Calgary John Howard Society 2009 Annual Report

Calgary John Howard Society
Annual Report 2009
Planting New Seeds to

Grow New Roots
Celebrating 60 Years of Service!

OUR VISION:
“An informed community active in preventing crime”
OUR MISSION:
“Promoting positive change through humane, just and informed community responses to crime and its effects”
OUR CORE VALUES
1. Every person has intrinsic worth and must be treated with dignity, equity, fairness and compassion.
2. Every person has the right to live in a safe and peaceful society.
3. Maintaining a safe and peaceful society through humane responses to crime is
every person’s responsibility.
4. Every person has the right and the responsibility to be informed about the criminal justice system.
5. Justice is best served through measures that resolve conflict, embrace diversity, and repair harm.
6. Society has a unique responsibility to promote a positive developmental environment for youth.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. Crime prevention is best served through social development.

2. Justice should be restorative.
OUR ENDS
1. Individuals at risk of offending will have alternatives.

Rationale: Vulnerable groups at risk of criminal involvement should be identified. Individuals within those
groups should be offered opportunities and resources to make positive changes in their lives. Programs, ser-
vices and resources must be available to assist those who have been, or who are likely to be, in conflict with
the law. Individuals must have opportunities to address those personal and societal issues that contribute to a
criminal lifestyle.
2. Responses to crime will be community-focused and restorative in nature.

Rationale: The justice system should be accessible and responsive to the needs of the offender, the victim and
their community. To be effective, the justice system should provide opportunities for involvement for the of-
fender, the victim, and their broader community and embody the principles of restorative justice.
3. Communities will take ownership in preventing crime.

Rationale: Effective prevention of crime occurs at the community level. Communities need to take responsibil-
ity for the prevention of crime primarily through social development. By increasing their awareness of the root
causes of crime and methods of preventing crime, communities may choose to be more involved and therefore
more accountable for restoring harmony.
4. The community will be informed about the criminal justice system.

Rationale: Effective responses to crime are best achieved through knowledge and understanding of criminal
justice issues. To effectively support and participate in the criminal justice system, the community must be
knowledgeable about that system.
Report from the Chairman:
On behalf of the Calgary community and the stakeholders of the Calgary John Howard Society, I would like to
express our sincere thanks to the management, staff and volunteers of the Calgary John Howard Society. The
work performed by the CJHS staff and volunteers over the past year continues to exemplify our core values of
restorative justice.
2009 was a year of celebration for the Calgary John Howard Society as it marked 60 years of serving the Calgary
community. Our anniversary event in November gathered us together to look at the achievements of the
society and to celebrate with colleagues, coworkers, clients and friends. The evening brought many tributes
from politicians, the Calgary Police Service and various charitable organizations, messages that our staff and
volunteers deserve to hear. The anniversary celebration also highlighted the history of the society and gave us
a sense of the optimism and enthusiasm that will continue to see our organization grow in the future. I would
like to again thank all those who assisted in the planning for our 60th event.
The long-term strategic planning initiative that was begun in 2008 focus the direction and priorities of The
Society continued to take shape over the past year. Gordon Sand, the management team and the board of
directors have undertaken work to chart the future course of the society; there is a strong desire to see the
profile of the society raised within the Calgary community, and an increased understanding of the work it does.
2009 was also a year of challenge as we continued to look for a new location for the existing Bedford House
facility. This is a project that has been first and foremost in the minds of those involved with the CJHS for the
past four years, and it is one to which the board of directors and the management team dedicated much time
and effort over the past year. Towards the end of 2009 a course of action was becoming clear, and a site in
the Manchester area has been identified. While currently light industrial in nature, it is close to MacLeod Trail
and the LRT, and is in an area poised for redevelopment. To develop this site to fruition will take creativity
and determination, but these are elements that I know we possess as a society. I would like to once again,
on behalf of the board of directors, state that we are committed to ensuring that the work that is done by the
Bedford House team continue in a new facility as soon as possible.
On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Gordon Sand, the management team,
staff and volunteers of the Calgary John Howard Society for their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in
another successful year for the organization.
James Clark
Chairman, Board of Directors
Report from the Executive Director

It is difficult to think back to 2009 with all the activity going on the past several months as a result of seeking
a land use re-designation so that we can relocate Bedford House to the Manchester area. As in 2006 we are
facing opposition from community residents and attempting to provide the necessary information to gain
their support. We have held two open houses and held several meetings with Community Association Board
Executives.
Definitely, the highlight of 2009 was our 60th anniversary celebration. The evening itself was grand and the
teamwork and effort the staff put into organizing it was terrific, with a special thanks to Susan Elford who
helped us through the process. The evening was to celebrate the work and the people of the agency for the
past 60 years of service to the community. It highlighted the long tradition of dedication staff members and
volunteers have given over the years to help improve the lives of people and the quality of life in general for
the community. I would like to thank our present staff members as this dedication continues today, and it is the
effort and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers that makes the difference for the individuals we work with.
The past year was also successful in that were able to maintain funding for our current programs and offer
a new program, the Youth Drug Impact Program (YDIP) supported by a new funder for the agency, Health
Canada. We have been fortunate financially to be able to weather the economy and I would like to thank the
organizations who fund and support us and they are highlighted at the end of this report.
Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Board of Directors, especially the chair, Jamie Clark, for the
effort they have put into finding a new location for Bedford House. This issue has dominated the work of the
Board for some time and the extra effort and support they have provided me is appreciated.
Gordon Sand
Executive Director
Residential Services
Bedford House
Bedford House is a community residential facility (CRF) which provides a non-institutional living environment for offenders on
conditional release. Bedford House attempts to meet the clinical and social needs of our residents by providing referrals to out-
patient programs for sex offender treatment, substance abuse, anger management, family violence and employment programming.
There is a visiting psychiatrist and mental health nurse that attend in-house on a weekly basis. Program participation plays a large
role in the reintegration process and in the overall management of risk. All residents are expected to work towards becoming socially
and financially independent to the best of their abilities and are expected to be engaged in appropriate programming, counselling
and/or therapy.
Residents are provided with assistance, advocacy, counselling and encouragement from staff to support them in meeting their
individual goals set out in their intervention plans. In all aspects of the reintegration process, Bedford House works closely with
the Calgary Parole Office, the Calgary Probation Office, the Calgary Police Service and other community organizations to ensure
consistency of approach. Bedford House provides a safe environment for offenders to successfully reintegrate into the community
where they are able to continue addressing the factors that contributed to their offending behaviour while minimizing future risk to
the community.
Our Goals are to meet the social and clinical needs of offenders on conditional release through treatment and programming and
providing support in finding alternatives to criminal involvement. As part of the reintegration process, our multi-need clients require
more structured treatment and supervision services than are offered in the more traditional halfway house setting.
We’d like to tell you about Phillip* who arrived at Bedford House a dysfunctional young man with a history of being sexually
assaulted, abandoned by family, and severe substance abuse issues led Phillip to prison. Throughout his entire life, Phillip was
repeatedly taught all of the wrong ways to deal with problems such as bottling his emotions and using drugs as a coping mechanism
and those inappropriate traits continued to progress until Phillip’s way of living became so destructive and unhealthy that he sexually
offended and landed himself in jail.
Upon arrival, Phillip’s goals were to obtain gainful employment, learn to be a functioning member of society, control his deviant
fantasies, and remain substance free. Phillip utilized the services of Bedford House, the Calgary Parole Office, and COSA (Circles of
Support and Accountability) to help him meet his goals and achieve personal success.
While Phillip’s struggles were numerous; deviant sexual fantasies, significant substance addiction, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and
distorted views of relationships, he worked hard to overcome the issues that he could and learn to control the issues that he could
not completely overcome. Phillip learned for the first time in his life how to function appropriately in the community. Phillip found a
good job and began to learn new skills and began to transform into a contributing member of society, something he was definitely
not used to being. Phillip continues to be out in the community; he is working and living on his own.
*Name has been changed for confidentiality purposes
Looking ahead, as a direct result of the Calgary Stampede Board expansion, in 2005 Bedford House was expropriated by the City
of Calgary and is no longer owned by the John Howard Society. We continue to seek alternatives to relocating the community
residential facility which will be specifically designed as a transitional residence providing service to an increased number of
individuals entering our community on conditional release.
For the year 2009, Bedford House was home to a total of 71 residents.
From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, Bedford House reviewed 302 files for residency. Of these 195 were accepted for
residency, 68 were denied for residency and 39 were deferred for the completion and/or additional institutional programming and/or
institutional interviews to be conducted.
From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 Bedford House completed 131 Community Assessments (CA). Community Assessment
requests are generated from within the federal institutions for the purpose of information gathering and to assess potential
community support for the offender.
In 2009, There were 25 Successful Releases into the community
12 Returned to Federal custody due to breach of condition or deterioration of behaviour
11 Returned to Federal custody for failing to return to Bedford
2 Returned to Federal custody with new charges (Domestic Assault, Robbery)
2 Remain Unlawfully at Large
1 Provincial Resident was breached and arrested
3 Tranfers to other CRFs
1 Deceased
2.8% of the residents residing at Bedford house in 2009 committed new offences
Berkana House
Berkana House is a residence that provides a supportive environment
for women who are transitioning from the federal prison system
back into the community. We also provide a nurturing environment
for mothers to reunite with their children. The emphasis at Berkana
House is the creation of a healing and empowering environment
built on the foundation of trust and respect. We believe that an
atmosphere that encourages independence, healthy life skills and
respect for self and others will allow women to contribute to a safe
and well balanced community. Berkana staff provides individual
support as well as in-house group programs including Dialectic
Behavioral Therapy. A caseworker is assigned to each individual and
the women are linked with social and programming supports in the
community in preparation for a smooth and safe transition.
Goals:
1. Women at risk of offending will have alternatives.
2. Responses to crime will be community-focused.
3. The community will be informed about the criminal justice system.
4. Communities will take ownership in crime prevention and Berkana will assist by:
• Providing emotional, spiritual, physical and resource support to women released from a federal
correctional institution thereby facilitating a more positive transition into the community
• Providing a safe, respectful environment to empower women in their positive transition
Berkana House continues to take the lead in offering women a safe and nurturing environment to learn and
practice skills that will assist them with a positive and productive re-entry into the larger community. The women
have taken the lead in mentoring new residents and this has resulted in a lowering of Unlawfully At Larges
(UALs) and the incidences of substance use in and out of the house. We are experiencing a rising population of
women with severe mental health issues along with substance abuse. Berkana House is rising to the challenge
by providing training for the staff and by making connections with community resources. The work with any
of our population is done with tremendous support from our agencies, The Calgary John Howard Society and
the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary along with our close team work with the Women’s Supervision Unit at the
Calgary Parole Office.
Last year we spoke about a collage of success stories because we had so many. Well folks, this year we have even
more. We have had many successful “graduates” of Berkana House and most of them stay in touch to keep us up
to date on their busy lives and happy moments. This year we would like to report another kind of success story.
Some of our women were not successful in finding housing or jobs in this lean market. Some have been able
to hang on to their healthy lifestyle while couch surfing and acquiring further education; some have not been
strong enough to withstand the pressure. Even though these women are not in a good place, they keep in touch
for moral and physical support; they know that one day they will be able to overcome this setback. Most of all
they know we will be here to walk with them through the light and the dark. That too is success.
While Berkana House did not operate at, or over capacity this year, we still need more housing. Time and again
our women are denied access to housing and other services because of who they were and not who they have
become. With our growing mental health population it is imperative that we find structured and semi structured
accommodation. Next year we will discuss success stories regarding our women in the community with good
accommodation and access to meaningful jobs. We just know it.
Raido House
Raido House is an eight bed, co-ed transitional housing residence
for homeless youth between 14 and 17 years of age who require
safe, supported, and stable transitional housing and do not have
government or family support. The goal is to divert youth from living
on the street; youth who may eventually become dependent on the
adult shelter and welfare systems. Raido is staffed 24 hours a day
year round with experienced Youth Workers who work closely with
the residents to identify goals and assist youth in their preparation
for independence. The role of the Youth Worker can include, but
is not limited to; client advocacy, support, resource access, family
reunification, employability skills, educational needs, life coaching,
counseling, appropriate medical care and relationship building.
Raido House provides continuous staff support to assist residents in personal skill development and finding long
term housing appropriate to their needs. Youth who can stay at Raido House include youth involved in the youth
criminal justice system who are without families or family support, homeless, non-child welfare status youth,
and youth who are transitioning from or no longer have Child Intervention involvement. The program provides
access to community based services relating to employment and education, activities that strengthen emotional
and physical health (i.e. counseling, medical treatment), as well as opportunities for recreation and community
involvement.
Raido House employs a holistic approach to enhancing self-esteem, resiliency, and supporting development
of the life skills necessary for the transition to independence for our clients. We believe that setbacks and
mistakes are a normal part of adolescent development and use these as opportunities for learning to make
healthy choices. Under normal circumstances, no resident will leave the program or be discharged before they
and the team believe the young person has all necessary supports in place.
Raido’s goal is to reduce the number of homeless youth in our city and provide a place they feel comfortable.
The program’s ultimate goal is to see as many youth transition successfully as responsible young adults into the
community with a sense of worth and well being. The mission of the Youth Transitional Residential Services is to
provide a safe and secure residence for youth who are attempting to transition from street life to a completely
independent lifestyle. We strive to improve the quality of life for Calgary’s homeless youth by providing a
variety of services ranging from safe and secure housing; skill development through training in life skills, conflict
resolution, communication, independent living, and self-management; vocational support through employment
preparation; connecting youth to community services; and youth advocacy to help youth effectively deal with
barriers to physical, emotional, and social health.
In short, the supports at Raido House focuses on 3 main areas:
•Pre-care→ helping potential candidates meet the requirements for accessing services
•Residential care→ providing skill training, role modeling, and positive adult relationships, and;
•Post-care→ assisting former clients with the ability to maintain housing and employment as well as stable,
safe relationships.
Raido and Windsor Park have hosted 3 youth/staff BBQ’s alternating between the 2 houses and we have seen
a great turn out of youth as well as staff. 2 members of Raido House where able to participate a collaborative
community event called ‘Gear Up’. At this event staff where able to connect with homeless youth and other
service providers. This was a great success and many new connections where made with both youth and
community members/services.
The two staffing teams spent an afternoon together including lunch, attending the Avenue 15 open house and
participating in one larger team meeting. The opportunity was invaluable, with staff from both houses providing
input and ideas on how to support our youth. The staff feedback to this was excellent, with the request that we
combine one team meeting per month to continue this collaboration and team building.
Raido is now 4 months into their program evaluation with staff responding well. This will assist us in streamlining
our practices, reducing duplication of paperwork, ensuring a higher standard of service, and be used towards the
proposal process in September.
Raido House has seen an increase in referrals from legal services and youth struggling with aggression issues.
We continue to see an increase in the number of referrals who are exhibiting mental health issues however,
mental health among residents is stabilizing. Throughout the year it has been noted that we have seen many
youth struggling with self motivation and addiction issues and an increase in the youth using drugs/alcohol
as a recreational activity. Throughout the year we have had 3 youth successfully transition to Windsor Park, 1
transition to independence and 1 youth transition home with family. The staff team at Raido has been putting
in extra time with the youth on a 1-1 basis to complete key working sessions to ensure the youth feel supported
and to encourage success.
We also had the opportunity to work with NAL resources this year through Days of Caring. A team of people from
NAL came to Raido to paint our fence. These members went above and beyond our expectations. They painted
the kids T.V room, painted the fence all the sheds as well as the stairs atour front door. As if this wasn’t enough,
they also bought a Nintendo wii for the house as well as gave us a gift certificate to buy some games the youth
would like. This was a very special day for all of us staff and youth at Raido and it was very much appreciated.
34 youth accessed services in 2009, one of those we’ll call Sandy:
“Sandy” came to Raido House from Windsor Park in March 2009. While residing at Windsor Park, Sandy
struggled greatly with her attention seeking behaviour, education, and boundaries with the staff and her peers.
An infatuation with a male staff at Windsor Park created some challenges for the team and Sandy. After an
attempted suicide and subsequent hospitalization, the two teams determined that Sandy needed to focus on
stabilization and creating a healthy, resilient lifestyle. Although Sandy was 18 at the transition, the teams agreed
to move Sandy into Raido House due to the obvious fact that she was neither prepared nor ready for semi-
independence nor independence. While residing at Raido House Sandy began to attend counselling and learned
how to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Sandy attended mainstream school and managed to hold a part
time job throughout her stay. Most significantly, she stabilized and her attention seeking behaviours decreased
significantly. The staff team worked hard with Sandy in preparing her to move out on her own, with transitioning
being the most noteworthy focus in her goal plan. Sandy began buying various items to move in to her own
apartment. On January 1, 2010 Sandy had found an apartment and moved onto independence. Raido House
celebrated Sandy’s success with a transitioning party. We started a new tradition of gifting the youth with a
crock-pot with the first meal already cooking inside as well as a cookbook made of the staff’s favourite recipes,
and some sundry kitchen items. Staff from Raido helped Sandy move into her apartment as well as helped her
set up her new home. Sandy has now been in her own home for 3 months and is doing very well. Sandy is still
attending school and will be graduating this year from high school as well as she has maintained the same job as
she had while residing at Raido. Sandy has built strong relationships with the staff teams at both Raido House
and Windsor Park and continues to stop by for dinner or just to chat about life.
2009 was a year of change for Raido House. In addition to a new Team Leader and Residential Coordinator, we
found ourselves needing to adjust to meet the demands of our changing service environment. In an attempt
to reduce our relief budgets a rotating schedule was implemented resulting in a significant drop in the use of
relief staff due to the more efficient use of staffing and a reduction in relief costs, alleviating the strain on the
operational budget. The Program Evaluation was implemented and the new data tracking has resulted in a
significant collection of valuable statistics.
Recently there has been a staff initiative to create strong connection with other service providers and community
members. Three members of Raido House where able to participate a collaborative community event called
‘Gear Up’. At this event staff where able to connect with homeless youth and other service providers. This was a
great success and many new connections where made with both youth and community members/services. We
will continue to support our staff in researching and networking with the greater community in order to be more
adequately prepared to support and transition our youth.
We continued to provide professional development opportunities to our team, including opportunities in Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Restorative Justice, Housing First, evaluation, and so on.
Most importantly, we continue with the program unification between Windsor Park and Raido House which has
been a top priority for the residential leadership team. In the past the two programs have maintained as separate
entities. The changes have come in the form of moving the two programs to function under one umbrella while
maintaining the unique nature of each program and its teams. In addition to the rotating schedule, we reduced
our on call budget by half by creating one on call system for the two houses, and now share similar procedures
and paper work. We also use the same case working and key working principles. There is a clear direction
that youth will now follow when accessing our program. Once per month the 2 teams come together for a
combined Team meeting/pot luck lunch to increase communication and cohesion between the houses. While
both programs will provide opportunities for skill development, they maintain their primary focuses which for
Raido House is the skills for and transition towards successful independence.
•We have seen an increase in the number of youth that have transitioned between Raido House and Windsor
Park from 0 previous to 3 since this year.
•The two houses have begun regular monthly BBQ’s alternating between the two locations. The intent behind
this was to increase the accessibility for the youth to the two houses and staff. Eliminating the boundaries and
unknown, hopefully increasing a youth’s comfort level through the stages of transition. These events have also
allowed for staff from each house to get to know each other, increasing communication and the sense of “team”
between the two houses.
Raido House is Funded in part by:

The United Way of Calgary and Area
The Calgary Homeless Foundation (Service Canada)
Anonymous Donors
Intact Insurance (formerly ING)
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a nine bedroom house that is staffed by
experienced youth workers 24 hours, 7 days a week. Windsor
Park provides long term, supported, semi-independent housing
for youth between the ages of 15 and 22 (at intake) who do not
have access to child intervention services or family supports.
The program will provide 24-hour support and supervision
for youth who require long term housing and support before
embarking upon independent living. Residents live in a
supported, independent program designed to empower them
in identifying their needs and accomplishing future goals.
Staff at Windsor Park assist residents by helping them develop
self-confidence, and identify and learn skills needed to live
independently. Youth workers aid residents in developing
living skills, recreation, employment, volunteer activities, and
schooling. They also assist in advocating on residents behalf
in order to help them access important community and health services. Priority is given to candidates who have
demonstrated a degree of independence and have identified important personal goals but still require support and
guidance to transition to self-sufficient adult-hood.
The mission of the Youth Transitional Residential Services is to provide a safe and secure residence for youth who are
attempting to transition from street life to a completely independent lifestyle. We strive to improve the quality of life
for Calgary’s homeless youth by providing a variety of services ranging from safe and secure housing; skill development
through training in life skills, conflict resolution, communication, independent living, and self-management; vocational
support through employment preparation; connecting youth to community services; and youth advocacy to help
youth effectively deal with barriers to physical, emotional, and social health.
In short, the supports at Windsor Park focuses on 3 main areas:
•Pre-care→ helping potential candidates meet the requirements for accessing services
•Residential care→ providing skill training, role modeling, and positive adult relationships, and;
•Post-care→ assisting former clients with the ability to maintain housing and employment as well as stable, safe
relationships.
The most important highlight the year for Windsor Park is the ongoing changes in our programming structure.
These changes are to ensure we are meeting the needs of our clients and the requirements of our changing service
environment. Some of the program adjustments come in the form of our case management process and our
partnership with Raido. The success of these changes have been represented in the increased number of youth
transitioned between Raido and Windsor, the increased average stay of our residents, and the improved recording
and evaluations methods of our program. Along with these improvements, Windsor and Raido have enjoyed joint
activities such as BBQ, hockey games, and joint team meetings. Another great highlight for Windsor Park is the
tremendous support received from the community in improving its physical environment. Under the direction of the
United Ways Days of Caring program, Shell Canada came to rebuild build the fence around the property, reset our
cement patio, and help paint the kitchen and boardroom. The fence replacement was a great success despite the
aggressive attacks by a colony of wasps! The most important change of all is that Windsor has changed its prehistoric
rugs for modern laminate flooring. Looking good Windsor!
53 youth accessed services in 2009, one of those we’ll call Stephanie:
“Stephanie” is an 18 year old client that came from Raido to Windsor Park. During her stay at Raido she had several
identified barriers to living a life free of homelessness and had stabilized her life. Some of the issues Stephanie dealt
with continuously included addictions, family issues, peer relations issues, motivation issues, educational issues, and
employment. During her stay at Raido staff where able to support her in the identification of her personal issues, set
goals, and access support services. In this time she was able to access addictions treatment, strengthen her peer to
peer relationships, and achieve a regular school schedule. After staying at Raido for several months there was a clear
need for her to move into a more independent living situation and begin to learn and build healthy, independent
living skills. However, she clearly was not ready to live in the community on her own as she still required significant
support. It was at this time Stephanie was transitioned to Windsor Park. When Stephanie arrived at Windsor Park
she was continuing to address issues including depression, lack of motivation, and unemployment. Stephanie was
at significant risk for falling back into homelessness and addictions. Windsor Park staff were quick to support her
in identifying areas in her life that needed attention and set goals to address these issues. Stephanie was able to
access counselling and employment services to deal with her depression and employment concerns. Staff continued
supporting her in many ways to help create engagement in her life. Today Stephanie has successfully maintained
employment for several months and has saved a significant amount of money through our “forced saving program”.
Stephanie, along with the support of staff, is currently looking for independent living arrangements. When we look at
Stephanie’s progression from her time at Raido to Windsor Park, she was able to confront and overcome some very
difficult personal issues to the point where she can now live an independently with minimal supports. Stephanie is,
for us, a perfect example of a youth that benefited from the continuum of services that Raido and Windsor Park offer.
2009 was a year of change for Windsor Park. In addition to a new Team Leader and Residential Coordinator, we found
ourselves needing to adjust to meet the demands of our changing service environment. In an attempt to reduce our
relief budgets a rotating schedule was implemented resulting in a significant drop in the use of relief staff due to
the more efficient use of staffing and a reduction in relief costs, alleviating the strain on the operational budget. The
Program Evaluation was implemented and the new data tracking has resulted in a significant collection of valuable
statistics.
Recently there has been a staff initiative to create strong connection with other service providers and community
members. Two members of Windsor Park where able to participate a collaborative community event called ‘Gear Up’.
At this event staff where able to connect with homeless youth and other service providers. This was a great success
and many new connections where made with both youth and community members/services. We will continue to
support our staff in researching and networking with the greater community in order to be more adequately prepared
to support and transition our youth. We continued to provide professional development opportunities to our team,
including opportunities in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Restorative Justice, Housing First, evaluation, and so on.
Most importantly, we continue with the program unification between Windsor Park and Raido House which has been
a top priority for the residential leadership team. In the past the two programs have maintained as separate entities.
The changes have come in the form of moving the two programs to function under one umbrella while maintaining
the unique nature of each program and its teams. In addition to the rotating schedule, we reduced our on call budget
by half by creating one on call system for the two houses, and now share similar procedures and paper work. We
also use the same case working and key working principals. There is a clear direction that youth will now follow when
accessing our program. Once per month the 2 teams come together for a combined Team meeting/pot luck lunch
to increase communication and cohesion between the houses. While both programs will provide opportunities for
skill development, they maintain their primary focuses which for Windsor Park is the skills for and transition towards
successful independence.
•We have seen an increase in the number of youth that have transitioned between Raido House and Windsor Park
from 0 previous to April and 3 since then.
•The two houses have begun regular monthly BBQ’s alternating between the two locations. The intent behind this
was to increase the accessibility for the youth to the two houses and staff. Eliminating the boundaries and unknown,
hopefully increasing a youth’s comfort level through the stages of transition. These events have also allowed for staff
from each house to get to know each other, increasing communication and the sense of “team” between the two
houses.
Windsor Park is Funded in part by:
United Way of Calgary and Area
The Calgary Homeless Foundation (Service Canada)
Anonymous Donor
Adult Literacy Program

This Program offers the opportunity to address literacy skills free of charge to those persons at-risk and
those who are actively involved in or who have had previous involvement with the criminal justice system.
At Remand; one-on-one tutoring is made available by the Literacy Coordinator and the part-time Literacy
Facilitator. In the community; the literacy program is available for individuals who do not wish to make a
weekly commitment but who wish only to access the service ‘at-point-of-need’ and is facilitated by the Literacy
Coordinator and volunteer literacy coaches. All services are funded to support learners to a grade 9 literacy
level. Learners work on reading, writing, numeracy, comprehension, and other skills needed to function in
daily life.
Our Goals:
• To offer learning opportunities to individuals who face barriers preventing them from accessing literacy
upgrading.
• To offer learners a safe, non-judgemental, encouraging environment in which to pursue literacy learning
goals.
• To contribute toward the improvement of the learner’s self-esteem and personal skills.
• To encourage learners, either upon release from custody or upon accessing the services in the community,
to continue with the free service for greater success.
The literacy tutoring program at the Remand Centre continued to be a sought-after service with an increased
number of requests. There were inmates who wished they could have more regular access to this service. The
Literacy Coordinator and part-time Literacy Facilitator are available to address the needs at Remand with the
hopes of increasing the availability of literacy coaching for the clients.
When the Centre of Hope disengaged from the previous collaboration the Coordinator established a working
liaison with Inn from the Cold which commenced in August 2009.
Since that time two part days per week were established in the Resource Room at the Inn from the Cold centre.
These drop-in times have been busy and are sought by the clients.
The literacy coaching drop-in program at the Calgary John Howard offices have been busy both with one-to-
one coaching and group coaching for the Just Say YES program. Those who attended seemed to have had
significant barriers which sometimes impacted their progress.
Different working relationships have been and will continue to be explored for the coming year in order to
reach more learners via different avenues.
A 50 year old gentleman with a low literacy level and whose family became homeless (a wife and three teen
children) were all housed and cared for at the Inn from the Cold. One day he appeared in the Resource Room
at Inn from the Cold and was encouraged to attend the literacy drop-in program facilitated by the Literacy
Coordinator. He not only regularly attended the group classes on site but also reached out to further address
his needs by meeting one-to-one with the Coordinator at the agency main office.
Reintegration Services
Due to his good verbal skills he became an advocate not only for the Inn from the Cold but the agency as well.
He appeared in public relations videos and media interviews. He has progressed from having no confidence
in reading or spelling to an individual who now sees that he can not only read to understand but can also spell
when given the proper direction and tools. He, together with the assistance of the Coordinator in studying and
understanding the printed word, successfully passed his learner’s license (class 7) exam on the first try. This
gentleman is still keen to become a ‘good’ speller and reader and still appears for assistance and guidance at
the agency office.
Looking ahead we continue to explore partner liaisons with various other agencies such as the Elizabeth Fry
Society, the Just Say Y.E.S. program, Berkana House, the Youth Employability Program, The Inn From The Cold,
the Rockyview Adult Literacy, the Calgary Public Library and others.
Alberta Advanced Education relaxed their programming guidelines, as previously reported, to allow for group
classes with a paid instructor. We have had an opportunity to activate this proposal through the Just Say YES
program.
With the success of the Remand Literacy program and Drop-In programs both at Inn from the Cold and at
the agency office we are looking forward to the opportunity to offer further programming to learners and to
solidify the learning opportunities currently being offered. We are also endeavouring to activate the skills of
our volunteer learning coaches in leading group presentations.
The Adult Literacty Program is funded in part by:

Calgary Learns
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
Rotary Club
Emergency Assistance & Intake Program

The provision of immediate and direct assistance to individuals who have had, or are at risk of having
involvement in the criminal justice system. Assistance may be provided in relation to employment and/or
education issues, finances, counselling, advocacy, transportation, basic needs, pardons and other document
assistance, facilitating contact with family/community supports and internal/external referrals.
Our Goals:
• Crime prevention
• Providing alternatives
• Removal of barriers
• Increased knowledge of resources
• Increased access to resources
• Increased likelihood of independent and effective functioning in the community
A total of 1000 contacts with clients were made through the Intake Program in 2009. There were 520 new
clients registered with the agency and 746 contacts were made in person. In 631 instances, clients’ needs were
either satisfied directly or access to appropriate resources was facilitated; a total of 155 referrals were made. In
2009:
• 294 clients obtained bus tickets to get to and from employment, job interviews, education commitments,
or to attend to basic or medical needs;
• 76 clients obtained financial assistance;
• 48 clients obtained needed identification;
• 15 clients obtained financial assistance for Greyhound transportation;
• 59 clients obtained needed documents;
• long distance telephone calls were facilitated for 39 clients;
• 130 clients obtained assistance in relation to basic needs;
• 188 clients obtained employment related assistance;
• 356 clients obtained resource information, guidance and support;
• 65 clients obtained pardon assistance
Of all the clients served in 2009, 17% were homeless and 8% had been released from custody within the past
three months; 26% of clients served were female and 19% were of Aboriginal descent. The average age of
clients was 35 years.
The Caring for Families Project gained much momentum in 2009. The development of and official printing of
the Information & Resource Guide and pamphlets was finalized and interest in the group has been expressed
by various communities and organizations throughout Alberta. Invites to share experiences at community
justice forums has also raised the profile of the initiative.
Nine Alternatives to Violence workshops were facilitated in conjunction with the employment program and
feedback from participants continues to be most positive.
In July, Calgary Legal Guidance gathered community stakeholders together to dialogue about issues of
identification and cards of entitlement. A collaboration was soon formed and working groups emerged;
slowly but surely these issues are being resolved at both a municipal and provincial level which will have an
immensely positive impact on our clients.
We’d like to tell you about a woman who contacted the agency seeking information and support in relation
to her son who had come into conflict with the law and was anticipating a federal sentence for drug related
offences. Extremely distraught and confused, she expressed her fears, indicating she had never had reason
to acquire knowledge of the criminal justice or correctional systems let alone navigate her way through
both. Several meetings were held to support this woman through her experience; she was also invited to
join the Caring For Families Group. Accompanying the woman to court on the date of her son’s sentencing in
addition to providing her with information, referrals to resources and offering unconditional emotional/moral
support was pivotal; the woman stated she was able to manage her response to the experience in a much
more positive way. This extended to her experience of maintaining contact and a relationship with her son
throughout his incarceration, something she was not confident she would have had the capacity to do had she
not had the support offered through the Intake Program and subsequently the Caring For Families Group. To
date, this woman has become an integral part of the Group, continuing to be most active in all aspects of the
development and expansion of this initiative.
Looking ahead, more barriers for clients obtaining identification and cards of entitlement will be removed
in 2010 and an identification storage bank will be created to protect original copies. Collaborative efforts
involving Calgary Legal Guidance, United Way and representative stakeholders from various community and
government sectors will continue making significant progress and the agency will continue to participate in an
established working group.
The interest expressed by the Calgary Police Service in collaborating with the Caring For Families Group may
potentially result in CPS distributing information to family members in appropriate instances where they may
be witness to the arrest and apprehension of a loved one. Proposals and presentations will be arranged in
2010 to promote CPS involvement by referring individuals to contact CFF for information and support.
Although we have not been able to expand the facilitator base of AVP (Alternatives to Violence Program) there
has been a stronger connection made with AVP Alberta. In 2010 it is hoped we can add one more facilitator to
assist with facilitation of the workshops at the agency.
This program is funded in part by:

Lawson McMechan Foundation
Calgary Learns
Correctional Services Canada – Victim Services
Extended FASD Support Project

EFSP is a support program for adult men and women who are living with FASD and are at risk or involved
in the criminal justice system. The main purpose is to develop a Community Support Team (CST) for each
client. Services for clients include ongoing support, clinics for Diagnostic Interpretation of Abilities (DIA),
identification of the client’s strengths, recommendations for intervention and prevention strategies, and access
to community reintegration programs offered by the CJHS to youth and adults. Additionally, the program offers
educational workshops on FASD for the CJHS staff and other community agencies.
The Goal of the program is to identify adults living with FASD, to make appropriate referrals for diagnosis and
provide a DIA assessment for a CST. We provide ongoing support to the client including participation in the
development of their CST and the resulting clinic. Following the clinic we will assist the CST and the client in
accessing the necessary resources for ongoing success and long term community integration.
The EFSP has increased the knowledge and awareness about FASD both internally at the CJHS as well as to
other service providers and criminal justice institutions. It has increased referrals to the CJHS, strengthened
collaborative work with community agencies, jails, parole and probation officers and other FASD services.
We offer a safe and supportive environment through which clients have built relationships not only with the
EFSP but with other program staff; clients increase the possibility to receive help in accessing other available
resources. We have worked with the transitional houses in which we have been able to provide a home for
some clients. This has helped to resolve some crises, reduce risks and prevent homelessness. Some clients
have attended LEEP, Literacy, and other programs that have helped them learn skills, increase self-esteem, and
increase confidence to apply for employment.
We’d like to tell you about a young adult male client. Vince was living in a tent when his mother came to
the CJHS to advocate and find support for him. His mother suspected that he was living with FASD; Vince
did not believe in social support as he had transitioned through a variety of group homes since he was very
young. Vince enrolled in LEEP and was accepted into Windsor Park House (WPH), where he lived for five
months. Vince blossomed during his time taking LEEP; he was included in the group’s activities as opposed to
his previous educational experiences where he was marginalized and labeled “retarded”. Vince built strong
relationships with the CJHS staff, both in WPH as well as at the main office, found a job and was able to pay
his rent on his own. A new crisis came about as a consequence of losing his job and being evicted from his
apartment; Vince immediately came to CJHS looking for support. He was able to reapply to the WPH, was given
first priority, and obtained a room immediately. Vince accessed resources at the main office, searched for a job
and planned alternatives such as returning to school. Vince continues to access the support offered by many
staff at the agency and is scheduled for his FASD assessment; an assessment facilitated and funded through
EFSP.
The EFSP is in a continual building process to respond to our clients needs; we hope to continue to be able to
offer assistance to current and new clients. We are also looking at the possibility of developing community
support teams for each client ensuring that they have an increased chance to succeed. We are also working
in finding the financial resources to assess for the FASD diagnosis of each client. It is expected that each client
with medical FASD diagnosis will have the DIA assessment interpretation and a clinic with the CST.
The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network
Learning Employment Enhancement Program
LEEP is an employment preparation program aimed at people who have been or are at-risk of coming into
conflict with the law. The program runs in modules of three weeks, offering job preparation, an Alternative to
Violence workshop and industry training. Clients are assisted in creating functional cover letters, résumé’s and
learning basic computer skills. The integrated alternatives to violence workshop is an experiential component
which assists clients further develop self esteem, communication, cooperation and effective decision making
skills. Industry training includes H2S Alive, First Aid/CPR and Construction Safety with WHMIS
The goal of the program is to assist ex-offenders and those at-risk of offending in becoming productive citizens
in the community and assisting them in finding alternatives to committing crime. LEEP focuses on ensuring
clients have the skills that support obtaining and maintaining employment which includes maintaining positive
relationships, both personally and at work.
2009 was a great year with high attendance in both LEEP and AVP sessions. The benefits of integrating AVP
into the LEEP program have continually been represented in the positive attitudes of the participants. In 2009
there were 320 work related tickets obtained by clients, including the Basic Level training for AVP. A facilitator
has re-certified in the Red Cross Instructor training ensuring a continued assurance that ticket training can be
offered in a safe and positive learning environment.
We’d like to tell you about Suzette who had come to the John Howard Society with her partner, Bosco. Bosco
could not read or write so Suzette helped him fill in his file to see an intake worker. While sitting in the
waiting room, Suzette saw the brochure for LEEP and had decided that she wanted to register. Suzette was
interviewed and accepted that same afternoon. Through the first week of the program Suzette admitted that
her current partner had been abusing her and that she was running from him, fearful of what he might do.
Suzette confided in the group that without the support of the other participants she wasn’t sure she could
have left the relationship. CPS was notified and Suzette bravely told the officer what was happening; women’s
emergency shelters were called and the search began to find Suzette a safe place for her to stay for the
duration of the program. Suzette showed up every day for LEEP, despite her challenging situation and showed
true commitment to improve her situation. Suzette graduated, found an apartment and is currently registered
in Mount Royal University’s Business Program learning about Franchises’ as it was always a true passion for
her.
We are hoping to add the Petroleum Safety Training (PST) Ticket to the LEEP program, as well as updating our
software needs in order to be able to provide additional training to clients. A new module will hopefully be
added to LEEP, as both LEEP facilitators are taking ‘Money Management’ training sessions; these will provide
the current facilitators with the proper tools to assist clients in learning money management tools.

Calgary Learns
The United Way of Calgary and area
Institutional Visitation
Services are provided to individuals incarcerated in the Calgary Remand and Calgary Correctional Centre and
at the Forensic Assessment Unit. The program Coordinator/ Caseworker responds to individual requests and
tailors services to meet the needs of individuals. Clients can request contact by telephone or by submitting a
formal request form at the Institution; referrals are accepted from any source. This program provides a link to
the community for individuals in custody; contacts with family, employment or other resources are facilitated.
Services provided may also include advocacy, pre-release planning, provision of resource information, direction
and guidance and/or the facilitation of internal and external referrals.
Our Goals:
• To meet the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals.
• To facilitate the expedient release from custody those individuals needing to access their own funds for
payment of bail or fines.
• To assist individuals to increase with successful reintegration into the community
2009 was a significant year for the Institutional Visitation Program. Taking into account the ever increasing
number of requests for assistance and the limited resources available, a complete evaluation of services
was needed and a refocusing of program direction was concluded. Although it was determined that existing
services were of value, a shift in resource direction was needed to provide more meaningful contact with
individuals interested in making positive changes in their lives. By diverting more resources towards assisting
these individuals in formulating solid release plans and facilitating their connection with appropriate resources,
we could inevitably increase the likelihood of successful reintegration thereby providing more positive impact
for both individuals and the community. It was also determined that other valuable services could continue to
be provided with the help of volunteers. Throughout the extensive program planning stages that took place in
2009, key correctional facility staff remained very encouraging, helpful and accommodating.
Despite the irregularity of service provision at the institutions during 2009 due to program planning activities,
there were 352 clients that accessed services and a total of 580 contacts made over the course of the year. The
Adult Service Team did a tremendous job of working together to ensure that the best interests of the clients
remained paramount and that working relationships with stakeholders both in the institutions and in the
community remained ongoing and positive.
The Institutional Visitation Program will focus more on providing clients with more meaningful support as
they transition from the institution to the community. Resource connections in the community will be made
to reduce barriers for clients needing to access housing, basic needs, identification, financial, employment
and addiction related supports. The Adult Service Team will apply a more integrated approach to working with
these individuals to ensure clients’ needs are being addressed most effectively.
Youth & Educational Services
Alternatives for Adolescent Males Project
The Alternatives for Adolescent Males Project – (AAMP) – is a process/discussion group that meets for 2 hours
once a week for ten consecutive weeks. AAMP provides males 14-18 years of age with an opportunity to gain
self awareness through the topics of communication, anger management, male gender roles, and empathy.
Participation is voluntary, however clients are encouraged to contribute as much as possible, as topics are
guided by group discussion.
The main goal of AAMP is to provide clients with insight and understanding into “why they do what they do.”
This includes, but is not limited to, undergoing critical self examination and reflection on their patterns of
behaviour, taking responsibility for their actions, and the ability to use alternative behaviours that establish
healthy, non-abusive and pro-social relationships.
The format of AAMP was altered to include ten 2 hour sessions instead of eight 2 ½ hour sessions. In addition,
the curriculum was revised to incorporate a process group approach rather than an educational approach.
AAMP experienced increased numbers of participants and completion rate. 57% of youth (20/35) completed
AAMP in 2009 compared to a 50% (10/20) in 2008.
A number of service providers regularly refer to AAMP, resulting in waitlists for future sessions.
Pre and Post Group evaluations from 2009 AAMP session demonstrated that:
• 100% of youth completing AAMP (20/20) demonstrated an increase on the pro-social behaviour scale
• 100% of youth completing AAMP (20/20) demonstrated a decrease on the abusive behaviour scale
• 100% of youth completing AAMP (20/20) demonstrated an increase on the critical self-examination and
reflective scale
Following are some participant comments taken from AAMP evaluation forms:
“There were ways to show life from a different perspective.”
“[The facilitators] were really nice and bonded well with us.”
“If you’re less angry, or realize something about yourself you can manage your life, and make your own
decisions.”
“I find this group helpful because you can talk about anything.”
“It helped me to think before I act.”
“It gave me a better outlook on things.”
“A lot of what they said sunk in and made sense.”
“It helped me find ways to get in touch with myself.”
“It helped me to find different ways of dealing with anger.”
“I have more patience now.”
Alberta Children and Youth Services Community Incentive Fund program has concluded. As a result, CJHS
has experienced challenges obtaining sustainable funding for a full time Coordinator for the AAMP and CIP
programs. CJHS is exploring options for re-structuring the Youth Services Team to ensure sustainable delivery
of effective programming, including AAMP.
This Project is funded in part by:
Community Incentive Fund
Lawson-McMechan Foundation
Winstar Resources
Calgary Community Conferencing

A Community Conference is an opportunity for everyone affected by a crime or harmful act committed by a young person
to participate in acknowledging and addressing the harm caused. This involves a meeting between the young person, his/
her family and supporters and the victim(s), their family and supporters. The conference is organized and guided by a
facilitator. Personal meetings are held with participants in their homes in preparation for the community conference. An
agreement is developed and then provided, along with a summary of the conference, to each participant, as well as to
the referral source.
Referrals may come from the Youth Court following a guilty plea as a pre-sentence measure or from public school
administrators to re-establish safety in the school community.
Our Beliefs:
• Conflict is an opportunity for learning and change.
• Resolution of conflict belongs primarily to those most affected.
• Young people have the capacity to address and repair the harm they have caused.
• Restorative practices are opportunities for participants to be active in their own and each others learning and
healing.
In May, 2009, Calgary Community Conferencing hosted Dr. Michael Ungar, an internationally recognized expert on
resilience in at-risk youth. Dr. Ungar is a professor at the School of Social Work at the Dalhousie University and runs a
private practice specializing in working with children and adults in mental health and correctional settings. The full day
workshop was well attended by school administrators and teachers, youth workers and probation officers. 85 participants
attended with evaluations indicating participant’s expectations were exceeded.
A facilitator from CCC has been on the Alberta Restorative Justice Association (ARJA) Board since its inception. This
member sat on the coordinating committee for ARJA Provincial Conference and was re-elected to the board at the AGM
in November, 2009. CCC facilitators took part in the ARJA conference in November, 2009.
There were 106 young people referred to CCC in 2009.
We’d like to share with you a story about a number of students in a local high school were enmeshed in a long standing
conflict which resulted in one student being assaulted in his community by two other students. This situation culminated
with a fight at the school involving many other students. Those responsible were suspended from the school and a total
of 9 students were referred to CCC.
The conferencing process required the students to examine their role in this ongoing conflict and to determine what they
needed to take responsibility for. In the course of this preparation, two of the students acknowledged responsibility for
the assault in the community which they had denied responsibility for. Their parents also assumed their innocence of
this assault.
In meeting with this student and his parents, these two boys set the record straight by acknowledging, with their parents
present, their responsibility for the assault in the community. This enabled the victim to speak about the fear it caused
him. In response, the students responsible were able to give assurances that he had nothing to fear in the future, and
that they felt bad for hurting him.
With the key players in this ongoing conflict accepting responsibility for their actions and making commitments to
positive behaviour in the future, this situation was resolved without resorting to criminal charges. Most significantly, all
students were able to remain actively involved in the school community without fear of punishment or retribution.
CCC will continue to support the Alberta Restorative Justice Board by having a representative attend all meetings.
CCC is currently exploring opportunities to collaborate with partnering organizations to enhance the services being
offered to referral sources.
This Program is funded in part by:
The United Way of Calgary & Area
Alberta Solicitor General: Alberta Community Restorative Justice Grant
Crime Impact Program
The Crime Impact Program, (CIP), is a free, confidential one-on-one service designed to implement the theoretical
practice of restorative justice in a supportive and safe environment. CIP is for youth who are presently involved or at
risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Youth referred to CIP complete an intake, and a 1 ½ to 2
hour session where the impact of crime on victims is discussed, along with the impact of the individual’s actions on
themselves, family, other significant people in their life, and the community.
The goals of CIP are:
• Young people will be aware of the consequences of their actions on family, victims, themselves and the community
• Young people will take ownership and responsibility for their actions
• Young people will be aware of alternatives to offending behaviour.
The Crime Impact Program received 135 referrals and had 116 successful completions in 2009.
Surveys completed by clients in 2009 indicated an increased awareness of the effects of their actions on themselves,
their victims, and the community:
• 95 % of respondents (103 of 108) indicated the session increased their awareness of the consequences of their
actions on family
• 91% of respondents (98 of 108) indicated the session increased their awareness of the consequences of their actions
on victims
• 68% of respondents (79 of 108) indicated the session increased their awareness of the consequences of their actions
on the community
• 97% of respondents (105 of 108) indicated the session increased their awareness of the consequences of their
actions on themselves
• 90% of respondents (97 of 108) indicated they have learned what triggers their offending behavior
• 100% of respondents (108 of 108) identified strategies to make better choices for themselves
Feedback from the CIP evaluation forms:

“This session was better than I thought it would be; the facilitator was not judgemental at all. Thank you very much.”
“I enjoyed sitting here knowing I can talk with someone who will listen and help me with my problems.”
“It was a good experience to know that there is someone that you can talk to about your issues.”
“The facilitator was very accepting and easy to talk and open up to.”
“I like this type of way to deal with problems. If ever I would give advice to someone I would say that this session helped
me out and that they should try it.”
“The program was really good to learn more and understand more about the consequences of crime.”
“This session made me more aware of the consequences that happen to not just the victim but everyone involved.”
“I have a broader view on why not to steal and who it strongly affects. This was definitely a productive session on my
behalf. Thank you.”
Looking ahead, The Calgary Young Offender Centre has inquired about delivery of CIP sessions at the institution prior to a
youth’s release.
CJHS has experienced challenges with securing sustainable funding for a full time Coordinator for the CIP and AAMP
programs. CJHS is exploring options for re-structuring the Youth Services Team to ensure sustainable delivery of effective
programming, including CIP.
Community Incentive Program
Criminal Justice Education

The Criminal Justice Education Program provides information to the public on various topics within the criminal justice
system. This information is delivered by providing interactive presentations throughout Calgary and the rural community.
Many presentations are delivered in schools to students from grade six to grade twelve and focus on the Youth Criminal
Justice Act (YCJA), the court system, the impact of crime on victims, restorative justice, and other topics of interest. The
program also works within the greater community and adult population to educate people on the Canadian criminal justice
system.
Our Goals:
• To provide criminal justice education to Calgary and rural students, with a focus on the Youth Criminal Justice Act and
the criminal justice process.
• To provide an opportunity for students to examine and express their concerns about crime and criminal justice issues.
• To increase knowledge and raise awareness of the criminal justice system among community members in regards to its
values and application.
• To be known as a community resource for justice information including upcoming and changing legislation and law.
Highlights:
• Number of Jr. High presentations increased 162% over 2008 totals
• Increased number of presentations to Community Groups including bi-weekly presentations at Calgary Young Offender
Center and various presentations for parent groups, Restart, AIDs Calgary, the Elizabeth Fry Society and the LYNX after
school program.
• Joined SERG (Society of Educational Resource Groups) - This consortium is sanctioned by the Calgary Board of
Education as well as the Calgary Separate School division and will enable us to market our presentations in a whole new
way.
• New collaboration with the STARBURST Program – offering presentations to high risk teenage girls from grades seven to
nine in the Calgary area.
• Attended Inter-Agency meetings in Airdrie - facilitating connections within the Rockyview schools and community.
• Presented at Law Day in Drumheller
• Attended first annual Legal Resource fair at the Calgary Public Library
• Participated in 11 different professional development opportunities and 5 different conferences
The CJE program developed a new presentation for Grade 9 students called “Canadian Criminal Trials”, which supports the
Grade 9 Social Studies Curriculum. Chapter 2 of this new curriculum is entitled ‘Youth Justice’, and it makes reference to
The John Howard Society several times. This presentation includes an entertaining and humorous trial based on a scenario
where a teacher inadvertently consumes marijuana baked in a brownie during a home economics class in a junior high
school.
Students participate by acting out various court roles (some while dressed in legal robes appropriate for the courtroom).
During the scripted trial students learn about the Canadian criminal court process. After the trial performance, students
are divided into smaller groups. Acting as a jury for the trial, each group presents their reasons for finding the defendant
guilty or not guilty based on the four elements of an offence. The trial itself does not have a defined outcome, so students’
arguments can go either way. Students really embrace their roles and find many creative ways to argue for their beliefs as
jury members. They discover it can be challenging work to follow the jury guidelines in coming to their conclusions.
This new activity has been well received by Grade 9 classes, resulting in an increase in requests for presentations.
The CJE program intends to revise current presentations to incorporate a wider variety of activities, including newly
obtained resources including videos. Also, the staff will explore ways to improve presentation scheduling to ensure a
balanced booking process. CJE will remain active with the SERG, Starburst and CYOC, and plan to connect with additional
community groups. Finally, staff will utilize volunteers, practicum students, and other professionals to enhance the program.
This Program is Funded in part by:
The Alberta Law Foundation
Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy
The Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy is an early intervention program for youth involved in the criminal justice
system. CYES focuses on crime prevention by challenging young people with at risk behaviours to acknowledge the
impact their behaviours have on their own lives, relationships and in the community. The program offers individual and
group sessions. These sessions encourage youth to explore ways they can change their behaviour in order to avoid a
youth criminal record and the consequences.
The goal of the Child andYouth Empowerment Strategy is to intervene with children and youth at risk before their
behaviors become habitual and long term. Through the program, children and youth are assisted with developing a
positive sense of self, effective communication skills, problem solving techniques, empathy, and conflict resolution. These
skills will provide participants with the means to address day to day challenges effectively and to make positive choices
for a healthy future.
The Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy provided individual sessions for 70 youth. Each participant met with the
CYES Coordinator for between 2 and 5 sessions.
100% of clients completing individual session evaluations reported awareness of how their behavior impacts themselves,
their family, and the community.
90% of clients attending individual sessions successfully completed conditions of a diversion program (Youth Justice
Committee, Gateway Initiative, Extrajudicial Sanctions).
In addition, 11 group workshops were facilitated. Workshops were held at the Calgary Young Offender Centre, Holy Cross
School, Sir Wilfred Laurier Middle School, and St. Rose of Lima Junior High School.
100% of clients completing workshop evaluations reported increased knowledge of how their choices can affect their
future
The Child and Youth Empowerments Strategy received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Alberta Solicitor General
and Minister of Public Security. In addition, the Youth Extrajudicial Sanctions Coordinator with the Calgary Youth
Attendance Centre provided a letter of support stating “the CYES program is unique in the sense it is one of the only
programs in Calgary where youth with various behaviors, anger management issues, drug and alcohol issues, or peer
issues, can be referred to explore the emotional, social, financial and physical impact their crimes have on themselves
and the community they reside.”
Looking ahead, The Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy will develop a new self report questionnaire to be used as
an assessment tool. The tool will identify risk factors, needs, and strengths for each participant. The data will be used to
provide appropriate individual sessions and select participants for group workshops on specific topics.
The City of Calgary - Crime Prevention Investment Plan
Restorative Justice Program

The Restorative Justice Program involves the coordination and delivery of the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program
(VORP) as well as building awareness in the community of the principles and practices of Restorative Justice.
VORP consists of a mediation process which involves providing the victim and young offender an opportunity to meet face
to face in a safe environment where an open discussion about the offence can take place and issues stemming from it may
be explored. Participants are supported in resolving the incident in a way that may best address their needs.
Program principles & Goals: Respect, inclusiveness, accountability, trust, voluntary, reparation, and restoration.
• Victims, young offenders and their supporters will have an opportunity to meet, to discuss the harm and what may be
done to repair that harm
• Conflict resolution and relationship restoration
• Restorative justice principles and practices will be valued and understood within the community
• Restorative justice programs will be available and utilized for youth at risk
The Calgary John Howard Society was host to the 2009 Alberta Restorative Justice Association Provincial Conference. The
coordinator chaired the organizing committee, along with other members of the ARJA board.
The theme of the conference was “Communities Responding to Human Needs”. Our keynote speaker, Sylvia McMechan
shared her experiences of working with the stakeholders of the Fraser River Fishing Rights and her work in Africa which
added a Global perspective to the conference. The program continued with concurrent workshops presented by Dr. Avery
Calhoun, Sergeant Brent Sawatzky and Moira Brownlee and Patti Fisher. Dr. Avery Calhoun spoke to her recently completed
research study “An Investigation of the Impacts and Participant Experiences of Calgary Community Conferencing.” Sergeant
Brent Sawatzky from Saddle Lake Cree Nation spoke to the restorative work being done on the reserve. Caring 4 Families
facilitators, Moira Brownlee and Patti Fisher, along with current participants spoke to the experiences and challenges
families face when they have a loved one incarcerated.
There were 49 referrals to the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in 2009.
We’d like to share a story about Joe who woke up in the hospital with stitches and his arm in a sling. His mother told him
he had caused a school to go into lockdown, had nearly lost the use of his right arm and been criminally charged. The last
thing he remembered was going for lunch with his friends and drinking a bottle of vodka. Over the course of the next few
days, the details were filled in.
On the day of the incident, Joe returned to school and due to his odd behaviour was sent to the office. On the way, he
began yelling and acting aggressively to the other students. The administrators seeing that students were at risk, managed
to get Joe outside however, threats were made and a window was broken.
Joe admitted himself to a treatment facility. During his treatment, he recognized his obligation to make amends to
people he had harmed. Joe requested a meeting with the person he had threatened and a referral to the Victim Offender
Reconciliation Program was made.
During the mediation, both parties were able to speak about the incident and the feelings that arose from it. Joe was able
to apologize for his actions and find away to personally address the harm he had caused to the school community and to
repair the relationship with the school administrator.
Looking ahead, the Restorative Justice Program Coordinator was re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Alberta
Restorative Justice Association (ARJA), which is a body that focuses on promoting restorative justice throughout the
province and acting as a supportive, guiding body for current and future restorative justice programs. The coordinator will
continue to support the board and will assist in preparing for the 2010 provincial conference.
Keeping with restorative justice services, the delivery of VORP will continue to be evaluated and adjusted to better suit
the need for reconciliation in the community. The coordinator will also continue to collaborate with the Criminal Justice
Education Program in delivering presentations on Restorative Justice.
Alberta Solicitor General: Alberta Community Restorative Justice Grant
Youth Advocacy & Support
The Youth Advocacy and Support Program (YAS) assists youth between 13-18 years old who are at risk of and/or involved
in the criminal justice system. These youth are assisted with the difficulties they are experiencing in the home, school,
and/or in the community that may lead to risk of criminal behaviour. Program staff provides one to one support, family
mediation, crisis resolution and counselling, for youth experiencing family breakdown/conflict, substance misuse issues,
anger management, mental health and other issues.
Our Goals:
Assists youth to assess individual needs and work towards positive change through empowerment.
Young people will have alternatives to criminal behaviour.
The YAS program was able to accommodate a practicum student this year that came from Mount Royal College in her 1st
year social work program. The Practicum student was able to receive a great experience and opportunity to shadow the
Advocates daily activities and also connect with clients on a one to one basis.
Funding was received to hire a Part Time Youth Advocate to support immigrant youth who are at risk and/or are in
conflict with the law.
The Youth Advocates received referrals from schools, YARD, Youth Probation, and the Gateway Initiative. The YAS
program provided support to 144 clients in 2009.
Client Feedback:
“...I would like to say this helped me out in life and I will still see Mark, to show that I’m changing my life around.”
“Just have to add that you’re a great listener and have really helped me learn a bit more about myself and how my
emotions work, also to see what to do to make life that much better”
We’d like to tell you about an 18 year old male who recently moved to Calgary from Vancouver contacted YAS for support
with making changes in his life. While in Vancouver, he and his girlfriend were involved in the adult entertainment
business, while raising two children. He had developed a serious drug habit and began having difficulty accepting his
lifestyle, culminating in a suicide attempt. After waking up in the hospital he decided to return to Calgary to access help
from his family.
The Youth Advocate had regular meetings with the youth to develop a recovery program. Support was provided by YAS
on a weekly basis over the next four months to help deal with and support the youth in changing his life style. The youth
has been drug and alcohol free and has been working full time driving a truck for over 6 months. He is also working on
supporting his family in Vancouver and trying to reconcile his relationship with his girlfriend.
Looking ahead, the Youth Advocate will be participating in a Money Management Train the Trainer project facilitated by
Momentum. Following the training, the Youth Advocate will incorporate Money Management into the range of services
offered through YAS.
Alberta Solicitor General – Alberta Community Crime Prevention Grant
Youth Drug Impact Project

The Youth Drug Impact Project is a targeted drug prevention project for youth 13-18 who have begun using drugs and
maybe have become involved with the criminal justice system. The objective of YDIP is to help youth develop awareness of
the impact of substance use, and relationship between substance use and criminal involvement. The project is educational
and information based, using interactive activities to help youth identify their behaviour and how it impacts many areas of
their lives.
The goal of YDIP is to develop an effective targeted drug prevention curriculum which can be disseminated to youth serving
organizations throughout Alberta. The curriculum will reduce the influence of risk factors and increase protective factors
associated with drug use for youth who are at risk of conflict with the law.
YDIP was launched in February 2009 with the recruitment of a full time Coordinator and part time Facilitator. The staff
team developed the curriculum, evaluation strategy and tools, and began facilitating groups which involved 6 sessions over
a 3 week period to pilot the curriculum. Six groups were facilitated with 29 youth completing the program. In addition,
the Coordinator began Alberta wide networking to identify effective strategies for adaptation of YDIP for rural and urban
locations.
A YDIP participant reported during a 6 month follow up interview that he recognized his involvement with drugs was more
severe than he previously believed and YDIP helped him to identify the significant impact substance use was having across
several areas of his life. Consequently he made the decision to access a treatment program.
A second YDIP participant identified that her involvement with drugs was having a negative impact on her academic
achievement. Previously, she was an “A” student, and her grades were suffering as a result of drug use. She had set a goal
to reduce her substance use, improve her grades, and become more involved in dance. Within 6 months of completing YDIP,
she had returned to being an “A” student, and was accepted into a school which offered a dance program.
Looking ahead, an external evaluator will conduct a preliminary analysis of YDIP outcome data in the summer of 2010 and
will prepare a report which will be included in the province wide dissemination of the project. In addition, the Coordinator
will begin working with service providers in the Fall of 2010 to develop YDIP projects in their communities.
Health Canada
Youth Opportunity Route
The Youth Opportunity Route (YOR) is a collaborative initiative involving CJHS, Momentum, and several other
youth serving organizations. YOR targets multi-risk youth participation in an Individual Development Account
(IDA) program. IDAs are matched savings accounts that enable low income individuals to save, build assets,
and enter the financial mainstream. Participants include independent youth 16-24 years of age who are
experiencing housing instability or homelessness, and may be involved with the criminal justice system. Youth
complete financial literacy training, develop a savings plan, and access incentives to acquire assets such as
housing, education and training, equipment for work, resources for a small business, eyewear and dental care,
or a personal vehicle.
The goal of the Youth Opportunity Route is that multi-risk youth successfully transition to adulthood. This goal
is achieved by providing the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to gain financial self-sufficiency, build
personal assets, gain meaningful employment, and connect to the community.
Some Highlights:
54 youth participated in Youth Opportunity Route in 2009.
91% of youth who attended Introduction to Financial Fitness workshops reported increase in knowledge of
money management
93% of youth who attended Introduction to Financial Fitness workshops reported they learned new money
management skills
87% of youth who attended Introduction to Financial Fitness workshops reported feeling they could handle
their finances better
100% of youth who attended Introduction to Financial Fitness workshop reported they were helped by
attending the workshop
We’d like to tell you about a young lady who struggled since moving to Calgary from Ontario enrolled in YOR in
March 2009. She had experienced difficulty maintaining employment, moving through a series of part time and
temporary jobs. Also, she was unable to maintain consistent housing, managing short term accommodation
with roommates, couch surfing, and filling the gaps with emergency temporary stays with family members.
However, during her participation in YOR, she completed a pre-employment program, obtained employment
and was able to find affordable rental accommodation. Her personal savings and match savings in her IDA
allowed her to pay for first month’s rent and damage deposit, providing her with a foundation to continue
working towards her goals and transition to independence.
Looking ahead, The Calgary John Howard Society received a grant from the Carrera Foundation to pilot a
variation of YOR involving a cohort of 20 youth in an accelerated savings period. Youth will enrol in YOR in April
2010 and save monthly between May and October, during which they will accumulate a 3 to 1 match of their
savings. Participants will then have a 3 month period to utilize their match for an asset purchase by January
2011.
CJHS and Momentum began discussions with Alberta Employment and Immigration regarding future Labour
Market Partnerships for Financial Literacy and Asset Development projects.
Alberta Employment & Immigration – Labour Market Partnership
United Way of Calgary & Area
Urban Aboriginal Strategy
The Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) targets Aboriginal youth aged 16 to 24 years within our client population;
namely multi-barriered individuals who may have been involved with or at-risk of involvement with the
criminal justice system. The youth likely are at risk to live on the street, in an unstable or unsafe house, or
in a shelter situation. The UAS and Urban Aboriginal Outreach Worker support Aboriginal youth who reside
at CJHS’s two youth residences, Raido House and Windsor Park, as well as with youth within other agency
programs, living in the community, or living in homelessness. The Outreach Worker supports Aboriginal youth
to prevent their involvement in crime; to promote a positive lifestyle; and to re-unite with their Aboriginal
culture and families.
Our Goals:
• To provide assistance in securing affordable & safe housing
• To provide assistance finding and maintaining employment.
• To advocate for funding with bands, programs for further education or training
• To ensure that urban Aboriginal needs are being met and that related issues are being addressed
• One to one counselling
• Family Mediation
• Crisis Resolution
• Counselling—family conflict, substance abuse, anger management,
• To facilitate Aboriginal community building – enhanced capacity, identity, pride and a sense of ownership
We’d like to tell you about a youth who has been involved in the program for 5 months continues to be sober
for 15 months and is currently participating in a life skills work experience program for the past 2 months.
Her goal is to become an addiction counsellor and go back to her reserve and help others struggling with
addictions.
A youth that has been in and out of the Calgary Young Offender Centre has been involved in the project and
has remain out of the centre for over 2 months and she has continued to attend school on a daily basis and
obtained a part time job.
In the coming year, the UAS will continue to support aboriginal youth faced with multiple barriers in prevention
of potential involvement in crime, the promotion of a positive lifestyle, and to re-unite youth with their
Aboriginal culture and families. The Outreach Worker has plans to invited Elders and other individuals from
the aboriginal community to host various events (Sweet grass Ceremonies, Sweat Lodge, etc.).
Since partnerships have been developed with various agencies in the community, more of an awareness
of what programs and services are offered not only with the Aboriginal Outreach Project but Calgary John
Howard Society overall. The Outreach worker has maintained a consistent schedule with the partnerships
to best provide services to help youth needing support. There are also upcoming plans to organize an
Aboriginal Awareness Day Celebration for the agency. As well, getting youth involved and connected with work
experience with the 2010 Calgary Stampede. Also plans to help youth connect into post secondary programs
for the fall.
The Urban Aboriginal Strategy is solely funded through The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative by the Office of
the Federal Interlocutor Indian and Northern Affairs.
Financial Report
2009 Summary of Revenue and Expenses

2009 2008
Revenue
Government of Canada 1,466,904 1,679,345
Foundations and Grants 864,362 344,518
United Way 594,504 691,759
Government of Alberta 329,308 298,031
Donations 255,097 218,506
various funders 206,300 159,185
Fees for Service 140,546 92,532
Deferred Capital contributions 58,994 54,766
Other revenue 99,213
4,015,228 3,538,642
Expenses
Salaries & Benefits 2,849,229 2,504,932
Program Expenses 460,908 368,374
Occupancy 261,997 226,970
Professional Fees 317,469 173,678
Amortization 76,644 77,729
Bank charges and interest 18,944 27,657

3,985,191 3,379,340

Bedford expropriation recover (expense) -14,416 31,408

15,621 190,710
Financial Report
Revenue Government of Canada
1% 2%
Foundations and Grants
4%
5%
United Way
6%
37% Government of Alberta
8%
Donations
various funders
15%
Fees for Service
22%
Deferred Capital
contributions
Other revenue
Expenses
2% 0%
8%
7%
Salaries & Benefits
Program Expenses
12% Occupancy
Professional Fees
Amortization
71% Bank charges and interest

2009 AGM Agenda
Agenda: (Times are approximate):
11:30 AM - Business Meeting:

Reports from The Chairman, Executive Director, and Chief Financial Officer,
Approval of Amended By-Laws
Election of Officers

11:45 PM - Awards Ceremony
12:00 PM - Luncheon
1:00 PM - Guest Speaker: Police Chief Rick Hanson

2008 AGM Meeting Minutes
Call to Order:
Jamie Clark calls the meeting to order at 11:55 AM.
Approval of Agenda:
A motion is made by John Benoit to approve the agenda and is seconded by Gary Lamey. The motion to accept
the amended agenda is carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion is made by Sandy Sobkowich to approve the minutes of the 2008 Annual General Meeting held June
26th, 2009 and is seconded by John Ellard
Chairman’s Report:
Jamie Clark presents the Chair Report.
A motion is made by Chris Visser to accept the Chair Report and is seconded by Gary Lamey. The motion to
accept the Chair Report carries unanimously.
Executive Director’s Report:

Gordon Sand presents the Executive Director’s report.
A motion is made by John Benoit to accept the Executive Director’s Report, and is seconded by Michael
Berenbaum. The motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report carries unanimously.
Financial Report:
Bette Thacker summarizes the Financial Report.
A motion is made by Gord Cook to accept the Financial Report, and is seconded by Sandy Sobkowich. The
motion to accept the Financial Report carries unanimously.
A motion is made by Thea Cederberg to appoint the firm of Lo Porter Getu as auditors for the Calgary John
Howard Society for the year 2009 and is seconded by Michael Berenbaum. The motion to appoint the firm of
Lo Porter Hetu as auditors for the Calgary John Howard Society for 2008 carries unanimously.
Election of Board Members:
Jamie Clark presents the slate, highlighting current members (Jamie Clark, Chris Visser, Matthew Hinshar, Liisa
Tipman, Adam Sanderman, Michelle Papero and Karen Davis) as well as Gordon Sand, the Executive Director.
Jamie Clark provides some information as to the background of each of the nominees and calls for additional
nominations from the floor three times.
With no additions to the Slate of Nominees, a motion is made by John Ellard to accept the Slate of Nominees
for the 2008-2009 Calgary John Howard Society Board of Directors and is seconded by John Benoit. The
motion to accept the Slate of Nominees carries unanimously.
Awards:
To follow business meeting
Adjournment:
With no further business to discuss, a motion is made by Thea Cederberg to adjourn the meeting and is
seconded by Chris Visser. The motion carries unanimously, and the meeting ends at 12:15PM.
2009 Major Funders
2009 Annual Report
©Calgary John Howard Society
“An informed community active in preventing crime”

www.calgaryjohnhoward.org
917 - 9 AVE SE - Calgary AB - T2G 0S5

Phone: 403.266.4566 Toll Free: 1.866.496.2014 Fax: 403.265.2458
info@calgaryjohnhoward.org

Calgary John Howard Society 2009 Annual Report

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Calgary John Howard Society

Annual Report 2009

Planting New Seeds to

Celebrating 60 Years of Service!

“An informed community active in preventing crime”

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Crime prevention is best served through social development.

1. Individuals at risk of offending will have alternatives.

2. Responses to crime will be community-focused and restorative in nature.

3. Communities will take ownership in preventing crime.

4. The community will be informed about the criminal justice system.

Report from the Executive Director

Raido House is Funded in part by:

Adult Literacy Program

The Adult Literacty Program is funded in part by:

Emergency Assistance & Intake Program

This program is funded in part by:

Extended FASD Support Project

This program is funded in part by:

Calgary Community Conferencing

Feedback from the CIP evaluation forms:

Criminal Justice Education

Restorative Justice Program

Youth Drug Impact Project

2009 Summary of Revenue and Expenses

Revenue Government of Canada

71% Bank charges and interest

Agenda: (Times are approximate):

11:30 AM - Business Meeting:

1:00 PM - Guest Speaker: Police Chief Rick Hanson

Executive Director’s Report:

“An informed community active in preventing crime”

917 - 9 AVE SE - Calgary AB - T2G 0S5

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