History

The John Howard Society has extended its hand for those involved in the Criminal Justice System since 1929. The Society is named after John Howard, who was the first to campaign for prison reform in England in the 1750s. His book, "The State of the Prisons", published in 1777 led to the Penitentiary Act of 1779. John Howard passionately argued that, "every citizen must ultimately accept responsibility for the Criminal Justice System of the society in which he/she lives." Canadian Society has extended its support for those involved in the Criminal Justice System since 1929. 

In 1958, a small group of Nanaimo volunteers began to tackle issues important to the community and to the Criminal Justice System. The Nanaimo Area Council served our community as part of the Vancouver Island John Howard Society until 1989, when the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society was incorporated. 

The Society is affiliated with both the John Howard Society of British Columbia and the John Howard Society of Canada. (There are nine Provincial affiliates and more than 50 independent offices Canada-wide.) The Nanaimo Region John Howard Society is a Non-Profit Charitable Organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We utilize volunteers within the Society Programs whenever possible. The Nanaimo Region John Howard Society has grown since 1989, and we have many active programs and dedicated staff members. The Society is ever-evolving to keep up with present-day needs of clients and the community at large.