JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF TORONTO
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Mission Statement
Effective, just and humane responses to crime and its causes.
About This Cause
The John Howard Society of Toronto was established in 1929 by Brigadier General Draper, a decorated hero of World War One. He was hired as Chief Constable of the Toronto Police Service and served from 1928 through 1946. Draper observed that there was a revolving door from prison to the community and back to prison and that men released from jail with only a Bible needed more to re-establish themselves and become good, contributing members of their community. He organized a group of citizens and founded the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Society, now know as the John Howard Society. This group met men upon their release and accompanied them to Toronto, where they were assisted in finding jobs. This important work reflects part of today’s work in reintegration, and the organization has expanded to 18 other local offices in Ontario. The founding story also reflects the roots of the John Howard Society in the involvement of the community. In 2015, the St. Leonard’s Society of Toronto, which was known for its expertise in operating halfway houses, merged with the John Howard Society of Toronto— a move that significantly boosted reintegration efforts. Gradual release from incarceration is an effective component of successful reintegration. Halfway houses provide ex-offenders with an opportunity to be accommodated in a supportive setting, while conducting an employment search, re-connecting with family members and engaging in counselling. While staying in the Society’s halfway houses, residents have access to an array of other programming available within the organization. As well, staff encourage residents to become involved in productive leisure time activities, such as hiking, spectator sports, physical fitness and volunteerism. The transition from the halfway house to community brings more freedom and responsibility. Many clients leave the halfway house with mixed feelings--relief to be one step closer to full freedom, pride in their accomplishments, and fear of failure. It is a time when the client needs additional supports and encouragement from John Howard Society staff. While each person’s needs are unique, John Howard’s clients also have some very common and concrete needs such as interview clothing, transit tickets to travel to job interviews, work boots and personal hygiene items. A donation to the John Howard Society of Toronto for assistance with the reintegration program is more than the material aspect of simply helping smooth the transition back to a productive lifestyle--it is a sign of a respect and welcome from a concerned community.