Youth Services - John Howard Society of York Region

For more information on any of the programs listed below, please contact Nikki Hanson, Youth Services Program Manager.

Contact information: 905-868-6205

To make a referral to any of the below programs, please complete the following form:

Ending the Cycle

Ending the Cycle (ETC) is a free, 10-week early intervention program for female identifying, non binary and 2SLGBTQS+ youth aged 15–24 who have experienced or been exposed to gender-based violence such as unhealthy or harmful dynamics in their homes or relationships, emotional or physical abuse, neglect, aggression, and high-risk behaviours.

ETC helps young people better understand themselves and their relationships and what it means to feel safe. Through structured weekly sessions, participants explore their beliefs and values, learn to recognize personal obstacles, and build skills to set and maintain healthy boundaries. The program also addresses attitudes related to gender-based violence, with a focus on prevention and positive change.

Sessions are interactive and engaging, combining group discussions, activities, and guided reflection led by trained facilitators. ETC offers a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where youth can strengthen emotional resilience, and build healthier relationships/ friendships.

Participants can also access individual counselling sessions, offered both in person and virtually. These sessions provide a non-judgmental, trauma-informed space where youth are encouraged to explore their experiences, engage in self-reflection, and feel heard, validated, and empowered.

If you are representing a YRDSB school and are interested in offering this program to your students under the Collaborative Relationship for Extended Services (CRES) agreement, please contact Nikki Hanson at nhanson@jhsyork.ca.

Ending the Cycle

This project is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Women and Gender Equality Canada signature Canada wordmark

REAL Youth (Resilience, Empowerment, Action, and Leadership Youth)

The REAL Youth program is an evidence-based initiative designed to prevent violence and promote positive, healthy relationships among youth aged 11 to 25. Through small group sessions, the program addresses a wide range of risk behaviors and addiction-related challenges, equipping participants with the skills needed to foster healthier relationships and build social and emotional resilience.

Program Benefits include

Encourages healthy relationship dynamics

Addresses risk behaviors and promotes positive decision-making

Supports social and emotional development

Provides a safe and supportive environment for open discussion

For more information on times and locations, please contact our office by calling 905-895-9943 ext. 300 or email ysinquiries@jhsyork.ca

If you are representing a school and are interested in offering this program to your students under the Collaborative Relationship for Extended Services (CRES) agreement, please contact Nikki Hanson nhanson@jhsyork.ca

REAL Youth Brochure

REAL Youth+ (Resilience, Empowerment, Action, and Leadership Youth+)

REAL Youth+ program is an evidence-based program that helps build resiliency and promote well-being for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. REAL Youth+ offers small group sessions that promote positive mental health. In a safe space, youth engage in activities and generate discussion about what contributes to stress, well-being, and healthy relationships at school, home, and their community.

This program is ideal for youth aged 13-18.

For more information on times and locations, please contact our office by calling 905-895-9943 extension 300 or email ysinquiries@jhsyork.ca

Service Navigator Program

The Service Navigator Program supports youth aged 6-26, and their families who are at risk of criminal involvement, victimization, or gang affiliation. Service Navigators are case management experts who provide personalized support to help clients and their families overcome barriers to accessing crucial services. Support through this program may look like (but not limited to):

Assisting clients in navigating social service supports, secondary school or trades applications, OSAP advocacy, government applications and ODSP/OW related concerns or inquiries

Providing emotional support to individuals and families through trauma-informed care and referrals to mental health resources

Breaking down complex processes to access basic needs, health-related supports, appealing denied applications, advocacy, and mediation support

Case conferencing with other service providers/organizations to ensure continuity of care, and client-focussed care

Basic needs support through referrals and gift cards when funding allows
Warm transfers to specialized supports when short-term support concludes

This program operates with the support of 12 passionate and community driven Ambassadors who enhance community engagement and outreach across the following regions in York: Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Georgina.

For program inquiries, please contact 905-895-9943 ext. 300 or email ysinquiries@jhsyork.ca

SNP Card (Infographics)

This program is funded by The Regional Municipality of York and is available at no cost to participants.

YouthLink

YouthLink supports York Region’s youth ages 15-29 who are at risk of, or involved in, the justice system through advocacy, trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. John Howard Society of York Region will provide individualized case management that guides youth through their personal, legal, and social challenges, and supports them in life stabilization. Legal information (not advice), and support in the form of court reminders, accompaniment to court, transportation, language interpretation services, referrals, and advocacy will be provided. These supports are designed to set youth up for long-term success to reduce recidivism rates among youth in our community.

YouthLink Program Rack Card

This program is funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario.

Youth Reintegration Program

The Youth Reintegration Program provides cost-free, wrap-around support to youth ages 12–17 who are involved in, or in close contact with the justice system.

Through individualized case management and 1:1 counselling, youth are supported in building protective factors while reducing risk as they work toward self-directed goals and community connection. We also provide culturally relevant and specific supports for Black-identifying youth who find themselves in contact with the law, with a focus on strengthening community connections and addressing unique barriers in line with Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.

The program offers:

No-cost counselling supports (up to 10 sessions)
Intensive case management to reduce barriers and support youth-directed goals
Employment support in partnership with LDADT
Workshops and short-term support for incarcerated youth
Social and emotional learning and life skills development
Aid to re-connect youth with positive social supports, and/or advocacy in school settings
Enrollment, progress and completion letters provided to support youth facing criminal charges

Services are offered virtually, in person, and at the Roy McMurtry Detention Centre. For program inquiries, please email ysinquiries@jhsyork.ca.

Youth Reintegration Program 2026

Funding is provided by the Youth Justice Fund- Department of Justice and is available at no cost to participants.