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The History of the Calgary John Howard Society

In 1929, the Warden of the B. C. Penitentiary, a Mr. Cooper, suggested to a ministerial association that they sponsor a group to help convicted men, and their families in the post-release rehabilitation process. Not wishing to prejudice the men and their future, the group did not choose to use the word 'prisoner' in the title. Instead, at the warden's suggestion, the name of the great English reformer, John Howard was adopted.

A legacy of John Howard is the work of the societies that bear his name. They attempt to further the ideas that he presented in his day, carrying them forward in the light of modern understanding. From the west coast of British Columbia to the eastern shores of Newfoundland, John Howard Societies assist people who have come into conflict with the law. The many professionals and volunteers, who work with the societies review, evaluate and advocate for changes in the criminal justice process, as well as engage in direct service delivery and public education on matters involving the application of criminal law.

On May 1, 1931, in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Rev. J.D. Hobden, and his secretary opened the doors of the first John Howard Society in Canada. The agency had two tiny rooms. It was almost grim looking with a few straight-backed chairs on a bare floor and a typewriter on a small table, along with a few office supplies. The first person to seek help through the new agency was an electrician who just two months prior had been released from prison and had been unsuccessful in obtaining employment. A referral was made to a possible source of employment; however, a few days later he came back dejected and discouraged. He had no suitable clothes, no tools and therefore was rejected. Plans were soon made to supply him with these necessities and soon after he did secure a job. At the end of his first month of employment he returned to the agency to express his appreciation. "When I first came to you everything was black and hopeless, now not only do I have a fresh start, but I feel like a new man." Another of the visitors to the agency once said "I'm glad you have the name 'John Howard' on your door. If the word 'prisoner' had been there I would not have stepped into your office."

In the first month of operation, fifty-six persons received temporary relief. By the year end, ex-inmates from every Canadian penitentiary, several provincial jails and as far south as the American Sing Sing and San Quentin Prisons had visited the Vancouver John Howard Society. In 1946 the John Howard Society of Ontario was formed. Between 1947 and 1960 many other provinces followed suit, setting up John Howard Societies across the country. There are presently fifty-nine local branches of the John Howard Society across Canada, a provincial office in each province and a national office in Ottawa. The John Howard Society of Canada was formed in February of 1962.

On September 15, 1947, the former Deputy Attorney General of Alberta, the late George B. Henwood, O.B.E., Q.C., helped establish the John Howard Society of Alberta. By 1950 the society had obtained recognition by prison and law enforcement authorities as well as the public.

The Calgary District Council of the John Howard Society of Alberta was established in 1949. On April 17, 1984 the Calgary District Council incorporated as an independent Society pursuant to the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta and as a result, since April 1984, the Calgary John Howard Society has been autonomous.

In 1962 the United Appeal (later known as United Way) became a funder of the Calgary John Howard Society, and in 1976 the society was presented the Birks Trophy for being the agency which best represented the United Way to the public throughout the year. During the past fifty years, the Calgary office has grown from a one-person district office to an independent society employing 25 full-time, and numerous casual staff. There are approximately 50 active volunteers involved with the society.

Experience over the years has shown although a 'hand-out' was sometimes sufficient to help meet the client's immediate needs, it became more apparent among the caseworkers that results were even more positive when they gave the clients a 'hand-up' by helping them help themselves.

Bedford House is a non-institutional apartment style residence for men and women in conflict with the law and operates as a stepping-stone between jail and the general community. The doors were opened for residency in December 1985 with the official ribbon cutting ceremony taking place in May, 1986.

Berkana House, a joint project between the Elizabeth Fry Society and the Calgary John Howard Society, was opened with its first resident on October 26, 2001, with official ribbon cutting ceremony on November 21, 2001. Berkana House primarily serves women on federal day parole to help re-establish themselves as members of the community.

The Calgary John Howard Society has expanded into providing residential services for youth with the purchase of the historic St. Anne's convent in the Ramsay area of Calgary. Raido House provides support and programming in the form of a transitional residence for youth aged 14-18 who do not have status within the Child Welfare system.

The Calgary John Howard Society is actively represented on a variety of national, provincial and local Boards and Committees. We are also members of countless additional local and provincial networks, organizations and working groups.