Reaching out a helping hand.

• Author: L'Heureux, Susanne
• Position: Social organizations

There are many organizations in Canada that work tirelessly to ease the re-entry of prisoners into society. This work is of enormous benefit both to released offenders and to Canadian society in general. Some of these organizations are profiled here.

The John Howard Society of Canada

The John Howard Society draws its name from one of the first, and most famous, prison reformers. Born in 1726, John Howard became interested in prison reform after his own experiences as a prisoner of war. His early advocacy for the welfare of those incarcerated was the start of a slow but steady reform of corrupt, inadequate prisons and the criminal justice system. His work is reflected in the mandates of all John Howard Societies across Canada today. The first Canadian John Howard Society was formed in Vancouver in 1929. Its 55 offices now provide counselling before and after release from prison, helps find employment, provides halfway houses, advocates on behalf of inmates, and also educates the public about the law, the courts, and incarceration, www.johnhoward.ca

Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA)

NCSA was established in 1970, with the initial objective of providing assistance to Aboriginal people who had come in conflict with the law. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the not-for-profit, non-political organization focuses on healing and harmony for the entire Aboriginal community. Its vision is to shape social justice models and practices provincially, nationally, and internationally. The goal of NCSA's Restorative Justice Programs is to ensure fair and equal treatment of Aboriginal people in Alberta's justice system. NCSA strives to provide assistance and support through such programs as Criminal Courtwork, Adult and Youth Offender Probation, Parole Supervision, and various correctional residential programs, both for adults and youth. www.ncsa.ca

St. Leonard's Society of Canada

In 1962, Thomas Nell Libby, an Anglican priest, opened the first St. Leonard's halfway house in Windsor, Ontario. Since the incorporation of the organization in 1967, St. Leonard's Society of Canada has grown to 12 affiliates, two associates, and more than 25 halfway houses. The goal of the organization is to assist persons in conflict with the law by providing educational programs, industrial workshops, community residential centres, and other supportive programs that aid in the successful reintegration of the offender. The organization strives to prevent crime...