2.2 Using Action Research Methods in This Project

When this research project was developed, it became apparent that there were large gaps in information about literacy programs for women in conflict with the law. Not only was it unclear exactly what programs are currently available, but there was no real sense of what kinds of programing would be most effective in reaching and holding this population in literacy programs.

To assess the extent of the problem of illiteracy, workers' perceptions of how clients feel about their illiteracy, and each Elizabeth Fry Society's involvement in assessment, counselling and program delivery, it was decided that the first step in project design would consist of on-site interviews with local executive directors or their designates. The following Elizabeth Fry Societies were consulted:

• Elizabeth Fry Society of Halifax, 1657 Barrington St., Ste. #320, Halifax NS;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto, 215 Wellesley St. E., Toronto, ON;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel, 134 Queen Street E., Suits 401, Brampton, ON;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, 4307 - 135 21st St. E., Saskatoon, SK;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton, 702 McLeod Bldg, 10136 - 100 St., Edmonton, AB;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of New Brunswick, 18 Botsford St., Moncton, NB;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, 4204, 1000 - 7th Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Hamilton, 627 Main St. E., 2nd Floor, Hamilton, ON;
  
  
• Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society, #201 - 156 Victoria St., Kamloops, BC;
  
  
• Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society, 202 - 1610 Bertram St., Kelowna, BC;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Kingston, #501 - 837 Princess St., Kingston, ON;
  
  
• Société Elizabeth Fry de Montréal, Métropolitaine, 1000 Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, PQ;
  
  
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, 195A Bank St., Ottawa, ON;