History of the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District
It was in 1947 that Judge McKitrick of the Family Court Division realized the need for a social work agency to help in preventing crime in the community by assisting ex-offenders upon their release. Judge McKitrick, the founder and the first President of the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay worked with a group of concerned citizens who volunteered their time to visit inmates at the District Jail. In addition to volunteers the Society at the time had one part-time case worker.
John Howard Thunder Bay has grown steadily over the years. In 1997 we became incorporated as a charitable non-profit organization, and in 2000 the society purchased the old YMCA building and opened Howard House, a 69 unit transitional housing facility for ex-offenders. In addition to providing post charge services such as housing, discharge planning and programming, we now provide pre-charge and diversion services such as bail and community service supervision, school based diversion (EJM) and aboriginal intervention programs.
We have recently moved from our old location at the YMCA building to our new home at the old Central Park Lodge building now the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District. We have a 48 unit residence and not only assist those in conflict with the law in regards to transitional housing, but those at risk of conflict or experiencing homelessness.
Board Members
- Mike Coons (President)
- Bill Bus (Secretary)
- Lori Western (Treasurer)
- Frank Stewardson
- Terry Nesbitt
- Myles Fucile
- Scott Beange
- Kathy Belmore Wark
- Sandy Lychowyd
Executive Director - Liisa Leskowski
