John Howard Society Programs
There is a program for everyone at JHSVic. We meet our clients where they are at and offer person-centered support and help to remove barriers on the path to employment, housing and community supports.
Employment & Education Programs
Our employment programs offer skill development, training opportunities, and support with the goal of helping people achieve their career goals. We support individuals facing complex barriers secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Justice Services
Justice doesn’t always equal a verdict because justice can be found in community, with restoration and repair.
We offer 3 diverse justice-based programs in partnership with Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC).
Housing Programs
Access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing is a cornerstone of healthy communities. Our housing services seeks to address homelessness and risk of homelessness to assist community members facing multiple barriers to reach their full potential.
KidStart
Mentoring for Children and Youth.
KidStart is a one-on-one mentorship program for children and youth facing significant challenges. We serve youth aged 6-18 in Greater Victoria. All of the youth on our waitlist are referred by school counsellors, social workers, and police.
KidStart is a preventative program, aimed at improving the lives of children by connecting them with a positive and consistent role model.
Our mentors are trained in First Aid, reflective listening, strength-based practices, and receive ongoing training, support, and supervision to help them be the best mentor they can be.
Mentors spend 2-3 hours a week with their mentees, doing fun activities in the community such as swimming, skating, indoor rock climbing, board games, beach walks and more.
Requirements
To qualify for mentorship, we ask that you:
- Have passed a Criminal Record Check and Screening.
- Are 19 years of age or older.
- Have lived in Canada for at least one year.
- Have a stable routine and are eager to be a long-term positive role model for a young person.
- Can commit to spending a few hours each week with a young person for one year.
Community Adult Mentoring & Support
Contributing to a Safe Reintegration.
Our Community Adult Mentoring & Support Program pairs volunteers with formerly incarcerated individuals to provide one-to-one mentorship and support as they reintegrate back into new spaces and communities. We have seen how human connection can empower a person to thrive in a time of uncertainty.
Requirements
Screened and affirmed volunteers will attend an orientation, participate in appropriate training, and are asked to commit to one year of mentorship.
To qualify for mentorship, we ask that you:
- Have passed a Criminal Record Check and Screening.
- Are 19 years of older.
- Exercise personal boundaries.
- Are non-judgmental, honest, kind, professional and reliable.
- Have a willingness to work with high-needs participants.
Community Garden
Feeding Ourselves and Others.
Providing therapeutic food growing opportunities for people who have challenges. These may include mental illness, addiction, and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Program participants gain experience working in an organic garden, develop stable and positive interactions with others, and improve the quality of their lives by producing their own organic food.
Requirements
- Have passed a Criminal Record Check and Screening.
- Are 19 years of older.
- Exercise personal boundaries.
- Are non-judgmental, honest, kind, professional and reliable.
Prison Services
Reintegration Support offered at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC)
Individual and group pre-release planning are provided to residents at VIRCC which include goal setting, support network resources, affordable housing information, ID and tax preparation and life skills workshops.