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
- We believe that every individual has intrinsic worth and has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- We believe in the potential of all human beings and in their capacity for growth and change.
- 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.
- We believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions and must be held accountable for those actions.
- We believe that both the root causes and the solutions to crime are found within communities.
- 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
Our Staff
Julie Langan
Executive Director
Jesse Glasspoole
Manager of Residential Services
Gayla Nesbitt
Compliance Officer
Ray Anaya
Manager of Finance and Administration
Emma Kuranowicz-Vyse
Team Leader of Bail
Kara Petit
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Stacey Ison
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Robyn Holmes (on leave)
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Alicia Royce
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Kerri Gurski
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Shannon Gottfried
Bail Supervisor/ Court Worker
Josh Polson
Residential Case Worker
David Kotanko
Residential Case Worker
Brendan Lorimer
Residential Support Worker/ IS Worker
Kellie MacMillan
Justice-Involved Housing Worker
ReStart Employment Services
Gemma McEachern
Manager of Employment Services
Julia Hamilton
Team Leader of Employment Services
Terry Rose
Job Developer
Sunita Gupta
Job Developer
Megan Paupst
Employment Consultant
Sherrie Gaylord
Employment Consultant
Tracy Handy
Employment Consultant
Callum Anderson
Employment Consultant
Brandy Truscott
Employment Consultant
Megann Flowers
Employment Consultant
Ian Giles
Job Developer
Rebecca Fortune
Employment Consultant
Anne Barrett
R&I Consultant
Strategic Plan
JHSKD Strategic Plan 2018 – 2020
JHSKD Strategic Plan 2021-2023
Financial Statements
View our CRA/ T3010 Charitable Organization Designation