John Howard Society of Ontario

JUST LAUNCHED 🎉🎉 Today, on International FASD Awareness Day, we are launching JHSO’s new report on the importance of targeted programming for justice-involved youth with FASD. Read more about our evaluation of the innovative program out of our JHS Hamilton, Burlington & Area office and our best practice tips in our new report 'Beyond the Surface' linked below.   Special shout out & thank you to Department of Justice Canada | Ministère de la Justice du Canada for supporting this project! #FASDMonth2024 https://lnkd.in/eR9dWdmm

Ontario is facing a homelessness crisis, and justice involvement plays a critical role in housing loss. Homelessness is a leading cause – and result – of justice involvement. Even short stays in correctional institutions can result in loss of employment, housing and social supports. Due to a lack of housing and long waitlists, some of our neighbours commit small crimes just to go back to jail and get shelter from the cold winter months. That’s why transitional supportive housing for people exiting corrections is critical. Transitional housing provides a critical bridge for those re-entering society, offering not just shelter, but support, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. By ensuring justice-involved individuals have access to safe, supportive housing, we can significantly reduce homelessness, improve reintegration outcomes, and ultimately reduce recidivism. This approach isn’t just about housing—it’s about giving people a second chance, improving public safety, and promoting better health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable neighbours. It will not only improve individual lives but also lead to cost savings in the justice, health, and social service systems over time. #NationalHousingDay

After 4 years of running peer support programs out of our local offices in the GTA, we've learned firsthand the positive impacts that the peer support model can have for individuals struggling with addictions and for those impacted by incarceration. During National Addictions Awareness Week, we wanted to highlight the intersections between justice involvement and addiction and take a moment to recognize our Peer Support Workers for their continued dedication and support. #NAAW #PeerSupport

Getting excited to present at #Futures2024 First Work 📣 Come join us if you’re interested in learning more about supporting justice-involved job seekers!

Calling all Ottawans!: 📣 Please join JHS Ottawa on November 7th from 5-7pm for the opening night of “My Story Interrupted”, an evocative art exhibit at the Ottawa School of Art created by the talented students of JHS Ottawa’s Creative Classroom. The exhibit explores the unpredictable nature of life, and the works highlight moments where our paths are altered—sometimes unexpectedly, often beyond our control.  The exhibit will run from October 31st to November 12th, 2024 at the Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St, Byward Market, Ottawa. 

Feeling energized by the amazing impact of our partners Black Opportunity Fund!! A year of great accomplishments with many more to come🎉

🚨 The Forks Podcast: New Episode Alert! From Incarceration to Inspiration with Comeback Snacks CEO Emily O’Brien 🚨 In our latest episode of Forks, we were thrilled to sit down with Emily O'Brien, who transformed her life from a four-year prison sentence to founding Comeback Snacks, a gourmet popcorn company that creates delicious snacks while helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. The Forks Podcast shares real-life stories of individuals who have faced situations they never imagined and how they built something new. Emily’s story exemplifies how the most powerful transformations often begin at the most unexpected crossroads. 🎙️ In this candid conversation, Emily shares: -How she ended up with a four-year prison sentence, the red flags she missed, and the lessons she learned. -Why hiring former inmates can be a smart business decision. -How she found the confidence to start a business against all odds. -How Comeback Snacks is driving social impact and supporting reintegration. -The advice she would give her past self, knowing what she knows today. Why does this conversation matter? Over 4 million Canadians have a criminal record, and securing employment is a critical step toward successful reintegration. A recent report from the John Howard Society revealed that 73% of Canadian hiring managers have never hired anyone with a criminal record, and 42% would automatically discard applicants with one. This episode sheds light on why giving second chances isn’t just compassionate—it’s good business. Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, YouTube and more. Alexis Hood Amie Plourde #ForksPodcast #Resilience #Reinvention #SecondChances #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #ComebackSnacks #Inspiration #Incarceration #HiringForGood

Despite the increased attention paid to mental health issues, people with mental health needs are still too often confronted with handcuffs and jail time rather than treatment. Our Broken Record interactive is an eye-opening and heart-rending digital media experience telling the story of how people with mental health struggles end up in Ontario’s criminal justice system and the destructive consequences that result for these individuals, their families, taxpayers, and all of society. If you want to learn more about the costs and heartbreak of this broken system, but also learn about our recommendations for change and reasons for hope, check out the interactive here:  https://lnkd.in/e7zJJMv #MIAW2024

In light of #WorldHomelessDay & #WorldMentalHealthDay, we want to shed light on the deep intersections between justice involvement, homelessness and mental health. Our most recent research on the intersections of justice involvement and homelessness showed that more than 20% of participants reported mental health as a reason for their most recent housing loss, and the vast majority reported diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health and substance use conditions. Accessing treatment is an essential part of being able to secure and retain housing, and it's crucial that we work collaboratively to achieve better, more holistic outcomes. For more information, check out our report Locked Up. Locked Out. here: https://lnkd.in/gJB9pPb9 🏠 💜

Despite the increased attention paid to mental health issues, people with mental health needs are still too often confronted with handcuffs and jail time rather than treatment. Our Broken Record interactive is an eye-opening and heart-rending digital media experience telling the story of how people with mental health struggles end up in Ontario’s criminal justice system and the destructive consequences that result for these individuals, their families, taxpayers, and all of society. If you want to learn more about the costs and heartbreak of this broken system, but also learn about our recommendations for change and reasons for hope, check out the interactive here:  https://lnkd.in/e7zJJMv #MIAW2024