Employment and education programs for adults to help them move away from criminal behaviour

A 2008 Canadian study found that 79% of inmates had no high school diploma, with 82% testing lower than Grade 10 and 65% testing below Grade 8. Another study showed that the unemployment rate for the recently released was 73%, while the national unemployment rate at the time was around 7%.

The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) provides a variety of employment and education programs for adults who are making positive changes and moving away from criminal behaviour. Our staff provide support services based on clients’ individual needs so they can positively reintegrate into society.

Meaningful employment and education are two of the most successful ways for an individual to move out of poverty and avoid becoming involved or re-involved in criminal activity. With education, job prospects and skills for living in mainstream society, it is much less likely an individual will reoffend. This ultimately creates safer communities by giving adults the tools to be responsible, contributing members.

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Learning Enhanced Employment Program (LEEP)

    • 3-week pre-employment skill building program delivered in group format for adults 18+
    • Employment preparation skills training workshops and options for industry certification trainings
    • Resume building, computer skills, interview skills, money management, looking for work with a criminal record and more
    • Referrals accepted from any source
    • Registration fee ranges between $50-$65. Please contact us for details
    • Call 403-266-4566 for more information and how to register for session dates

One to One Employment Support

  • Ongoing one-on-one support for adults who are unable to find employment independently, to address barriers and build employment-related skills
  • Staff engage with employers who are supportive of hiring clients; facilitating client connection to employers

Literacy and Learning

    • Free one-to-one and small group learning up to a grade 9 level to improve reading, writing, communication, and numeracy skills. Basic digital skills learning opportunities one on one and group formats also provided.
    • Support offered for client specific goals like high school/academic upgrading, enrollment in post-secondary programs, or obtaining learner’s license  
    • Free, two-week, in-person course for basic computer skills: essential email use, Internet navigation, Microsoft programs, mouse control, and more!
    • Free in-person creative writing course offered for all levels of foundational learners
    • Group learning offered within correctional facilities to develop skills for learning:
      • Self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-confidence as a learner
      • Communication and interpersonal skills
    • One on one literacy services offered at our main office, Calgary Remand Centre, Calgary Correctional Centre, and in the community
    • Call 403-266-4566 for information and registration on upcoming courses

*Note: Learning opportunities are offered in-person, following COVID-19 regulations, or online. 

View upcoming workshops

Financial Empowerment

  • Improve money management skills
  • Learn how to set financial goals, develop a spending plan and pay down debt
  • Caseworkers can also directly manage a client’s finances with them if they are struggling to do it on their own

To apply for any of the above programs, call 403-266-4566.

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. Read more