Staff of the John Howard Society of Toronto
Staff of the John Howard Society of Toronto
Staff of the John Howard Society of Toronto
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60 Wellesley Street West<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong>, Ontario.<br />
M5S 3L2<br />
<strong>Staff</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
(Bay and Wellesley Street<br />
West)<br />
Our Telephone number is:<br />
416.925.4386<br />
Our Fax number is:<br />
416.925.9112<br />
Website:<br />
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca
Our Mission : new mission statement<br />
Making our community safer by supporting <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation and re-integration <strong>of</strong> those who have been<br />
in conflict with <strong>the</strong> law.<br />
Message From <strong>the</strong> President<br />
In times <strong>of</strong> economic downturn <strong>the</strong> challenges facing our clients become that much more difficult to overcome. It is probably not a<br />
coincidence that in a year that saw <strong>the</strong> world in an economic crisis <strong>the</strong> <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> worked with a record number<br />
<strong>of</strong> clients. I must start <strong>of</strong>f by thanking our Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, our donours, our volunteers and our staff for all working that much<br />
harder so that we could serve those in need.<br />
This past year saw <strong>the</strong> Board and Management undertake <strong>the</strong> development and implementation <strong>of</strong> a very comprehensive three year<br />
plan. We must thank all <strong>the</strong> peer-agencies, clients and staff who participated in this. We wanted as much input as we could receive to<br />
best decide our priorities for 2009 through 2011. We undertook focus groups in <strong>the</strong> jails, on-line surveys and individual interviews<br />
with many <strong>of</strong> our stakeholders. This process allowed us as an agency to undertake advanced risk-management training for all staff<br />
and board; to identify our need for improved <strong>of</strong>fice facilities and to prioritize <strong>the</strong> work we do in building community safety.<br />
We had many successes, including:<br />
• The operation <strong>of</strong> our two <strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Treatment Court Transitional houses resulted in <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> Drug Court clients increasing<br />
from 14% to 62%. This is now <strong>the</strong> highest success rate in Canada;<br />
• The establishment <strong>of</strong> our Neighbourhood Engagement project that works towards building community safety in <strong>the</strong> Jane & Falstaff<br />
and Lansdowne & Bloor neighbourhoods;<br />
• The continued work done by our Post-Incarceration Housing team in assisting almost 100 men in accessing permanent accommodation;<br />
• The huge growth in our Choices Domestic Assault program that resulted in <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> working with 420 men and <strong>the</strong>ir partners<br />
in addressing family violence issues;<br />
• Our thrice-weekly presence at each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Detention centres where we deliver both individual and group counseling<br />
sessions and assisted over 1,000 men in <strong>the</strong>ir post-release planning;<br />
• The continued growth <strong>of</strong> our volunteer program. In particular, I must acknowledge <strong>the</strong> leadership and hard work <strong>of</strong> our Volunteer<br />
and Institutional Team Leader, Vanessa Adel who has been <strong>the</strong> catalyst <strong>of</strong> this growth and commitment;<br />
• Our continued commitment to <strong>the</strong> Justice on Target program where our staff provide sanction options to first time <strong>of</strong>fenders at<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2201 and 1000 Finch Courts; and<br />
• The continued commitment by our staff towards <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> addictions services and harm reduction techniques for our clients<br />
in an innovative and dedicated manner (see <strong>the</strong> Presidents Award).<br />
This past year was not without its difficulties as well. We lost one <strong>of</strong> our staff, Elisabeth Pike, to a sudden terminal illness in December.<br />
This came as a sad shock to everyone.<br />
Also, like most o<strong>the</strong>r non-pr<strong>of</strong>it, charitable organizations we faced stiff challenges in fundraising. We are very grateful to our donours<br />
and very much appreciate your contributions during <strong>the</strong>se times.<br />
2<br />
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca
I would like to thank our funders for believing in us. We consider <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> delivering our programs and services<br />
to be a scared trust. Our clients and our community deserve <strong>the</strong> best we can provide. I would like to thank my fellow Board<br />
Members for <strong>the</strong>ir hard work and sense <strong>of</strong> commitment. Undertaking a comprehensive strategic plan is never easy and our<br />
team rose to <strong>the</strong> challenge. I’d like to thank our Management team <strong>of</strong> Greg Rogers, Lois Powers, Bernice Lartey, Amber Kellen,<br />
Perry Sabourin, Donna Read and Vanessa Abel for <strong>the</strong>ir on-going efforts to improve <strong>the</strong> effectiveness and reach <strong>of</strong> our<br />
programs. The staff deserve all our gratitude for <strong>the</strong>ir daily initiative and effort to assist those in need. Finally, a special<br />
thank you to our many volunteers for your interest in making <strong>Toronto</strong> a better and safer place to live.<br />
Robert MacLellan (Board President)<br />
The Presidents Award<br />
The Presidents Award honours a staff member who has made a<br />
significant contribution to our clients, our agency and our community.<br />
The award is peer driven as <strong>the</strong> nominees are put forward by<br />
staff and voted upon by staff.<br />
The winner for 2008/2009 is Peter Markwell, who is our Harm-<br />
Reduction Addictions Worker. Peter is extremely devoted to assisting<br />
our clients who face addictions issues. He has developed<br />
and initiated various innovative programs and techniques to<br />
benefit those in need. In particular, his weekly delivery <strong>of</strong> our Relapse<br />
Prevention Group Counselling session has proven to be very<br />
successful with both our clients and numerous referral agencies<br />
around <strong>the</strong> city, including Probation and Parole. Peter is a tireless<br />
advocate and will go far out <strong>of</strong> his way to assist anybody in crisis.<br />
He leads by example and we are very proud to have him on our<br />
team.<br />
We congratulate Peter and thank him for all his hard work. Job<br />
well done, Mr. Markwell!!<br />
3
2009/2010 AGENCY PROGRAMS<br />
Intake and Case Management<br />
Through our pr<strong>of</strong>essional assessment, counseling and referral services, <strong>the</strong> <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> helps men<br />
in conflict with <strong>the</strong> law reintegrate into <strong>the</strong> community. Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reintegration process is accomplished through our<br />
Intake and Case Management services. This program has been providing service to individuals in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> area for<br />
30 years. We provided individuals counseling and support services in areas <strong>of</strong> crisis intervention, life skills, budgeting,<br />
substance abuse, anger management and basic needs. These services are provided in a variety <strong>of</strong> settings including<br />
correctional facilities, community drop-ins and at our location. The goal is for our pr<strong>of</strong>essional counselors to provide<br />
immediate assistance as well as ongoing support to individual clients seeking to make positive life changes and/or to<br />
access resources.<br />
Drug Awareness and Alcohol Prevention Program<br />
The primary focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drug awareness program is to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> people with addictions who are incarcerated<br />
at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Jail. On a weekly basis, group sessions are facilitated by one <strong>of</strong> our staff persons in order to assist clients<br />
in both <strong>the</strong> general population and within Protective Custody at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Jail to address <strong>the</strong> risk factors that<br />
contribute to <strong>the</strong>ir substance use, and to work with <strong>the</strong>m from various philosophies. Links to treatment options are<br />
also available for clients both during <strong>the</strong>ir incarceration and upon <strong>the</strong>ir release.<br />
Housing Support/Resettlement Programs<br />
This program, made up <strong>of</strong> a Housing Team <strong>of</strong> five staff, assists homeless and under-housed clients to find and maintain<br />
housing while <strong>of</strong>fering ongoing support to landlords and tenants through <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> eviction prevention work and<br />
mediation. Those clients who have been recently released from incarceration are also able to access clean clothing,<br />
furniture and connections to o<strong>the</strong>r services when required. Our workers are well versed in <strong>the</strong> Ontario Human Rights<br />
Code and in relevant Tenant legislation as well. Our housing contacts for clients are both in <strong>the</strong> private and social sectors,<br />
while additional referrals are made on an individual basis for specialized, supportive, or transitional housing options.<br />
Our efforts in Scarborough continue in partnership with <strong>the</strong> Scarborough Housing Help Centre where a Housing<br />
Counselor works full time, four days each week in <strong>the</strong> Scarborough community, at <strong>the</strong> East Detention Centre to assist<br />
clients with discharge planning, resettlement and housing needs upon <strong>the</strong>ir release. In addition, members <strong>of</strong> our Housing<br />
Team visit o<strong>the</strong>r local jails as well as court houses to meet with, and support clients in terms <strong>of</strong> resettlement support.<br />
We also send a housing worker monthly to <strong>the</strong> Keele Centre Halfway house. This program receives its primary<br />
funding from <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>’s Streets to Homes program.<br />
Native Inmate Liaison Program and Native Outreach Work<br />
We recently completed our third year <strong>of</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Native Inmate Liaison Programs at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> East and West<br />
Detention Centre and at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Jail. Weekly, our Native clients receive traditional programming through <strong>the</strong> provision<br />
<strong>of</strong> traditional teachings, circles and ceremonies. Relevant referrals within <strong>the</strong> Native Community are made for<br />
those clients wishing to remain connected culturally, upon <strong>the</strong>ir release. We also continue to work closely with community<br />
based partnerships to address many issues facing <strong>the</strong> Native population, both inside correctional facilities and<br />
within <strong>the</strong> community as well. We also send a Native worker to <strong>the</strong> Keele Centre Halfway house on a weekly basis.<br />
4
Institutional Services Program<br />
Institutional Services are <strong>of</strong>fered at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> East Detention Centre, <strong>Toronto</strong> West Detention Centre and<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Jail on a weekly basis. Visits take place at varying times at Mimico Correctional Centre as well.<br />
Counselling is provided to assist individuals in adjusting to incarceration, planning for <strong>the</strong>ir release, and coping<br />
with addictions. JHST Institutional staff provide discharge planning, assist with inmate advocacy issues,<br />
and liaise with institutional staff, community supports and agencies to assist clients transition into <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
At this time, almost each service delivered at JHST provides an institutional component. The <strong>Society</strong><br />
also visits several federal institutions where staff meet with clients and <strong>of</strong>fer pre-release planning and<br />
reintegration into <strong>the</strong> community, with a specialized emphasis on housing.<br />
Volunteer Programs<br />
Volunteers provide positive role models, a listening ear and a caring heart. They make an extremely valuable<br />
contribution to <strong>the</strong> community in terms <strong>of</strong> both services and personal commitment, whe<strong>the</strong>r working<br />
directly with clients or with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> as members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors. Volunteers are a critical part<br />
<strong>of</strong> our programs~ through one-on-one supportive counselling, facilitation <strong>of</strong> groups and providing discharge<br />
planning. Our volunteers are provided with ongoing training sessions and direct supervision to ensure <strong>the</strong>y<br />
feel confident and carry out <strong>the</strong>ir duties. Over this past year our volunteers also assisted staff to distribute<br />
Winter Relief clothing to those <strong>of</strong> our clients who were in need. Volunteers also <strong>of</strong>fer peer support to our<br />
housing clients, research curriculum information for institutional staff, and provide assistance to all <strong>of</strong> our<br />
agency programs.<br />
In-Touch Bus Transportation Program<br />
Families and friends <strong>of</strong> those incarcerated in Federal and Provincial Prisons in sou<strong>the</strong>rn Ontario utilize this<br />
important service to stay in touch with <strong>the</strong>ir husband, fa<strong>the</strong>r, partner, etc. The program is available at a<br />
very affordable cost and operates during <strong>the</strong> weekends.<br />
First Things First Program<br />
In partnership with community agencies, which include <strong>the</strong> Keele Centre, Parkdale Activity-Recreation Program<br />
(PARC) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Jail, <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> counsellors provide substance use counselling to clients.<br />
In addition to this partnership, one-on-one counselling is also provided at our location to encourage<br />
<strong>the</strong> client to develop realistic goals around <strong>the</strong>ir substance use as well as o<strong>the</strong>r psycho/social issues <strong>of</strong> concern.<br />
It is our objective to provide counselling that is holistic and client centred in order to meet <strong>the</strong> diverse<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> our clients. We recognize that any plan <strong>of</strong> treatment must be client driven in order for any<br />
success to be achieved. We provide a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Jail which focuses<br />
on education regarding substance use. We also provide a weekly Relapse Prevention group at our <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
which is a non-12 Step approach (Bio/psycho/social) and focuses on developing strategies in order to avoid<br />
relapse. Clients in this program are also provided with housing counselling and referrals.<br />
Community Justice Program<br />
This program is <strong>of</strong>fered at <strong>the</strong> Metro West Provincial Court as well as at <strong>the</strong> Metro North Provincial Court. In<br />
conjunction with <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Attorney General and <strong>the</strong> Crown Attorneys, it provides opportunities<br />
(primarily for first time non-violent <strong>of</strong>fenders, who accept responsibility for <strong>the</strong>ir actions) to be diverted<br />
from <strong>the</strong> criminal justice system at an early stage. Our Community Justice Workers liaise with <strong>the</strong> courts and<br />
key stake holders to build contacts in <strong>the</strong> community that permit participants to fulfill sanctions that are<br />
meaningful and restorative in nature. These may include making charitable donations, paying restitution to<br />
victims, completing community service hours, engaging in volunteer work or completing a support program.<br />
When this Agreement has been successfully completed, <strong>the</strong> Judge/JP may withdraw <strong>the</strong>ir charge(s).<br />
5
Anger and Substance Abuse Program<br />
These groups are open to participants from local provincial adult diversion programs(Community Justice) (see above)<br />
who have been assessed by our Community Justice Workers as having issues related to anger and substance use that led<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir criminal charges. This is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> programs funded by <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Attorney General that <strong>of</strong>fers a meaningful<br />
sanction to those involved with <strong>the</strong> Community Justice initiative. Our three-session, psycho-educational workshops<br />
allow participants to explore some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issues and triggers associated with <strong>the</strong>ir behaviours in order to help <strong>the</strong>m<br />
begin to find ways <strong>of</strong> avoiding future conflicts with <strong>the</strong> law. Our program also assists individuals to examine possible<br />
strategies for addressing <strong>the</strong>ir anger and substance use issues. For individuals with specific needs, some one-on-one sessions<br />
are also available.<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Treatment Court Residential Program<br />
The federal government provides funding for a pilot initiative that allows for The <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> to<br />
lease two homes in <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>. As a result, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> is able to provide eight units <strong>of</strong> short-term supportive<br />
housing to <strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Treatment Court participants. <strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Treatment Courts are specialized courts that aim<br />
to reduce crime associated with drug dependency by <strong>of</strong>fering court-monitored and community supports to those with<br />
drug addictions. In some cases, participants released to <strong>the</strong> houses would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have to remain in jail since <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have no fixed address, and because stable accommodation is a requirement <strong>of</strong> being released from custody. Thanks to<br />
this partnership, <strong>the</strong>se men have <strong>the</strong> chance to work on <strong>the</strong>ir substance use issues while living in <strong>the</strong> community and participating<br />
actively in <strong>the</strong>ir treatment plans.<br />
Anger Management Groups<br />
This ten-week psycho-educational group program for men is open to anyone who wants to acquire new skills for managing<br />
and communicating <strong>the</strong>ir anger. The group is open to both voluntary and mandated clients, although men facing domestic<br />
violence charges must complete a domestic violence program before <strong>the</strong>y are permitted to take part. In addition,<br />
specific anger management workshops are available for groups <strong>of</strong> clients in <strong>the</strong> community (e.g. shelters or treatment<br />
facilities) upon request.<br />
Anger Management Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Training<br />
These pr<strong>of</strong>essional training services are <strong>of</strong>fered to practitioners, clinicians, managers, employees and organizers across<br />
all employment sectors throughout <strong>the</strong> community. Workshops are <strong>of</strong>fered at our <strong>of</strong>fice as well as at a number <strong>of</strong> corporate<br />
and non-pr<strong>of</strong>it settings upon request. To ensure <strong>the</strong> training is relevant to specific organizational requirements,<br />
staff will conduct a needs assessment prior to training. Each training session(s) will <strong>the</strong>n be designed to meet those specific<br />
learning objectives<br />
Anger Management <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
The <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> has launched a new Social Enterprise – Anger Management <strong>Toronto</strong>. Capitalizing on<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s over 20 years <strong>of</strong> experience in <strong>the</strong> field, Anger Management <strong>Toronto</strong> began as part <strong>of</strong> The <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>'s Anger Management Program and from <strong>the</strong>re developed into a separate Social Enterprise, with <strong>the</strong> primary<br />
objective to provide exceptional "train <strong>the</strong> trainer" training in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> Anger Management to pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in <strong>the</strong><br />
Greater <strong>Toronto</strong> Area.<br />
The Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Development Training series is aimed at providing pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and employees <strong>the</strong> requisite skills to<br />
provide ‘Effective Interventions’ that will assist individuals<br />
who seek service for anger management counseling, and ‘Conflict Resolution’ skills for employees to use in both <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional and personal lives.<br />
Michelle Potvin, Corporate Training Coordinator; mpotvin@johnhowardtor.on.ca; www.angertoronto.ca;<br />
http://angertoronto.blogspot.com<br />
6
Somali Community – Healthy Relationships<br />
In partnership with <strong>the</strong> Somali Youth Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> <strong>the</strong> final year <strong>of</strong> this project provided training workshops for<br />
staff, volunteers and teen mentors <strong>of</strong> SOYAT. This program focused specifically on developing and delivering information<br />
to youth on positive communication in order to encourage healthy relationships. This program was <strong>of</strong>fered at Secondary<br />
Schools in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> area where <strong>the</strong> need was identified by both SOYAT and school staff. This program provided specific<br />
support to parents and families to better understand <strong>the</strong> Justice System and to develop <strong>the</strong> ability to deal with <strong>the</strong><br />
stigma associated with this <strong>of</strong>ten-oppressive system. The overall focus was to provide information and resources to create<br />
safer environments for Somali youth and <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
Gambling, Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Research<br />
In partnership with <strong>the</strong> Children’s and Women’s Health Centre <strong>of</strong> British Columbia and Dr. Lorne Korman, The University<br />
<strong>of</strong> British Columbia (UBC), we are collaborating on a research project to examine <strong>the</strong> prevalence <strong>of</strong> Domestic Violence<br />
and Substance Use among youth who gamble. This will provide <strong>the</strong> research community with data required to ensure<br />
best practices in program delivery are practiced and maintained.<br />
Choices<br />
Choices is a 16-week court accredited Partner Assault Response Program (PARS) for men who have been abusive in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
intimate relationships. The objective <strong>of</strong> this program is to provide <strong>the</strong> intervention necessary to end abusive behaviors.<br />
Counselors work with clients to encourage <strong>the</strong>m to make positive changes that will enhance <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir intimate<br />
relationships. The partners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men in <strong>the</strong> program are contacted on a regular basis and provided with information on<br />
community resources and personalized safety plan. As a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Woman Abuse Council Roster and court advisory<br />
committees, Choices actively participates in <strong>the</strong> development and delivery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Domestic Violence Courts’ Coordinated<br />
Intervention Model. We are <strong>the</strong> only agency in <strong>the</strong> city to <strong>of</strong>fer specific delivery for Caribbean clients. We <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong><br />
Choices program in Scarborough, Agincourt, downtown and in <strong>the</strong> Jane & Finch area.<br />
Community Engagement Program<br />
This innovative program, funded for three years by <strong>the</strong> Trillium Foundation, provides one full-time JHS-T community development<br />
worker in two high-need communities within <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with Advisory Committees in each<br />
neighbourhood, made up <strong>of</strong> local residents, business owners, and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders, our staff helps to achieve goals<br />
based on priorities that have been set by <strong>the</strong>se Groups. In addition, our staff conduct regular outreach and walk-abouts<br />
in order to engage and empower marginalized members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community who may not traditionally have had a voice.<br />
We also attempt to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r groups who may not normally communicate with one ano<strong>the</strong>r or who have had conflict<br />
with one ano<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> past. Stemming from ideas that originated within <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>’s Drug Strategy’s<br />
Neighbourhood Working Group, our community development worker, local agency partners and Advisory Committees<br />
work towards increasing community safety and <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life for local residents.<br />
Alternatives, Associates and Attitudes Program(AAA)<br />
AAA is a 26-session moderate intensity group program for federal parolees who have a history <strong>of</strong> committing crimes for<br />
gain, such as property <strong>of</strong>fences, fraud or selling drugs. The program’s target areas are self-regulation (Alternatives), procriminal<br />
Associates and procriminal Attitudes. The program teaches skills, such as problem solving, decision making, goal<br />
setting and <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ABC Model to address problematic beliefs and attitudes. It also teaches group members <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> development and maintenance <strong>of</strong> relationships with prosocial associates and cutting ties with prcriminal<br />
associates. Participants complete a comprehensive relapse prevention plan.<br />
7
Moderate Intensity Family Violence Program<br />
The Family Violence Program is a 24-session group program for federal parolees. The goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program is to<br />
eliminate violent and abusive behaviour by male federal <strong>of</strong>fenders against <strong>the</strong>ir intimate partners. The program<br />
addresses <strong>the</strong> following areas: violence and abusive behaviour in <strong>the</strong> family, developing insight into factors related<br />
to abuse, an awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> abusive attitudes and behaviours toward partners and children and<br />
<strong>the</strong> negative effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se attitudes and behaviours in relationships.<br />
Laverda Thomas, Choices Counsellor<br />
Antoinette Davis, Neighbourhood Worker<br />
8
Robert MacLellan (President<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board) and Vanessa<br />
Abel (Institutional and Volunteer<br />
programs) Receiving last<br />
year’s president award.<br />
Bernice Lartey ( Finance manager<br />
) and Donna Read ( Housing<br />
Tem Leader) at our last Annual<br />
General meeting greeting our<br />
guest.<br />
9
<strong>Staff</strong><br />
Fadumo Abukar<br />
Vanessa Abel<br />
Mikhe’al Ben-Moodie<br />
Christin Chartrand<br />
Chris Chin<br />
Sophia Cousins<br />
Richard Coke<br />
Ainsley Cripps<br />
Joanne Dallaire<br />
Antoinette Davis<br />
Selvamohan Durairajan<br />
Michael Etwaroo<br />
Gina Farfan<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Feldman<br />
Diane Gokool<br />
Lisa Gregg<br />
Chris Iantorno<br />
Dev Jebodh<br />
Keith Kacsuta<br />
Elly Kaas<br />
Amber Kellen<br />
Bernice Lartey<br />
Deborah Leblanc<br />
Daniel Chang Li<br />
Jamie Maracle<br />
Peter Markwell<br />
Michael McTague<br />
Jo-Anne Miller<br />
Karen Mitchell<br />
Rose Murray<br />
Jason Oulds<br />
Abigail Paul<br />
Michelle Potvin<br />
Lois Powers<br />
Vinita Puri<br />
David Raponi-Monk<br />
Donna Reed<br />
Greg Rogers<br />
Perry Sabourin<br />
Laticia Toonday<br />
Christine Ubdegrove<br />
Joseph Vaz<br />
Veronica Villanueva<br />
Franco Vega-Ortiz<br />
Angeline Wong<br />
Administrative Assistant<br />
Team Leader <strong>of</strong> Volunteer and Institutional Services<br />
Community Justice Worker<br />
Community Justice Worker<br />
In-Touch Transportation Program<br />
Community Justice Worker<br />
PARS Facilitator<br />
Native Inmate Liaison Officer<br />
Native Inmate Liaison Officer<br />
Neighbourhood Engagement Worker<br />
In-Touch Transportation Program<br />
Choices Counsellor<br />
Choices Partner Contact Worker<br />
Community Justice Worker<br />
In-Touch Transportation Program<br />
Intake Coordinator<br />
Scarborough Housing Support Worker<br />
PARS Facilitator<br />
Community Justice Worker<br />
Bookkeeper<br />
Supervisor <strong>of</strong> Community Initiatives<br />
Financial Manager<br />
In-Touch Transportation Program<br />
Team Leader Choices<br />
Housing Support Worker<br />
Harm Reduction Worker<br />
Post-Native Program<br />
PARS Facilitator<br />
Drug Court Counsellor<br />
PARS Facilitator<br />
Drug Court Worker<br />
Housing Support Worker<br />
Anger Management <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Assistant Executive Director<br />
Anger Management Coordinator<br />
Housing Support Worker<br />
Team Leader Housing<br />
Executive Director<br />
Team Leader Choices<br />
PARS Facilitator & Choices Partner Contact Worker<br />
Senior Counsellor Choices<br />
PARS Facilitator<br />
Choices Partner Contact Worker<br />
Intake Worker<br />
Choices Partner Contact<br />
10
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
<strong>John</strong> Bianchin<br />
Dan Brosseau<br />
David E. Harris<br />
Harold <strong>John</strong>son<br />
Robert MacLellan (President)<br />
Stanley Mircheff (Vice-President)<br />
Mary Misener (Treasurer)<br />
Gus Lyn-Piluso<br />
Lisa Romano (Secretary)<br />
Sonia Vescio<br />
Mel White<br />
Tatum Wilson<br />
Both <strong>the</strong> volume and<br />
severity <strong>of</strong> policereported<br />
violent crime<br />
also dropped in 2008. A<br />
2% drop in common assaults,<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest volume<br />
violent <strong>of</strong>fence, led<br />
to a 2% reduction in <strong>the</strong><br />
violent crime rate. The<br />
Violent Crime Severity<br />
Index was down 3%, to<br />
94.6, due to a 7% drop<br />
in robberies and a 10%<br />
decline in attempted<br />
murders.<br />
<strong>Staff</strong> attending <strong>the</strong> National <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> Conference in Ottawa<br />
The national homicide<br />
rate increased slightly in<br />
2008 (+2%), <strong>the</strong> third<br />
increase in <strong>the</strong> past five<br />
years. Police reported<br />
611 homicide victims,<br />
17 more than in 2007.<br />
Increases in British Columbia<br />
and Alberta contributed<br />
to <strong>the</strong> overall<br />
rise.<br />
The Management team <strong>of</strong> <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
11<br />
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca
Partnerships<br />
Black Daddies Club<br />
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health<br />
(CAMH)<br />
Centre for Urban and Community Studies<br />
– University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre<br />
CKLN Radio<br />
Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services<br />
Elizabeth Fry <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Fight for Justice<br />
<strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ontario<br />
Keele Centre<br />
The Meeting Place<br />
National African Integration and Families<br />
Association<br />
PARC Community Centre<br />
Prisoners with HIV/ Aids Support Action<br />
Network (PASAN)<br />
Queen West Community Health Centre<br />
Scarborough Housing Help Centre<br />
Scarborough Storefront<br />
Scarborough Probation Office<br />
Seaton House<br />
Somali Youth Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
(SOYAT)<br />
St. Christopher House<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Bail Program<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Court<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> East Detention Centre<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Hostels Training Centre<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Jail<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> West Detention Centre<br />
Vietnamese Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Woman’s Abuse Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
York University<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
We wish to acknowledge <strong>the</strong> following<br />
for Accepting Community Service orders:<br />
York Community Center<br />
Elizabeth Fry <strong>Society</strong><br />
Learning Enrichment Foundation<br />
Salvation Army<br />
Daily Bread<br />
Street Light Services<br />
CAM-H<br />
Dixon Center<br />
Thank you to our many donours<br />
whose generous gifts have helped<br />
us better serve our clients.<br />
Corporations/ Employee Trusts:<br />
Canada Helps.Org<br />
Cardinal Mechanical<br />
Ontario Power Generation Employee’s &<br />
Pensioners Charity<br />
Stanton Press<br />
Funders<br />
Borden Ladner Gervais Foundation<br />
Canadian Auto Workers<br />
Canadian Race Relations Foundation<br />
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health<br />
City Of <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Correctional Services Canada<br />
Grace Church on <strong>the</strong> Hill<br />
Homeless Secretariat (HPI)<br />
J.P. Bickell Foundation<br />
<strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ontario<br />
F.K. Morrow Foundation<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Attorney General<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Community Safety and Correctional Services<br />
Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training<br />
OMNI Television<br />
Province <strong>of</strong> Ontario<br />
Samuel Rogers Memorial Trust<br />
The Trillium Foundation<br />
United Way <strong>of</strong> Greater <strong>Toronto</strong><br />
Urban Aboriginal Strategy<br />
Coalitions<br />
<strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> Societies <strong>of</strong> Canada<br />
Housing Advisory Committee on Homelessness<br />
Alternative Housing and Services Committee<br />
Rooming House Working Group<br />
TB Subcommittee for City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Health<br />
Prisoners Justice Action Committee<br />
Detox Closure Coalition<br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> Drug Strategy<br />
Problem Gambling Committee (CAMH)<br />
Housing Action Now<br />
12
Thank you to our many donors whose generous gifts have helped<br />
us<br />
better serve our clients.<br />
Corporations/ Employee Trusts:<br />
Did you know<br />
Police-reported crime in<br />
Canada continued to fall<br />
in 2008. Both <strong>the</strong> volume<br />
<strong>of</strong> crime and its<br />
overall severity dropped<br />
by 5%.<br />
We would also like to thank <strong>the</strong> following Individuals/ businesses<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir generosity:<br />
Axmith McIntyre Wicht Ltd.,<br />
The Bargains Group<br />
Borden Ladner Gervais<br />
Estate <strong>of</strong> Ruth Miriam Cowan<br />
Havercr<strong>of</strong>t Holdings<br />
Madison Avenue Housing & Support<br />
Sam Romanoway Revitalization Centre<br />
Dan Brosseau<br />
E. Burgess<br />
Perry Caicco<br />
David Harris<br />
Paula Osmok<br />
Craig Jones<br />
Barb Hill<br />
Windfall Clothing<br />
Mike Brigham<br />
Jeffrey Lee<br />
Shannon Stark<br />
Martin Wills<br />
Tom & Elly Kaas<br />
Dave Windfeld<br />
Steve Hilditch<br />
Mairi Cowan<br />
The Estate <strong>of</strong> Sylvia Sad<strong>of</strong>f<br />
Stephen Gaetz<br />
Shannon Coote<br />
Harvey Low<br />
A special thank you to all <strong>the</strong> landlords - both private and public sector -<br />
that assist our clients in securing housing.<br />
The police-reported<br />
crime rate (PRCR)—<br />
which measures <strong>the</strong> volume<br />
<strong>of</strong> reported crime—<br />
fell mainly as a result <strong>of</strong><br />
a 6% decrease in <strong>the</strong><br />
rate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>fts under<br />
$5,000, <strong>the</strong> highestvolume<br />
<strong>of</strong>fence. In total,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were about<br />
77,000 fewer crimes<br />
reported in 2008 than<br />
2007.<br />
The police-reported<br />
Crime Severity Index<br />
(PRCSI) —which tracks<br />
changes in <strong>the</strong> severity<br />
<strong>of</strong> reported crime—was<br />
down for <strong>the</strong> fifth consecutive<br />
year in 2008. A<br />
10% drop in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong><br />
break and enters drove<br />
<strong>the</strong> PRCSI to 90.0, from<br />
95.2.<br />
13<br />
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca
We are very grateful to our volunteers for <strong>the</strong>ir hard work and dedication. We simply<br />
could not provide <strong>the</strong> services we do without <strong>the</strong>ir enthusiasm and commitment.<br />
Volunteers<br />
Iris Antonio<br />
Ashley Aseltine<br />
Ike Awgu<br />
Kathy Best<br />
<strong>John</strong> Bianchin<br />
Jesse Blinick<br />
Jaclyn Bristow<br />
Dan Brosseau<br />
Eliot Callahan<br />
Ashleigh Campbell<br />
Christin Chartrand<br />
Shannon Christ<strong>of</strong>ides<br />
David Chung<br />
Stacey Colliver<br />
Daniella Costanzo<br />
Jennifer Del Bianco<br />
Danya Dixon<br />
Michael Etwaroo<br />
Robb Fatt<br />
Janienne Foenander<br />
Kadian Gifford<br />
Suneel Gokhale<br />
Yamin Hashimi<br />
Justin Heath<br />
Richard Holland<br />
Robert Huntington<br />
Lisa Inspektor<br />
Katie Ionson<br />
Davina <strong>John</strong>ston<br />
Anna Kalnisa<br />
Lydia Kamal<br />
Kathleen Kienga<br />
Tudor Lupea<br />
Stacey Lymer<br />
Osair Maluc<br />
<strong>John</strong> Manella<br />
Nicole Myers<br />
Prem Nathan<br />
Sharon Noel<br />
Darby O’Brien<br />
Sandra Oziel<br />
Kristy Pagnutti<br />
Heena Patel<br />
Pragna Patel<br />
Samantha Peck<br />
Clare Pentelow<br />
Manel Perera<br />
Samantha Peters<br />
Anna Pham<br />
La-Shanta Phillips<br />
Madhu Pinto<br />
Antonella Rizzello<br />
Clara Saponaro<br />
David Silva<br />
Andrew Spiro<br />
Christine Tonner<br />
Jeff Trapp<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Trigiani<br />
Stephanie Turcotte<br />
Jennifer Valliere<br />
Sonia Vescio<br />
Akhil Wadhwa<br />
Myles Wagman<br />
Mary Louise Walker<br />
Beverly Ward-Veitel<br />
Katie Wilkes<br />
Angeline Wong<br />
Cindy Waterman<br />
Volunteers United Way Days <strong>of</strong> Caring—thank you to all<br />
<strong>the</strong> volunteers.<br />
14
Statement <strong>of</strong> Operations<br />
15
www.johnhowardtor.on.ca<br />
Crime severity dropped<br />
across <strong>the</strong> country in<br />
2008, with <strong>the</strong> exception<br />
<strong>of</strong> increases in<br />
Prince Edward Island<br />
and New Brunswick as<br />
well as two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three<br />
territories. However,<br />
Prince Edward Island<br />
continues to have <strong>the</strong><br />
lowest overall Crime Severity<br />
Index, followed<br />
closely by Ontario, Newfoundland<br />
and Labrador<br />
and New Brunswick.<br />
The largest drops in<br />
crime severity were reported<br />
in Manitoba and<br />
Nova Scotia. The western<br />
provinces continued<br />
to report <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
Index values among <strong>the</strong><br />
provinces, with Saskatchewan<br />
reporting <strong>the</strong> highest,<br />
followed by Manitoba,<br />
British Columbia and<br />
Alberta.<br />
Greg Rogers ( Executive Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>John</strong> <strong>Howard</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Toronto</strong> and Mayor David Miller (City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Toronto</strong>) and Vinita Puri<br />
( Anger Management Coordinator )<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> Canada’s<br />
census metropolitan<br />
areas (CMAs) reported<br />
drops in crime<br />
severity, including all <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ten largest CMAs.<br />
Winnipeg recorded <strong>the</strong><br />
largest decline (-19%)<br />
in crime severity, while<br />
Trois-Rivières reported<br />
<strong>the</strong> largest increase<br />
(+14%).<br />
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