ABOUT THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF NORTH ISLAND
Standing with children, youth, adults, and families for six decades.
The John Howard Society of North Island is a community-based non-profit serving northern Vancouver Island. We provide programs and support to youth, children, adults, and families with diverse needs. Our work is rooted in dignity, belonging, and possibility.
We are honoured to live and work on the traditional lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Laich-kwil-tach, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples. We continue to learn from local Nations and support work that respects Indigenous leadership, cultures, and rights.
A History of Showing Up for Community
JOHN HOWARD (1726-1790) INSPIRED THE CREATION OF SEVERAL SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES.
For six decades, we’ve provided community justice and social services across the North Island. We offer support where people are at, in our community spaces and through outreach. We believe that strong communities are built through the combined and diverse efforts of people, organisations, and governments.
We help people build safer, healthier lives. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, we meet you with respect and care.
What Guides Us
We adhere to a system of values that guides all interactions with our clients, their families, and other service providers. Our work is founded in these core values and in the belief in the rights and abilities of each individual to make healthy choices for themselves.
Belief
in the capacity of people to grow and change.
Commitment
to work in a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
Commitment
to work in partnership with other professionals and stakeholders involved with persons served.
Belief
in the importance of limit-setting and the least intrusive and appropriate interventions based on the strengths and needs of the person served and the person’s family.
PEOPLE LEADING THIS WORK
Our board, leadership team, staff, Elders, and volunteers bring deep commitment to this region. They help guide decisions, support daily work, and keep our values at the centre of everything we do.
We are grateful to the Indigenous Elders who guide our cultural work and strengthen our understanding of community, connection, and belonging.
Executive Team
Our executive team leads the day-to-day work of the organization, from programs and finance to communications and human resources.
Together, they bring the experience and dedication that keeps our services running.
Tyler Fainstat
Executive Director
Angie Prescott
Interim Director of Practice
Kevin Meier
Director of Finance
Alisha McLain
Human Resources Manager
Tanya Storr
Director of Communications & Development
Subhash Satyal
Senior Accountant
Angie Prescott
Program Manager, Foundry Comox Valley, The Station & Level UP
Christopher Bennett
Program Manager, Foundry Campbell River & Community
Laura Laframboise
Program Manager, Compass – Full Time Attendance Program & 180°
Katie MacLaurin
Program Manager, Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, Intensive Support & Supervision
Elders’ Circle
Our Elders’ Circle offers guidance grounded in experience, teachings, and cultural strength.
Their voice helps ensure our work respects the diverse identities, histories, and traditions of the people we serve.
James Quatell
We Wai Kum
Susan Landell
Cree-Métis, Facilitator
Janice Gladish
Heiltsuk/Lil’wat
David Somerville
Mohawk/Kwagiulth
JoAnn Restoule
Anishnabe–Kwey
Gina Hunt
Kwakiutl
Elder David Somerville speaks about Youth, Connection, and Culture
Board of Directors
Our Board brings together people who care deeply about the wellbeing of the North Island.
They guide long-term direction, uphold our values, and ensure our services remain rooted in dignity, safety, and belonging.
Jay Havelaar
President
Judith Hayes
Vice-President
Bill Mathis
Treasurer
Paul Barnett
Director
Kim Kozuki
Director
Doug Hillian
Director
Charlene Kadzunge
Director
Tracy Kennedy
Director
OUR PURPOSE
Hearing directly from the people we support helps us grow. Our annual reports share milestones, program outcomes, and financial summaries made possible through community support, reflecting our commitment to continuous learning.
Find your way to get involved
Whether you’re looking to build a career, mentor a young person, open your home, or give your time, there’s a meaningful way for you to be part of this community.
Your support opens doors for youth
There are many ways to give: a one-time gift, monthly giving, securities, or becoming a KidStart Champion. Every path makes a real difference for kids and families who need it most.
Funders
We are fortunate to have a strong and diverse range of individuals, organizations, governments, and other stakeholders supporting the work of The John Howard Society of North Island. It is recognized that we must work together to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities, and we are thankful to work in partnership with our funders to provide innovative, effective, and sustainable programming that meets the needs of the people we serve.
For more details on our funding and the funding of the John Howard Societies across BC, please refer to the financial statements in our reports and publications section of our website.
Terry Moist
“I’ve always had an affinity for, and ability to, connect with kids on the fringe. An educated friend told me when dealing with school populations, if you look after the edges, the middle will take care of itself. I think this philosophy applies to everything.”