JUSTICE, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA
A trusted voice for fairness, dignity, and belonging since 1932.
The John Howard Society of British Columbia helps people rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities. For over 90 years, we’ve worked toward justice that is humane, equitable, and rooted in shared responsibility.
From Advocacy to Action
John Howard (1726-1790) inspired the creation of social service agencies in several countries.
Our story begins with John Howard, an 18th-century prison reformer who dedicated his life to improving conditions for those incarcerated in England. His belief, that justice and humanity must coexist, inspired a movement that reached Canada in the early 20th century.
In 1929, the John Howard Society took root in Vancouver and became incorporated as the John Howard Society of British Columbia in 1932. Since then, our mission has evolved beyond correctional reform to include housing, employment, mental health, education, and social inclusion.
Today, we continue to uphold Howard’s vision: building communities where fairness and opportunity are not privileges, but shared rights.
Our Core Values
Our work is guided by principles that reflect trust, accountability, and respect for every individual.
Accountability
We honour our commitments and stay transparent with those we serve.
Adaptability
We listen to our communities and respond to real-world needs.
Collaboration
We build partnerships that strengthen our collective impact.
Compassion
We meet every person with empathy and without judgment.
Expertise
We share decades of experience to improve programs and policies.
Innovation
We look ahead, finding new ways to meet evolving social needs.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together leaders from law, social services, community planning, and communications.
They guide our strategy, ensure accountability, and uphold our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and good governance across BC.
Hank Mathias
Chair
Hank sits on the JHS Victoria Board of Directors as Vice Chair, and has been a member of the regional Board since 2016. Through both his professional and volunteer experience, Hank brings a wealth of professional experience in the criminal justice system and community services to the Board.
Hank is currently the Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Island Correctional Association, and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing criminal and social justice in BC.
Judith Hayes
Member
Judith is a clinical social worker who has many years’ experience in working with youth and adults who have mental health, addictions, criminal justice and other health and social challenges.
She has been a member of the JHS North Vancouver Island board since 2015 and served as Vice-Chair of the JHSBC board from the end of 2019 to the end of 2024.
Darlene Kavka
Member
Darlene joined the JHSBC Board of Directors in 2009 and is currently the President of the Northern JHS Board. Darlene is a practicing lawyer, a social and criminal justice advocate, and an affiliate of the Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada.
She brings robust professional and volunteer expertise to the JHS, and a passion to champion for the most vulnerable people in our society.
Kyle Krawchuk
Member
Kyle joined the Board of Directors in September, 2018. A public relations consultant with a professional background in communications, Kyle has greatly contributed to the development and implementation of JHS strategic planning efforts, media relations, and communication procedures.
Henri Cullinan
Member
Henri recently joined the Board and brings 27 years of industry experience as a strategic community planner and affordable housing specialist. As a catalyst, his experience on integrated community planning, developing social purpose real estate, understanding grass-root level needs and aspirations, and communities at-risk as a vulnerable segment of the urban fabric, has positioned him to contribute through design-by-inquiry practices developing innovative programs incorporating affordable and supportive housing outcomes.
He has the unique and distinctive ability to recognize urban complexities and offer social innovative outcomes at all levels of a project life cycle. His exceptional leadership as Chairman of the JHSOK is testimonial of his understating of our society’s dynamics.
Wendy Townsend
Member
Wendy joined the board of JHSBC in October 2021 as a representative of JHS Victoria. She worked for 31 years as a program manager in federal correctional services. Wendy’s experience working with the incarcerated and parolees provides her with a unique view of the needs and challenges faced by those navigating the criminal justice system.
She worked collaboratively to develop programs and opportunities to help address the needs of clients and feels fortunate to have done this meaningful work with Elders and local First Nations people. Wendy’s strong commitment to social and justice issues, and desire to serve the community, bring her to serve JHSBC.
Paul Barnett
Member
Paul Barnett served as executive director of the John Howard Society of North Island from 1980 until 2007. Following his retirement, he worked on several projects involving youth justice with Indigenous First Nations.
He is the past president of the Provincial Association of Residential and Community Agencies (PARCA), BC’s community justice federation. He has been an appointed Bencher with The Law Society of BC since 2020.
WHAT WE DO ACROSS BC
We work directly with individuals, families, and communities through housing, employment, training, justice, and inclusion programs. Our initiatives provide practical support while promoting dignity, belonging, and stability.
Together with our four affiliates, Victoria, Okanagan & Kootenay, Northern BC, and North Island, we deliver local programs that respond to the needs of each community. Our shared goal is simple: help people find stability and contribute meaningfully to society.
Supporting Growth Through Education
Education is one of the strongest paths to lasting change. Through the Dr. JD Hobden Educational Bursary, we help individuals involved in the justice system pursue further learning, trades, or professional training in BC.
This permanent fund, managed by the Vancouver Foundation, removes barriers to education and supports reintegration through opportunity.
Working Together for Stronger Communities
Our impact depends on collaboration. We’re grateful to the governments, organizations, and individuals who partner with us to deliver programs that make BC safer and more inclusive. Each contribution, whether funding, partnership, or volunteer time, helps build communities where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Funders
We are fortunate to have a strong and diverse range of individuals, organizations, governments, and other stakeholders supporting the work of JHS across BC. It is recognized that we must work together to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities, and we are thankful to work in partnership with our funders to provide innovative, effective, and sustainable programming that meets the needs of the people we serve.
For more details on our funding and the funding of the John Howard Societies across BC, please refer to the financial statements in our reports and publications section of our website.
Terry Moist
“I’ve always had an affinity for, and ability to, connect with kids on the fringe. An educated friend told me when dealing with school populations, if you look after the edges, the middle will take care of itself. I think this philosophy applies to everything.“