John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay Back to Provincial Site

Our impact at a glance

2500
Individuals Served Annually
250
Housing Units
20
Programs in Housing, Inclusion, Justice, Skills & Health

Client Testimonials

“Anger makes you feel like you can’t express yourself in any other way – you give power to it, you fight through it and made it so difficult to communicate.  The STOP ( Stop Taking it Out on your Partner) program helps you begin to understand and realize the anger and emotional baggage building up, and how it affects personal, and social relationships. Understanding this was indeed life-changing. My partner and I now have a new relationship and are able to communicate through the skills we learned in this program and from the amazing facilitators!

We want to shout it from the rooftop – STOP! It works – It’s Life-changing”

Quote from a STOP Participant

A young male resident, a brother of another well-known and difficult presence in the community, joined the John Howard community after his sister was required to leave.  A quiet, peaceful person, he struggled with his trauma filled history and various mental health issues. Being a very creative man, he coined the phrase often used within the community “Cornerstone – a stepping stone towards a better future” within a beautiful piece of art.  This former resident was patiently waiting for his turn at supportive housing, which finally came. He is now housed at Hearthstone and working part-time. 

Cornerstone Resident Story