9 gift ideas that also raise awareness of the opioid crisis
Our Ignite Opioid Awareness Project is winding down, and December is your last chance to purchase art created by individuals who’ve experienced the opioid crisis. Give a gift that not only inspires, but helps to raise awareness of the crisis and reduce the stigma associated with substance use. 1. A representation of someone who is […]
CJHS raises $9,000 in Ride for Refuge
Our extraordinary team of riders and walkers braved the chilly weather to raise $9,000 for CJHS at the Ride for Refuge on Sept. 29, 2018. It was a fun day and great to see so many supporters helping us in our mission to reduce crime and increase safety in Calgary. In honour of Orange Shirt […]
Kim shares her story through art
Ignite is the Calgary John Howard Society’s public awareness project that is showcasing art representing individuals’ experiences with substance use and the stigma associated with it. Kim, one of the Ignite participants, shares her story with us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oGGL-YXiDk Ignite is the Calgary John Howard Society’s public awareness project that is showcasing art representing individuals’ experiences […]
Alex finds a family at CJHS
Alex is a hockey enthusiast. He’s also a chef, athlete and gentleman. “But it’s just common courtesy,” the modest 23-year-old protests of his conscious effort to hold doors open for anyone nearby. Alex has been coming to the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) since he was 16, when the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) he […]
Orange Shirt Day 2018 at CJHS
Imagine that you’re 6 years old and your grandma — even though she doesn’t have much money — buys you a shiny new orange shirt for the first day of school and you are so excited to wear it and make her proud. Then, imagine that you get to school and the teacher strips you […]
CJHS’s annual barbeque sees over 150 people in 2018
When September rolls around, you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get at the CJHS annual BBQ — but, thankfully, Sept. 6, 2018 got plenty of shine! Over 150 clients, staff, supporters and community gathered to eat great food, listen to great music and enjoy great company. We even got a surprise […]
BURNCO donates firepit kit to CJHS youth
The backyard firepit at one of our youth homes has always been a special place where the youth can come together but, over time, it started to fall apart. BURNCO, an aggregate construction materials company in Calgary, heard this and were quick to donate a firepit kit so that our youth could once again have their […]
Art breaks down the barriers
CTV News at 6 featured the Ignite Opioid Awareness Project on Aug. 1, 2018. Ignite is an art-based public awareness initiative, funded by Alberta Health, that aims to reduce the stigma associated with substance use.
A stable, permanent environment gave Michael the chance to start over
It wasn’t long ago that Michael was battling his own addictions. Now, thanks in part to the home he found through one of CJHS’s housing programs, he’s able to use his lived experience to help others as a support and outreach worker. Michael’s childhood was unstable — he and his twin brother were removed from […]
Support from CJHS staff helped William prepare to go back to school to help others
At 61, William might not look like the average college student. Nevertheless, he’s determined to go back to school in order to help people who’ve struggled with the same things he has. “As an alcoholic, I can often be more helpful and understanding of the alcoholic’s mind and heart simply because I’ve experienced it,” William […]