Programa cultural, sábado 4 de 1 a 4 pm. Hablará Debb Matthews

La coordinadora Anita Rojas, la artista Vanessa García y su grupo de trabajo

John Howard Society of London & District

Celebrating 65 years of service to the community

Art Exhibition

                        Date:                                     Saturday, February 4, 2012

                                Time:                                     1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

                                Location:                              Beacock Public Library

                                                                                1280 Huron St. London, ON

 Agenda

Master of Ceremonies - Carolyn Ayre, Vice-Chair

Art Project – Ana Rojas

Supervisor Beacock Public Library - Mrs. Maria Forte

Honouring John Howard Society 65th Anniversary - Minister Deb Matthews

Greetings from the City of London - Councillor Stephen Orser

Remarks from Lori Cunningham/Executive Director

Closing - Carolyn Ayre

John Howard Society of London & District

Celebrating 65 years of service to the community

Mission Statement: Effective, just and humane responses to crime and its causes.

Methods: In furtherance of the Mission, the Society

1.       Provides for the effective integration into the community of those in conflict with the law, and provides, or encourages others to provide, services to those in conflict with, or affected by the criminal justice system;

2.       Promotes changes in the law and the administration of justice which will lead to the more humane and effective treatment of individuals;

3.       Promotes citizens’ awareness of the problems of crime and its causes, acceptance of responsibility to respond to these problems, and involvement in the delivery and management of justice related programs; and

4.       Promotes the fair and humane treatment of all incarcerated persons and seeks to ensure that all forms of detention and imprisonment comply with relevant legal and human rights standards.

The John Howard Society of London and District is an organization of citizens who accept responsibility for understanding and dealing with the problems of crime and the criminal justice system.

The John Howard Society of London and District is a not-for-profit, charitable organization providing a broad range of evidence-based and outcome-driven community services in London and District. Our organization has a strong history of helping individuals and families who are at risk of, or who have come into conflict with the law.    

The John Howard Society of London and District has been established in the community since 1947. It is a highly stable organization, governed by a committed board of directors. The Society is an affiliate of the John Howard Society of Ontario and is in compliance with its policies. The Society is also certified by the John Howard Society of Canada and is in compliance with the national risk management policy. The John Howard Society of London and District has operated from 601 Queens Avenue since 1969 and owns the building. Services are effective, accountable and cost efficient. The Society was incorporated in 1995. The John Howard Society of London and District became a member agency of the United Way in 1953 and has enjoyed an excellent working relationship. The Society manages a number of government contracts and has also successfully completed many short term funding projects.

The John Howard Society has a strong reputation for responsivity to clients’ need. The Society’s clients are engaged in therapeutic relationships which continue over time. The Society employs professionals in social work, criminology, nursing, native studies and law. The Society’s workers are highly trained and experienced professionals who understand the criminal justice system and the social and health issues which underlie involvement in criminal behaviour. The Society’s staff members are well versed in the literature supporting evidence based practice. Staff members are experienced in working with vulnerable populations and many have been employed at the Society for extended periods of time.

Overview of Agency Services

Individual, couple, family, group counselling

Counselling is provided to offenders, persons who are at risk of offending and their respective families. Social workers meet with clients to assess risk and needs and to develop an intervention plan which is responsive to the needs presented. Advocacy with and referrals to community agencies are undertaken as needed. In addition to ongoing counselling services, the Society offers a crisis intervention service whereby clients are seen for brief service usually the dame day.

Women’s Group

The Society offers a women’s centered program to support women who have a loved one in prison. Women have an opportunity to share their common experiences in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential setting. Women received information about the criminal justice system, prison visits, parenting and other topics. The women are encouraged to build relationships with other group members.

Kingston trips

Family members of inmates incarcerated in Kingston area institutions have an opportunity to visit. The Society employs a volunteer driver to drive family members to Toronto to connect with a bus service offered by John Howard Society of Toronto. The families contribute to the cost of a car or van rental for the London to Toronto portion of the trip.

County youth outreach program

The Society social workers receive referrals of high risk youth from educators, parents, probation officers, Children’s Aid Society and other social agencies. The social worker works with the youth in the context of school, peers, family and community. The social workers are preset at the high schools in Glencoe, Strathroy and Parkhill on a weekly basis. Youth and families from Lucan and other smalls communities in the area are served through Medway Secondary School.

Institutional visiting

The Society responds to requests for help from inmates incarcerated in the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre and the Stratford jail. The Society provides information, help with discharge planning, counselling and advocacy. Volunteers provide a gentle exercise program in the women’s unit at the detention centre.

Pardon Clinics

The Society assists individuals in completing applications for pardoning criminal records. Currently, the Society is advertising and delivering this service in Spanish and Arabic.

AAA (Alternativeness, Associated and Attitudes)

The Society facilitates a group program for federally released paroles. The group targets antisocial thinking, self-regulation and choice of associates using an intensive educational format.

Case Management for homeless youth

A Society social worker visit local shelters to provide outreach, advocacy, case management and counselling to homeless youth.

Boullee, Huron, Kipps Lane program

In collaboration with LUSO community services, the Society offers services to children, youth and families who reside in three subsidized housing projects.

Children’s Groups

The John Howard Society offers a group for girls and a group for boys in the Huron subsidized housing project. Through weekly group involvement, the children explore other cultures, racism, bullying, healthy relationships, family violence and safety planning.

Native Services

The Society employs four Aboriginal workers who supervise probation orders for Aboriginal youth and adults residing in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas and the three reserves, Muncey Delaware First Nation, Chippewa of the Thames First Nation and Oneida Nation of Thames. The Native services workers incorporate traditional Aboriginal approaches in their work with clients.

Bail verification and supervision program

The Society offers bail supervision to accused persons who cannot afford surety. Prospective clients are interviewed in the holding cells at the courthouse to determine eligibility according to criteria set by the Attorney General. Once eligible and if the release is approved by the court, the individual is supervised on a weekly basis until disposition of the offence.

Drug court initiative

In collaboration with the court and other agencies, the Society provides services to individuals involved in the drug court pilot program. Individuals accused of offences related to their drug addiction are resolved in treatment and supervision by the court for 1 year in lieu of incarceration.

Direct Accountability program

The society offers groups in anger management, shop-lifting and substance abuse for low risk offenders who are diverted from court.

Volunteer services

Members of the community are recruited, trained, supervised in the provision of agency services.

Community Education Program

The Society provides speakers to schools, churches, service clubs and community organizations. As well, the Society offers special programs for elementary school aged children entitled “Don’t be a bylly” and “Making positive choices”