In-Reach Programs for Incarcerated People

Whenever possible, we work within correctional facilities to deliver programs that support incarcerated people to cope with their reality today, and to plan for their release when it comes.

We provide parenting, relationships, and life skills programs to men in provincial correctional facilities—such as the employment NOVA RAMP UP! program—and support restorative approaches at the NOVA Center for Women. Once in the community, we continue to help clients work through their support plan and meet their basic needs to maintain a successful release. Additionally, we work with federal parolees to support their ongoing safe release into their communities.

Further, we advocate for men to have their needs met while in jail or through transition. This includes access to identification or key documents, connections to case managers, and general support to encourage a release plan. Through this advocacy, we learn the gaps in the system, and work to address those through policy change.

Connections for Community (Re)Integration

Across the province, we help criminalized and at-risk individuals build a resume and explore career options, and practice for interviews; learn goal setting, communication, and budgeting; and develop valuable skills in fields like construction.

We intervene to assist with bail verification and supervision throughout the province, managing medium to high-risk clients requiring pre-trial supervision and support. We offer employment preparedness and support, encouraging pro-social change by connecting clients to constructive activities. We also deliver programs on Anger Management and Emotional intelligence, Healthy Relations, and life skills. Working closely with clients, caseworkers, Probation Officers, and other community representatives and agencies, we offer a community-based alternative to pre-trial custody and prevent criminal re-involvement of participants. We also encourage people in recent contact with the justice system to satisfy fines by volunteering for non-profit community organizations, and assist (re)integrating people to access record suspensions or US waivers.

Residential Programs

We offer help that’s supervisory, supportive, and responsive in nature with a focus on encouraging pro-social change.

In several provincial regions we provide residential support, wraparound services, and supervision for individuals at risk to incarceration, those on release from incarceration on temporary absence or bail, or those at the conclusion of their sentence who may need transitional services.

Some of this support is temporary, to stabilize newly-released individuals and help them work towards independence and next-phase housing. Other programs are transitional, intended for men who are ready to transition towards independent living, but who need support to get there—with JHSNS and community programming, crisis support, transition and court support on-hand.