Building stronger and safer communities

Canadian Families and Corrections Network works to strengthen families

Elmo and Cookie Monster recently visited Truro to share a special message, along with greetings and treats. The famous Sesame Street characters were at the library for a Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration Day, organized by the Canadian Families and Corrections Network (CFCN).

“Our mandate is to strengthen families,” said Louise Leonardi, executive director of CFCN. “Strong families help people get through difficult times and reduce reoffending.

“Children are always innocent and when a family member is incarcerated, they sometimes feel isolated and experience bullying at school. Sometimes they have to move and change friends. An inmate’s family is more likely to have literacy issues.”

She noted that a child whose parent is incarcerated is two to four times more likely to be incarcerated in the future.

CFCN spreads its message through fun community events, and the Truro gathering was the first since they were in Prince Albert, Sask., in 2019.

“We had planned for Truro in May 2020, but then COVID changed things,” said Leonardi. “This is a very non-stigmatizing way for people to get information. We love to have these at libraries, and we give them some of our resources so that they’re available for people to borrow.”

Leonardi, who has been with CFCN for 13 years, first contacted Sesame Street when she saw they had a DVD about incarceration. That led to a partnership in community events.

The mission of CFCN is “to build stronger and safer communities by assisting families affected by criminal behaviour, incarceration and reintegration.”

The organization works with men and women in institutions and their families. Family liaison workers assist female offenders and their families with family reintegration plans and offer support with parenting, the mother-child program and family contact.

“Nova Institution for Women has a long-standing partnership with CFCN and, as the warden, I’ve seen firsthand the value in their mission,” Kelley O’Neill, warden at Nova Institution, said during the event at the library.

She noted the support of loved ones is crucial to the success of inmates.

Johanne Charest, regional deputy commissioner with the Correctional Service of Canada, Truro Mayor Bill Mills, Colchester County Mayor Christine Blair and Colchester North MLA Tom Taggart also spoke at the event, which was funded by the Rotary Club of Truro and the United Way of Colchester County. Donations were also provided by Atlantic Superstore, Shopper’s Drug Mart and Tim Hortons.

“I love this job,” added Leonardi. “I think it’s great to go and help families in different areas of Canada.”

More information can be found on the CFCN website at https://www.cfcn-rcafd.org/.

LYNN CURWIN James Valinpora quickly snapped a selfie when he and his almost four-year-old son, Aeden, met Elmo at the Truro library.

LYNN CURWIN Nick Pace and his six-year-old son Jax were pleased to have their photo taken with Cookie Monster.

LYNN CURWIN Sixteen-month-old Violet Pryor enjoyed Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration Day at the Truro library. She got to meet both Elmo and Cookie Monster during her visit.

LYNN CURWIN Children were able to enjoy time with Elmo and Cookie Monster at the Truro library recently. Along with meeting the Sesame Street characters, visitors could also hear guest speakers and enjoy some tasty treats.