About Us

Mission

Effective, just, and humane responses to crime and its causes.

Vision

To be a proactive leader promoting safer and more resilient communities through innovative and inclusive services.

Belief Statements

1. We believe that every individual has intrinsic worth and has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
2. We believe in the potential of all human beings and in their capacity for growth and change.
3. We believe that all individuals have the right to live in a safe and peaceful society and that justice is best served through measures that resolve conflict and promote the reparation of harm.
4. We believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions and must be held accountable for those actions.
5. We believe that both the root causes and the solutions to crime are found within communities.
6. We believe in addressing communities’ needs by cooperating and collaborating to achieve a healthy and safe society.

Value Statements

Inclusivity

We welcome people of all experiences, cultures, and backgrounds to foster diversity, inclusion and equity.

Person-centred

We respond to the unique needs of community members through advocacy, education and support to increase their stability and community participation.

Integrity

We foster a motivating environment with opportunities for change and innovation with professional and effective services.

Evidence-based 

We promote resilient and safe communities by utilizing evidence-based interventions to achieve the best solutions and outcomes.

Collaboration

We build connections and engage in a collaborative approach that strengthens our communities and district.

JHS Philosophy on Corrections

Who is John Howard?

John Howard was an 18th century Englishman who was made the Sheriff of Bedford, a post which included among its duties, the task of inspecting local prisons. Few sheriffs actually bothered to carry out these duties but John Howard was different. Shocked by the corruption, stench, filth, starvation and disease he saw in the jails, he dedicated his life to improving prison conditions throughout England, Wales and continental Europe. His famous report, On the State of Prisons in England and Wales led to legislation against the more obvious evils of the system, and slowly moved public opinion to favour more humane prison conditions.

Our History

The history of the John Howard Society began in 1867 with a group of church workers seeking to bring spiritual help to prisoners in the Toronto jail.

In 1874 this small group became known as the “Prisoners Aid Association of Toronto.” They soon came to recognize that more than spiritual aid was needed by prisoners, but interest dwindled during World War I (1914-1918). In 1929 a citizens’ group led by Toronto’s Chief of Police, General Draper, reactivated their cause as the “Citizens Service Association.” The Citizens Service Association – an organization of volunteers – set itself the task of providing practical help to ex-prisoners with housing, clothing and employment.

In 1946, the “Citizens Service Association” in Ontario changed its name and became the John Howard Society of Ontario. Most other provinces formed John Howard Societies between 1947 and 1960.

Currently, there are branches and offices in over 60 communities across Canada, provincial offices in all 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories and a national office in Kingston, Ontario. In 1962, the John Howard Society of Canada was formed as a federation of provincial and local societies comprised of people whose goal is to understand and respond to problems of crime; to review, evaluate and advocate for changes in the criminal justice process; and to engage in public education on matters involving prison conditions, criminal law and its application.

The original focus of the founders of the John Howard Society was helping men released from prison. While aftercare continues to be a core service to this day, the activities of local Societies have expanded over the years. The services now include institutional services, employment services, addiction services, housing services, services for youth, preventive programming, education services, literacy and life skills programs, community services and, most recently, services for people defined as being “at risk” of involvement in criminal activity.

The John Howard Society depends on public involvement. All levels of the organization – from local to national – are governed by voluntary Boards of Directors. Volunteers are extensively involved in the direct service work of the Society. Many also support the work of the John Howard Society through donations.

Board of Directors

David Williams
President

Antje McNeely
Vice President

Matt White
Treasurer

Zeeshan Asim
Secretary

Andrew Reeson 
Board Member

Joe Dart
Board Member

Joel Friesen
Board Member

Natasha Beitman
Board Member

Holly Howard

Board Member

Ilona Dobson

Board Member

Our Staff

Julie Langan
Executive Director

Robyn Holmes

Assistant Executive Director

Rebecca Den Engelsman

Manager of Residential Services

Gayla Nesbitt
Manager of Compliance and Employer Services

Ray Anaya

Manager of Finance and Administration

Kara Petit
Team Leader of Bail

Chelsea Anderson

Housing Coordinator

Alicia Royce
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker

Shannon Gottfried
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker

Megann Flowers

Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker

Tracy Handy

Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker

Mallory Manser

Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker

Caleb Stringer
Residential Case Worker

David Kotanko
Residential Case Worker

Brendan Lorimer
Residential Support Worker/ IS Worker

Kellie MacMillan

Justice-Involved Housing Worker

Jeremy Conway

Outreach Housing Support Worker

Sarah Garcia

Outreach Housing Support Worker

Connect Youth Services

Mackenzie Durant

Housing Support Worker

Danielle Fowler

Program Support Worker

Katelyn Cross

Housing Support Worker

Dan MacKinnon

WAY Coordinator

Myriam McLaughlin-  on maternity leave

Housing Support Worker

Cheyenne Serson

Housing Support Worker

Ezzy Waterworth

Housing Support Worker

ReStart Employment Services

Donna Searles
Manager of Employment Services

Julia Hamilton- on leave
Team Leader of Employment Services

Terry Rose
Job Developer

Matthew Li
Job Developer

Ian Giles
Job Developer

Victoria Sobol
Employment Consultant

Melissa Ross
Employment Consultant

Marissa Moore
Employment Consultant

Stacey Seto
Employment Consultant

Christa Caverly

Employment Consultant

Brandy Truscott
Employment Consultant

Rebecca Fortune – On leave
Employment Consultant

Anne Barrett
R&I Consultant

Nancy Stuckless

Administrative Assistant

Strategic Plan

JHSKD Strategic Plan 2018 – 2020

JHSKD Strategic Plan 2021-2023

Financial Statements

View our CRA/ T3010 Charitable Organization Designation