About Us
We are a social service non-profit agency in Victoria, BC. We work and serve the community on lək̓ʷəŋən lands. Our staff are honoured to provide services on the traditional territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
We come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community.
We recognize the need for supports for those who face barriers and aim to restore dignity and self-worth to all those who work toward becoming their best selves.
Our History
In 1935, a group of concerned citizens came together and formed the Victoria Branch of the John Howard Society of British Columbia to discuss conditions at the provincial prison.
The Society operated as a branch until 1948 when the John Howard Society of Vancouver Island was incorporated in Victoria. It was responsible for all of Vancouver Island. More branches followed in Nanaimo and Campbell River, and while the programs were evolving, the John Howard Society was also changing.
In 1983, we amalgamated with the mainland branch – the John Howard Society of British Columbia. This helped to maintain the cooperation and support between the different regions of the province.
Finally, in May of 1989, the John Howard Society of Victoria (JHSVic) was incorporated as a separate agency.
For the past 88 years, the JHSVic has been committed to leading transformative social change our community. We are dedicated to assisting individuals, families, youth and adults with programs and services focused on employment, housing, mentorship, and restorative justice.
We create safe, healthy and inclusive communities for all.
Our Vision
Dignity
We commit to treating each person with dignity and respect in a non-judgemental manner
Advocacy
We commit to respectfully supporting and championing the human rights of our clients and delivering on our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Empowerment
We commit to supporting our clients to change and grow to make informed decisions and to have the agency act on their own behalf
Collaboration
We value listening, working and evolving with each other, our partners and our community to best serve our clients
Accountability
We value operating with integrity and being responsible and answerable to each other, clients and the community
Resiliency
We value embracing challenges with the determination to learn, evolve and grow
Our Leadership
Thank you to our terrific board members who lead and support us in becoming the trusted voice of social justice in Victoria and the surrounding area.
Chris Beresford
Board Chair
Hank Mathias
Board Vice Chair
Randie Johal
2nd Board Vice Chair
Wendy Townsend
Board Member
Blair Fisher
Treasurer
Bob Downie
Board Member
Funders
We are grateful to receive funding and grants from community members, Federal and Provincial governments, and private sector partners. For more details on the funding that we receive, please refer to our annual report or feel free to contact us.