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Fearless founder of Elizabeth Fry of Simcoe County steps down

February 26, 2014   ·   0 Comments

Paula King, the passionate, persistent and fearless executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County, has retired from the organization that she founded and led for 25 years.

“Joyce Kope and I started Elizabeth Fry because there was an obvious need for advocacy and support for institutionalized and marginalized women in our communities,” said Paula. “We began by offering court support and now have a building that offers housing and programs for women involved with the criminal justice system, beds for homeless women, preventive programs for those at risk of being involved with the criminal justice system and staff who advocate for those currently institutionalized in our prisons.

“Elizabeth Fry offers hope to women most of us unthinkingly turn our backs upon, the poor, the mentally ill, and the addicted. I’m so proud of the important work we have done over the years.”

Paula and Joyce started Barrie’s Elizabeth Fry Society in 1989 with a settlement King received after a car crash. Having worked for 15 years in a probation and parole capacity, Paula quit her job, intending to offer women court support services. Need and demand for services over the years, along with funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing, and support from the community, eventually led to establishment of the current home, a 27-bed shelter that is also a federal and provincial halfway house.

The growth and operation of Elizabeth Fry has been far from easy. When the current home was ready and residents moved in, a labour strike shut the doors for six months. Paula and the residential director worked 24-hour shifts, missing family birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas until the strike was settled. The room that Paula slept in has now been named The Paula King Room in honour of her selfless dedication.

“Paula’s accomplishments, the founding of Elizabeth Fry, and her awareness raising and support for those in need is really remarkable,” said Chantal Ogrodnick, president of the board of directors for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County. “It takes a pretty incredible person to make something like this a reality and she is leaving a wonderful legacy to the community.”

All are welcome at an open house to celebrate the achievements and retirement of Paula. The open house is at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie, Friday Feb. 28 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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