Proud to serve this community and
be a United Way Greater Toronto Anchor Agency

We provide programs to individuals who have been in conflict with the law or those at risk of.  Our goal is to make Toronto safer through programs that focus on crime prevention, intervention and reintegration.  We have four offices in the Toronto area (Eglinton West, Danforth, Etobicoke and Scarborough).  We provide New Beginnings!

JHS Toronto Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the land we are located on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

We Stand Together

The John Howard Society of Toronto’s Board of Directors condemns racism and discrimination of any kind.

We recognize the systemic discrimination, including Anti-Black and Anti-Indigenous racism that is prevalent in our justice system. We proudly stand with our Black and Indigenous clients that have been hurt and discriminated against as they continue to work through and overcome these injustices. We proudly stand with our staff that work hard to support our clients guided by our agency values of Social Justice and Leadership, Equity and Integrity, Inclusivity, Results Focused, Resiliency, and Accountability. We will continue to support and advocate for a fair justice system and for communities that are more inclusive and safe. Ongoing agency training remains a priority as we acknowledge the need for continuous growth and understanding related to Anti-Black racism, anti-oppressive service delivery and restorative justice practices.

As an agency we will continue our work to ensure that our Board, our management team and our frontline staff represent the diversity of those we serve and support. We will continue to listen and learn from our Black and Indigenous staff, neighbours, community members, and clients. Their voice will inform us on how to play an active role in the movement to finally bring meaningful and sustainable change to the fight against racism. As a next step, we are creating an anti-racism committee that will advise the agency on where our collective voice and support is needed most, both internally and externally. Silent support is no longer acceptable – John Howard Society of Toronto commits to having an active voice.

16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV)

Today, Monday November 25, 2024, marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). The John Howard Society of Toronto proudly stands in the fight against intimate partner violence recognising that violence against women is a human rights issue and a public health concern. “In 2019, in Canada, 79% of victims of intimate partner violence were women” (StatsCan, 2019). Intimate partner violence against women has reached epidemic proportions that warrant serious governmental, legislative and community based response. “Between 2014 and 2019, there were 497 victims of intimate partner homicide, and similar to intimate partner violence in general, 80% (400 victims) were women.” (StatsCan, 2019). It is in light of these glaring statistics related to intimate partner violence, gender based violence, violence against women, that JHST has acted as signatory in support of Bill 173 – Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic ACT, 2024.

As a non-profit organization JHST recognises the need to provide evidence-based and trauma-informed services and programs that target intimate partner violence. We are committed to promoting awareness and providing educational interventions that meaningfully address violence against women. Our Partner Assault Response (PAR) program is one such initiative whereby we work to end violence against women. JHST provides psychoeducational intervention to men who face charges related to intimate partner violence in the hopes of changing abusive beliefs and behaviours. Our PAR program also provides victim support services to women who have survived intimate partner violence to enhance their safety. The overall aim is to help our clients demonstrate non-abusive, healthy and respectful behaviours in their intimate relationships.

On November 25, 2024, JHST recommits itself to stand in solidarity with other VAW non-profit organisations and stakeholders within our criminal justice system to raise awareness about the prevalence of intimate partner violence. The JHST amplifies the voice of the United Nations in its aim to increase public education about gender based violence, develop policies and ensure equitable access to resources that enhance safety and eliminate violence against women and girls worldwide. Each year starting on November 25th and lasting up until December 10th, we pause to reflect and recommit to lend our voices and efforts in the fight against gender based violence. The Society echoes the sentiments of this year’s theme: COME TOGETHER, ACT NOW as we join the fight to eliminate GBV.

https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-days-2024.html?utm_source=facebook&hsid=0785cec4-afc1-44e3-b693-9f7a40cc2fec

https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-ways-help-end-gender-based-violence.html

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charitable # 13341 2114 RR0001