John Howard Society of Ottawa

Illustration of six diverse women standing together and gazing upward with determination. They represent different ages, ethnicities, and styles, including one woman wearing a hijab and another with white hair. Above them, the graphic reads “JHS Ottawa Women’s Equality Day – August 26th, 2025” in bold white text on a dark blue and beige background, with yellow star-like sparkles accenting the design.

On Women’s Equality Day, we honour the ongoing fight for gender justice.
Here in Canada, women began gaining voting rights in 1918, although many were denied that right until 1960.
#WomensEqualityDay #GenderJustice #EqualityForAll #StartWithoutStigma #RestoringCommunities #EveryoneDeservesAFuture

A digital illustration of Earth held up by several hands reaching from below, symbolizing global unity. Bold text reads: “Change begins when we all take part.” The John Howard Society’s tagline “Effective. Just. Humane.” appears beneath the image.

This #WorldHumanitarianDay, the numbers tell a hard story:
– 305 million people need urgent aid
– 1 in 5 children live in or flee conflict zones
– 360+ aid workers were killed last year
– Millions more displaced by war and climate disasters
#ActForHumanity #WorldHumanitarianDay #EffectiveJustHumane

JHS graphic on a navy background reading ‘International Youth Day’ with ‘12 August’ in a yellow pill. A diverse group of illustrated youth smile and cheer along the bottom with yellow and white accents

Every young person deserves a seat at the table, and the power to shape it.
Today we honour youth who lead with courage, demand fairness, and believe in second chances.💛
#InternationalYouthDay #YouthDay #EveryoneDeservesAFuture #EffectiveJustHumane #JHSOttawa #YouthJustice #CommunityChange

📅 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous people in Canada are over-policed, over-incarcerated and under-protected.
#WorldIndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousJustice #JHSOttawa #PrisonersJusticeDay #EffectiveJustHumane #ReconciliationInAction

Illustration of three diverse people standing together with their arms around each other, smiling. The background features soft yellow and blue hues with stylized leaves and abstract shapes. Text reads: “International Friendship Day – July 30” and “Let’s build bridges, not walls.”

Friendship has the power to heal, support, and strengthen communities. Today on International Friendship Day, we’re celebrating the people who show up, without judgement, without conditions. 💙
#InternationalFriendshipDay #JHSOttawa #NoOneIsForgotten #EffectiveJustHumane

Hello everyone ~ For our second year in a row The John Howard Society of Ottawa, Lisgar Women's Residence, has been invited to join the Centretown Community Association this weekend at the Elgin Street Market 🌻

#healingthroughart #supportivehousing #craftsale #women #Indigenouswomen

Did you know?

1 in 5 Canadians lives with a disability, yet many still face barriers to justice, housing, and employment.

Disability Pride Month is a time to affirm that every person deserves dignity, access, and opportunity.

#DisabilityJustice #DisabilityPrideMonth #EveryoneDeservesAFuture

Slide 1. A red-white-red vertical layout resembling the Canadian flag. Center panel reads “Canada Day 2025: Celebrating Progress. Acknowledging Truth.” Side panels include an Indigenous feather-heart symbol and a dreamcatcher. The John Howard Society logo and tagline “Effective. Just. Humane.” appear at the bottom.

Slide 2. Titled “Canadian Contributions to the World.” Features five illustrated icons with captions: Insulin (Toronto, 1921) – syringe icon Walkie-Talkie (Alberta, 1937) – radio icon Pacemaker (Winnipeg, 1950s) – heart icon IMAX (Toronto, 1967) – film reel icon Poutine (Québec, 1950s) – fries in a bowl icon Icons are arranged in rows on a white background with a red top border.

Slide 3. A soft beige background with text acknowledging the unceded, never surrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. A red totem pole graphic appears on the left, and a feather-heart symbol appears on the right. The John Howard Society’s logo is placed at the bottom right.

Canada Day 2025:
Celebrating progress. Acknowledging truth.
From insulin to universal healthcare, today we celebrate Canadian contributions that have shaped the world.
At JHS Ottawa, we believe reconciliation begins with truth, and continues with action.

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 Celebrated each year in June in honour of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, Pride has evolved into a month-long celebration of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. JHS Ottawa is proud to continue showing up for the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community🏳️‍🌈✨

Illustrated graphic showing rows of raised hands in various skin tones and clothing styles, symbolizing diversity. In the centre, bold white text on a red background reads: “Happy Multiculturalism Day.” The John Howard Society of Ottawa logo appears in the top left corner.

📅 Did you know? Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971, and later enshrined it in law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988.

#MulticulturalismDay #JusticeForAll #StartWithoutStigma #JHSOttawa

Illustration featuring the John Howard Society of Ottawa logo with the words "Live with Pride" in rainbow colours. A rainbow-striped arm is raised with an open hand showing a heart-shaped rainbow in the palm. The text reads: "International Day Against: Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia." At the bottom, it says: "May 17 | #IDAHOTB" and "Effective. Just. Humane"

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Today, we honour that progress by continuing the fight against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. We stand with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. #IDAHOTB #LiveWithPride #EveryoneDeservesAFuture

Poster for Red Dress Day – May 5, 2025. Title reads: “RED DRESS DAY – May 5, 2025 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).” Below, text states: “At JHS Ottawa, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.” It explains that “Red Dress Day, recognized annually on May 5, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing national tragedy and calls us to reflect on the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples across Canada.” The red dress is noted as a symbol of those lost and a call for action. Call-to-action text reads: “Wear red on May 5 to show support and raise awareness and justice. Take time to learn about the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S. Reflect on the role we play in advancing reconciliation and safety for all Indigenous peoples.” The poster concludes: “Let us honour the memory of those lost and commit to building a future rooted in equity, justice, and respect.”

Across the country, red dresses hang in silence, each one a reminder of the Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been murdered. At John Howard Society of Ottawa, we stand with Indigenous communities.

#MMIWG2S #EffectiveJustHumane #JusticeForIndigenousWomen

A bright pink graphic for International Day of Pink features a pink T-shirt with the bilingual text "Journée Rose / Intl. Day of Pink" and a multicoloured feather design. Above the shirt is a rainbow, and to the right, a calendar icon showing "April 9." Bottom left shows the Day of Pink 2024 theme: "Re-Emergence," and the JHS Ottawa social handle @JHSOttawa is listed with a call to action: "Join us April 9 #DayOfPink." Bottom right features the JHS tagline: "Effective. Just. Humane."

Day of Pink began with a powerful act of allyship-two students in Nova Scotia who stood up for a peer bullied for wearing pink. Today, we carry that spirit forward. We wear pink to stand up to homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of bullying. #DayOfPink #JusticeDemandsHumanity

A digital graphic features a black-and-white profile image of a woman wearing a hijab. The background includes faint Islamic geometric patterns and mosque silhouettes. At the top left, there is a blue speech bubble with the text 'jhs Ottawa.' The top right displays the word 'Coexist' in a colorful, stylized font incorporating various religious and peace symbols. The main message in the center reads: 'INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA' in bold yellow and white text. Below, a smaller white text states: 'This day is dedicated to fighting stereotypes, hate speech, and violence targeting individuals based on their religion, particularly Islam.' In the bottom right corner, the words 'Effective. Just. Humane.' appear in blue and yellow text.

Today, we stand in solidarity to #CombatIslamophobia. Challenging stereotypes is the first step toward a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. #NoRoomForHate #EndDiscrimination #JusticeForAll #HumanRights #InclusionMatters

Graphic design promoting World Day of Social Justice on February 20th, 2025. The background is blue with bold red and yellow text stating 'World Day of Social Justice.' Below, a tagline in dark blue reads 'Creating a World of Equal Opportunities.' The date 'Feb. 20th' is in red. On the right side, a stylized illustration of Lady Justice is depicted, blindfolded and holding scales, standing next to two classical columns, one marked '2025.' The bottom right corner features the words 'Effective. Just. Humane.' in a light blue and yellow font. In the top right corner, a speech bubble contains the acronym 'jhs' in white text.

The strength of a community lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members. 🌱⚖️ Systemic barriers,like poverty, discrimination, and unequal access to resources stand in the way of true social justice. 🌎💙📣
#WorldDayOfSocialJustice #SocialJusticeMatters #EquityForAll #InclusiveCommunities

A black-and-white photograph of Rosa Parks sitting on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She wears a patterned dress, a dark hat, and holds a black purse in her lap. Her expression is calm and resolute as she gazes out the window. The bus seats are empty except for a white man sitting behind her. The image is overlaid with text honoring Rosa Parks’ role in the civil rights movement, describing her arrest for refusing to give up her seat and the subsequent Montgomery Bus Boycott. A quote from Parks reads, “You must never be fearful of what you are doing when it is right.” The years "1913 – 2005" appear at the bottom, marking her birth and passing.

Public transit was a lifeline for many Black workers in 1955, yet systemic racism forced them to the back of the bus. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and fueled the civil rights movement. #RosaParks #JusticeForAll #CivilRights #RacialJustice

A black-and-white image of a woman wearing a hijab, her face partially covered, looking to the side. The background features subtle Islamic geometric patterns and lanterns. Bold yellow and white text reads: "National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia." A smaller caption below emphasizes the need to combat stereotypes, hate speech, and violence targeting individuals based on religion. In the bottom right corner, the John Howard Society logo and tagline "Effective. Just. Humane." are displayed.

Hate has no home here. We remember the victims of the Québec City Mosque Attack and stand united against Islamophobia in all its forms. #RememberJan29 #NoToHate #IslamophobiaAwareness #JusticeForAll

A colorful illustration featuring a smiling brain holding a heart-shaped balloon with a medical cross on it, symbolizing mental health. Behind the brain is a globe, representing global support. The text 'Let’s Talk' is prominently displayed, along with 'January 22nd' on a ribbon and the phrase 'Let’s Talk, Listen, and Support!' Flowers and sparkles decorate the image, creating a positive and hopeful vibe.

It’s okay to not be okay. This January 22nd, let’s spark meaningful conversations about mental health. Together, we can break the stigma, support one another, and create a world where it’s safe to talk. 💙 #MentalHealthMatters #LetsTalk #SupportAndListen #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay

Illustration for World Alzheimer's Awareness Month featuring a stylized purple brain with a violet flower and a purple awareness ribbon, set against a blue world map background. Includes the text 'World Alzheimer's Awareness Month,' the handle '@jhsottawa,' and the tagline 'Effective. Just. Humane.'

🌍 World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 💜 In Ontario, the number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050 a 202% increase. These aren’t just numbers, they are stories, families, and lives forever changed.
📊 Facts from alzheimer.ca
#WorldAlzheimersMonth #BreakingStigma #EndAlzheimers

Festive Christmas graphic with a cheerful Santa in a snowy scene, a cozy holiday house, decorated trees, and the message 'Merry Christmas' in bright lettering. Includes the JHS Ottawa logo and the tagline 'Effective. Just. Humane.' Below, a warm holiday greeting reads: 'Wishing you a season filled with joy, hope, and humanity. From all of us at JHS Ottawa, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!'"

🎄✨ The holiday season means something different to everyone. Whether you're celebrating, not celebrating, whether you're surrounded by loved ones, or on your own, we hope this time brings you joy, peace, and moments of warmth. 💙
#MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfHope #CommunityMatters

Festive Christmas Eve graphic featuring a snowy village scene with colorful houses, a decorated tree surrounded by presents, and Santa flying across the sky with his sleigh and reindeer. Text reads 'Christmas Eve' alongside the JHS Ottawa logo and the tagline 'Effective. Just. Humane.'

It’s Christmas Eve! 🎄 Let’s take a moment to celebrate community, connection, and the little joys this season brings. Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday from all of us at JHS Ottawa!

#ChristmasEve #CommunityFirst #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfGiving #JoyfulMoments #TogetherForChange #HolidaySpirit

Illustration of diverse hands of different skin tones surrounding the disability pride flag symbol, which features a white wheelchair on a multicolored background. The text reads 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities' in bold lettering, emphasizing unity and recognition of visible and invisible disabilities.

Today, we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities! 🧡🌍

Let’s take a moment to recognize both visible and invisible disabilities, and the strength, resilience, and unique contributions of individuals in all communities.

#InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #BreakingBarriers

Illustration of a young boy sitting on the ground with a piece of cardboard under him, surrounded by grass and plants. Above him, bold text reads 'Every child deserves a safe place to call home.' Below it, smaller text states '2,381 youth in Ottawa had nowhere to call home in 2023.' The John Howard Society logo and tagline 'Effective. Just. Humane.' are also included.

2,381 young people experienced homelessness in Ottawa last year. At JHS Ottawa, we’re here to help. Our programs like A Different Street and Windrose Supportive Housing provide affordable, safe homes and life skills support for at-risk youth. Learn more & take action today! #ottcity #housing

Image with a bold title in the center reading 'Why Work at JHS?' surrounded by circular icons highlighting key benefits of working at JHS: 'Purpose-Driven Career,' 'Professional Growth,' 'Transform Lives,' 'Innovative Projects,' 'Work-Life Balance,' 'Inclusive Environment,' 'Community Engagement,' and 'Make a Difference.' At the bottom, a red button encourages viewers to 'Join Us to Make a Difference!' with a link to the careers page: johnhoward.on.ca/ottawa/careers.

🚀 Looking for a purpose-driven career where you can make a real impact? 🌍 At JHS, you'll find professional growth 📈, innovative projects 💡, and a supportive, inclusive environment 🤝. Join us in transforming lives and communities! 💙✨
#WhyWorkAtJHS #CareerWithImpact #JoinOurTeam #InclusiveWorkplace 💼🌟

Young person sitting on a bed, looking thoughtful and introspective in a softly lit room. Text overlay highlights JHS Ottawa's work supporting unhoused youth with safe housing and supportive programs.

📢 Supporting Homeless Youth! 🏠 At JHS Ottawa, we help homeless youth find stability through programs like ADS and Windrose Housing. From counseling to life skills training, we’re here to guide youth toward independence. Visit our bio for more! #SupportYouth #SafeHousing #YouthEmpowerment