National John Howard Society Awards
Each year, staff and volunteers at John Howard Societies across the country are nominated and recognized for the outstanding contribution they have made to their communities in terms of restorative justice, crime prevention and making communities safer. In November 2019, Lacey Leibel, the manger of our women’s residence, was honoured with the Humanitarian Service Award […]
Fluffy visitors bring joy to Berkana House
Fluffy visitors bring joy to Berkana House Who doesn’t love puppies and kittens? Thanks to Megan’s Rescue Efforts Society, the women at CJHS’s Berkana House were treated to some very special furry visitors in November 2019. Pet therapy has become more common in the last several years and studies have shown that it can help […]
CJHS competes in the 2019 Fast Pitch Finals
Ever wondered how employing former offenders actually reduces crime & makes Calgary safer? We shared this message and more at the 2019 Fast Pitch Finals hosted by Social Venture Partners Calgary on Nov. 7! Watch the three-minute pitch below.
Gord Sand, retired CJHS executive director, wins leadership award, as well as lifetime achievement award
Gord Sand, Executive Director at the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) from 1981-2019, was one of seven individuals and groups in Alberta who received awards for their work in the fields of preventative and restorative justice in a ceremony at Government House in August 2019. The following month, he also won the Willie Gibbs Lifetime […]
Help with cannabis pardon applications now available
Canadians who have been previously convicted of simple cannabis possession are now able to apply for a pardon (also known as a record suspension) with no application fee or wait period, once their sentence has been served. And the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) is here to help! Through our intake program, CJHS can help […]
Moving forward – the Brain Story
The Brain Story In 2018, CJHS embarked on a journey of change that would enable us to better serve our justice-involved clients — the overwhelming majority of whom experienced trauma as children. The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (created by the Palix Foundation) has been guiding this journey over the past year, as our staff are […]
Highlights from 2018
A message from Executive Director Gord Sand
A message from Executive Director Gord Sand From our 2018 Annual Report In 2018 we began a journey of organizational change, formally recognizing something we have long known to be true: that addiction and/or criminal behaviour can largely be the result of childhood trauma. By implementing the Alberta Family Wellness Initative’s Brain Story certification as […]
New Bedford House opens after 15-year journey
After 15 years, the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS)’s new Bedford House has finally opened. CJHS hosted a grand opening event on June 12, 2019 for over 140 guests to celebrate the opening of the new residence, as well as the new community services building. Construction of the new Bedford House was funded in part […]
CJHS executive director announces retirement; assistant executive director to take over
After 38 years as Executive Director of the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS), Gord Sand has announced that he will be retiring on June 30, 2019. Since 1981, Gord has played a critical role in the growth of CJHS from 20 employees with one halfway house, to close to 150 employees and a multitude of […]
