one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments
- Basic needs support (housing, food and clothing)
- Emotional, spiritual and relational support
- Caseworkers assigned to each individual
- nhanced self-esteem discussions
- Opportunities to learn positive life skills
- Access to community agencies for literacy training, employment skills and computer training
- AA volunteers sponsor and accompany residents to community meetings
- Weekly new beginnings AA meetings
- Psychological counselling and nursing
- Community chaplaincy support
- Dialectical behavioural therapy in group and individual sessions
- Bi-weekly native elder visits
- Access to other EFry programs
Who
IBrenda Ingham, Coordinator
Karen Bryant, Team Leader
(403) 640-8911
How
Thanks to the Correctional Service of Canada for making this initiative possible.
If you or someone you know would like to donate time or money to assist in the continued success of this or other Elizabeth Fry programs, please contact us by emailing reception@elizabethfry.ca.