John Howard Society recognizes community partners and celebrates diamond year
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS) hosted its annual Restorative Justice luncheon on Thursday, November 22 where the organization recognized community partners for their impact in Moose Jaw and Area. JHSS assists individuals who are at risk or are involved in the criminal justice process by providing prevention, intervention, support services and advocacy.
This year, the John Howard Society is celebrating 60 years and has launched celebrations to mark this milestone across the province. Kicking off its 60th, the JHSS recognized some important partners in Moose Jaw for their contributions, some of whom were featured in a video that was debuted at the luncheon which shows the impact the JHSS has had in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
Jaime Boldt, Acting CEO of the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan said it was important to recognize and highlight community partners who have made significant impact in their community. “Because our organization is very community-oriented and the city of Moose Jaw is a very supportive branch, we like to use this opportunity annually to acknowledge our community partners and celebrate them,” said Boldt.
Boldt said the Society’s theme this year is “Inspiring Innovation” as it celebrates 60 years in existence. “The John Howard Society is also celebrating its diamond year, 60th anniversary. To mark this milestone, we created a video that captures the essence of what we do and the impact we have on our province. We are debuting that this week with showings in Saskatoon, Regina and of course in Moose Jaw. The theme this year is “Inspiring Innovation” and I think John Howard always does that throughout the province— always looking for new ways to do things and meet the needs of our community.” She outlined some of the things this year that the John Society has embarked on to ‘Inspire Innovation’ in Moose Jaw. “In Moose Jaw, the program has expanded to include more working schools and doing primary crime prevention; they are also working with the community risk threat assessment program and offering a variety of services to the community—anger management, as well as other programs. These are new for us in Moose Jaw so we’re looking forward to continuing our work in the community.”
At the luncheon, the John Howard Society also recognized Andrea Dyck, Mediation Case Worker in Moose Jaw for long service. In addition, Lyle Helland who recently passed was honored posthumously for his dedication to the John Howard Society. His wife, Frani Helland and grand-daughter Amber White were present. A bench was dedicated in memory of Lyle, to be installed at the front of the John Howard Society, located at 15 Hochelaga St W.
Some of the programs and services that the John Howard Society offers in Moose Jaw are:
Adult Alternative Measures Program: Alternative Measures refers to means other than the formal court process for adults charged with certain offenses as approved by the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Prosecutor. Extrajudicial Sanctions Program for Youth: Extrajudicial Sanctions Program provides an alternative to the traditional court process for youth charged with offences set out as part of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Community Justice Forum for Adult and Youth: This process is based on the principles of restorative justice and community healing. A Community Justice Forum is a safe environment in which an offender, victim and their families along with supporters, relevant community members and professionals are brought together under the guidance of trained John Howard facilitators. Fine Option Program for Adult and Youth: Fine Option provides an alternative to paying out of pocket for certain fines. People are registered through one of JHSS’ branches and then placed in a volunteer work arrangement with a non-profit community organization where the fine is worked off.
Community Service Order Program for Adult and Youth: A Community Service Order is a court-imposed sentence. An individual is ordered by the court to perform a specified number of hours of community service. The individual is assessed, placed at a non-profit community organization and monitored by a placement agent. Stop-Lift Program for Adult and Youth: The Stop-Lift Program is designed specifically for individuals who have been charged with theft or property offences. The primary focus of the program is educational and informational, using a structured group process.
Crime Prevention Program for Youth: The Crime Prevention Program is offered to elementary schools for children attending grade four to grade eight. The program is aimed at reducing the likelihood of children becoming involved in criminal activity. Community Collaboration and Engagement: John Howard Society caseworkers are also involved with several committees and community initiatives. Staff deliver educational presentations that include topics regarding the history of John Howard Society, services and programs offered by JHSS and information on the justice system.
To learn more about the John Howard Society, visit http://www.sk.johnhoward.ca/.