2022 Annual Report

Stephanie

Raido House Backpack

An opportune encounter with a volunteer, Stephanie*, from Na’amat brought forth a wave of good fortune for Raido House, our youth housing facility catering to homeless 15-18-year-old youth.

Na’amat, channels its efforts towards enhancing the lives of women, families, and children in Israel and Canada. One of their signature initiatives involves assembling backpacks filled with school supplies for children residing in domestic shelters.

Raido House, a crucial arm of CJHS, provides a safe and supportive environment for youth in transition. The facility stresses the importance of education with its residents, making the school supply donations from Na’amat an invaluable contribution.

Stephanie, upon discovering an online article about Raido House, found herself drawn to the youth housing initiative and the impact CJHS was making. Recognizing the parallels between the challenges faced by Raido House residents and those in domestic shelters, she felt compelled to take action.

“I realized that these young individuals, much like those in shelters, were grappling with difficult circumstances,” Stephanie explained. “Their needs extend beyond housing and basic care. Education is a vital aspect, and access to necessary school supplies might be an area requiring additional support.”

Stephanie reached out to Raido House with a proposition to donate back-to-school backpacks for the youth, a gesture that CJHS accepted with deep gratitude. As a result, a meaningful collaboration was established between Raido House and Na’amat, enriching the lives of the young residents. These backpacks offer more than just school supplies; they serve as a beacon of hope and a tangible testament to the belief that everyone is deserving of opportunities to succeed in their education.

Stephanie emphasized “The youth often explore and reexplore the contents of their backpacks, spreading everything out on their beds, taking a moment to appreciate each item. Providing school supplies to these young people not only boosts their self-esteem but also instills hope. It communicates to them that there are individuals out there who genuinely care about their education and future.”

*Client names have been changed for staff and client confidentiality

Impact Stories

Neo

In our Roofs for Youth program at the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS), one of the many things we do is to help young people obtain crucial Identification documents, a process often fraught with challenges. This is the story of Neo, a young individual who faced significant hurdles on his path to independence. With persistent support from his Caseworker and the CJHS team, Neo overcame these barriers. Enjoy reading about Neo’s journey, marked by challenges and then the positive outcome that followed.

DR

This is the inspiring journey of DR, a father battling addiction who sought assistance from the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) in securing employment. As DR navigates through various job hunting stages and personal challenges, we witness the powerful impact of support programs in transforming lives and catalyzing positive change. Join us as we unfold DR’s path of persistence, resilience, and achievement.

Lily

At Berkana, we don’t just provide services, we cultivate deep, transformative relationships with the women on their journey towards recovery and reintegration. In 2022, we were privileged to be part of the healing and growth of 31 incredible women. One remarkable story is that of “Lily,” who arrived at Berkana seeking stability, acceptance, and a new path forward.