When a woman becomes involved in the Canadian criminal justice system, or becomes highly marginalized in some other way, the Elizabeth Fry (EFry) Society is ready to help.
The small, non-profit organization relies heavily on volunteers including Kismet Kaur, the first reassuring voice many clients will encounter.
Kismet is a single mother who, on top of her Elizabeth Fry Society volunteer work, holds a full time job and is enrolled in a post-secondary criminal justice program.
Kismet says the agency is a great fit for her as she’s overcome difficulties in her own life.
“A big part of it was my marriage,” explains Kismet. “It was very harmful for my wellbeing.”
“As soon as I got out of it, this was a couple of years ago, and I attended my criminal justice program and this is how I end up being in this organization.”
Katelyn Lucas, the Elizabeth Fry Society's executive director in Calgary, says, as a small organization trying to help highly marginalized women, they rely heavily on volunteers and Kismet is very valuable as a first contact.
“We are dealing with people with language barriers, sometimes literacy barriers, that are coming from trauma, places of addictions or homelessness,” explains Katelyn. “So Kismet is essential to that process and she's non-judgmental.”
“She's really capable of being patient with people that might be angry.”
Karen Bennett, volunteer co-ordinator.at the EFry society, has a great appreciation for what Kismet brings to the office and to their clients.
“Every time she's here, she is a light in our office,” said Bennett. “She answers the phone and treats them with such respect and dignity and knows what it means to need that support.”
After feeling that she had little value as a woman during a difficult period of her life, Kismet is passionate about helping others feel worthwhile.
“Being a woman, this is my place,” said Kismet. “When I'm here, when I tend phone calls, I'm able to give them a helping hand. Sometimes they call just to share their sorrow with somebody.”
For her dedication to marginalized women, Kismet Kaur is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
