John Howard Society of York Region - Markham Office

Adult Services

Reintegration Program -- for individuals 18 years and older and families residing in or planning to move to York Region who may have experienced or are at risk of experiencing contact with the law

• case management, brief support including goal planning, accessing employment, job and life skills, housing and food security
• referrals to community resources, client advocacy

Record Suspension Support -- for individuals 18 years and older who were convicted of a criminal offence and have completed their sentence

• assists in determination of eligibility and application process to have criminal records kept separate and apart

Partner Assault Response -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offended provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

MAPS Program -- for individuals 18 years and older who are currently on probation who may have experienced or are experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge

• offers one-on-one support with a Peer Support Worker to explore recovery goals and provide connections to community supports and services
• offers support in attending various appointments such as probation, court, counselling sessions
• provides connections to mental health services, addiction services, housing supports, cultural resources, accessing OW/ODSP and more

Mindset Anger Management Program -- 8 week anger management program for individuals 18 years and old

Reset -- for individuals 18 years and older who have completed other programs with John Howard Society of York Region (JHSYR)

• peer-led group with guidance of trained facilitator
• supports the reintegration and social inclusion of York Region residents following involvement in the criminal justice systems
• aftercare support program that connects people to resources following their enrollment in one of JHSYR's programs

Direct Accountability Program (DAP) - alternatives to formal charges and/or prosecution of individuals who have been held over specific minor criminal offences

• Post-charge Diversion - court-referred and available as a post-charge alternative for accused individuals to be held accountable through community-based sanctions
• Pre-charge Diversion - referral from York Regional Police for individuals who volunteer to participate in the program as an alternative to formal charges for specific minor criminal offences

Access to Home - works towards housing stabilization and security, which includes access to support, harm reduction and education

• helps individuals at risk of imminent homelessness or precariously housed
• support provided included rent subsidies, utility payments, food card and basic needs

Youth Services

Healthy Youth Preventative Education (HYPE) Program -- for youth 11-25

• small group sessions that promote positive healthy relationships and target a wide range of abusive and violent behaviours and addictions among adolescents

Youth Counselling Program -- for youth 11-29

• individualized one-on-one support, weekly sessions for youth to discuss issues affecting their lives such as mental health, substance use, bullying, stress relationship conflict and criminal justice involvement
• counsellor works collaboratively with the youth to enhance their understanding, overcome challenges and meet goals

Home Again -- for youth 15-29

• individualized one-on-one wraparound support
• assists youth to acquire stable housing
• financial literacy
• employment support and goal planning

Youth Reintegration -- for youth 12-17

• case management
• client advocacy and collaboration
• referrals to community resources
• individualized goal planning
• specialized counselling support

Ending the Cycle -- 10-week program for youth 15-24 who have been witness to emotional and/or physical abuse, neglect, aggression, or high-risk behaviour within their familial unit

• program offered in group setting or one-on-one
• discussion of topics such as understanding gender-based violence and healthy relationships
• offered to individuals identifying female and 2SLGBTQ+
• offered in person and virtually

Service Navigation - for children/youth and their families

• comprehensive support and follow-up
• reduces barriers to accessing services and supports
• support for clients and caregivers/families
• helps clients connect to services