Who We Are
The John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those affected by the criminal justice system in Ontario. Since 1979, we’ve worked to create a safer and more supportive community through meaningful action and programming.
JHS Peel-Halton-Dufferin is one of 19 John Howard Society offices in the province — each with a mission to prevent crime through research, community education and the promotion of systemic change and restorative services.
We help our clients move forward by addressing the root causes of their past behaviour. Our services include individual counselling, skill workshops and guidance for navigating the criminal justice system. Our goal is to help those who have experienced incarceration re-integrate into society and build towards a positive future.
Many of the youth and adults we serve have experienced trauma, stigmas and prejudices because of their experiences with mental health or homelessness that contributed to their involvement with the law. We work to remove the barriers they face to housing, education and employment and are proud to open our doors to youth and adults of all backgrounds. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and deserves equal opportunity to create a positive future for themselves.
At JHS Peel-Halton-Dufferin, our goal is to build a better Ontario and safer communities for all.
Our Mission
John-Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin provides effective responses and vital services that empower individuals, foster wellbeing, and address the root causes of crime.
Our Vision
As experts in the reduction and prevention of crime, we are committed to creating connected and safe communities where individuals thrive.
Our Beliefs
Human Rights – We believe that everyone deserves fair and equitable access to justice, safe and affordable housing, employment, education, and health care.
Justice for All – We believe in a justice system that is free of barriers and that supports individuals to find their voice, realize their potential, and reintegrate into the community.
Access to Services – We believe that accessible and strength-based services are paramount to creating and sustaining positive change.
Empowerment – We believe that when connected to appropriate supports, every individual can thrive and contribute to their communities.
Community Engagement – We believe in building strong partnerships in the best interests of all individuals to foster safe, connected and inclusive communities.
Our Values
Restorative Justice – We promote and practice compassionate treatment of all people by encouraging the repair of harm and the restoration of positive relationships through respect, responsibility, and empathy.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – We are committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression to ensure a culture of accessibility, safety, and belonging.
Client-Focused – We preserve dignity through a client-centred approach that meets the complex needs of the diverse communities we serve.
Collaboration – We promote a culture of engagement, partnership and innovation built on respect, honesty, and authenticity.
Growth and Learning – We are dedicated to continual development and improvement in order to understand and address crime and its complex causes.
Our History
The John Howard Society takes its name from the English prison reformer John Howard (1726 – 1790), who chronicled the conditions of prisons in England and Wales and kickstarted a prison reform movement across Europe.
Howard’s writings led to legislation against many evils within the prison system and changed public opinion in favour of more humane prison conditions. In 1931 Reverent J. Dinnage Hobden brought this mindset to British Columbia, forming a group called the John Howard Society. Between 1947 and 1960 most other provinces in Canada formed their own societies—with Ontario’s founded in 1946.
In 1962, all of the provinces, except for Quebec, came together to form the John Howard Society of Canada. Quebec went on to join in 1980.
Chief Executive Officer
Keith Kacsuta
Board of Directors
Pauline Wainwright – President
Keith Gilbert – Treasurer
Rafiq Rokerya – Vice President
Peter Wood – Member
Saleha Khan – Member
Leonard Lyn – Member