Over 50 years of John Howard in Saskatchewan

Canada's own history of community participation in prisons and corrections dates from the 1860s in Toronto and Kingston, but it wasn't until 1934 when the first local chapter of the John Howard Society started in Regina, followed by Saskatoon in 1939 and Moose Jaw in 1953. It has been almost 50 years since a public meeting was called in Regina to organize the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan incorporating in 1958.

Over the past five decades, John Howard Society has operated a great variety of successful programs. Initially, efforts focused on helping offenders in jail and on release. More recently, work has broadened to include offender and victim programs in the community, crime prevention and public education.

Now, some programs help offenders avoid jail by working off their fine or by performing community service orders, while others help offenders to better reintegrate into their community and mediate disputes between victims and offenders. Many current initiatives, such as Chill-Out (aimed at common assault offenders), Stop-Lift (alternative to court for shoplifters) and substance abuse programs, are targeted at youth.

More than 10,000 clients are served by the John Howard Society in Saskatchewan every year. Over the years, it's been recognized for its work with offenders and victims and has accumulated a wall full of awards at its provincial office in Regina.

The charity is funded by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, the cities of Regina and Saskatoon, the United Ways of Regina, Saskatoon and the town of Elrose, the Saskatoon Credit Union, the John Howard Society of Canada, and private donations and memberships.