The needs of women who are serving a federal prison sentence (FSW) are unique and complex.  While preparing for release from prison, many of these women face challenges such as: lack of supports, difficulty with forming trusting relationships, low self esteem, lack of knowledge of resources available and community stigmatization.  This combined with the challenges of poverty, low education, low employability, and the reunification with their children leaves them vulnerable to old lifestyles and behaviours.

The Stride program supports successful reintegration to the community through principles of community engagement and restorative justice.  Much of our work in reintegration occurs in Grand Valley Institution (prison) for Women (GVI), where we lay the foundation for relationships and supports which the women can take into their community.

"My life is not where it was; I have a chance now." Stride Circles Client

Stride believes, that by offering opportunities for community agencies and citizens to engage with women who are serving a federal prison sentence (FSW), while they are incarcerated, we build the capacity for the communities to receive them upon their release thus supporting successful reintegration.  This process also facilitates a more informed community on issues of crime, incarceration and reintegration and Correctional Services Canada (CSC).

Stride provides four innovative services:
1. Stride Circles involves community volunteers in creating Circles or networks of support for women leaving prison.  Circle Volunteers support the practical and emotional needs of reintegration, helping the woman choose options and recognize achievements.  The woman works with her Circle to find housing, employment, education, community groups/courses, and to face the many other challenges in becoming self-sufficient.  The Circle's care and support mirrors that which most of us have through family.

"My life is not where it was; I have a chance now."  Stride Circle's client

2. Reintegration counselling supports women in and out of prison with reintegration issues and connects them with formal and informal community resources.

3. Stride Night creates bridges to the community through individual volunteers and community organizations who participate, engage and develop supportive relationships with the women serving a sentence at GVI.  These volunteers and organzations then develop their own vision and potential of how they might contribute to a woman's positive reintegration.  These relationships, connections and experiences equip women leaving prison with options for creating a new life.

The Stride Night program operates weekly, on Tuesday evenings.  Utilizing various social recreation and reintegration skill activities, Stride integrates trained volunteers and relevant community resources with the women incarcerated in GVI

"I get to meet new people, socialize, find out what's happening in the outside world and I get to make and keep a craft." Stride Night client

4. Speakers Bureau - clients, volunteers, and staff speak in the community about issues of reintegration and women in conflict with the law.

Most Stride services rely heavily on volunteer participation.  To find out more about these rewarding opportunities, please refer to the "Training and Events" section of Stride program of this website.