JHSS Board of Directors tour Moose Jaw programs
JHSS’s Board of Directors met in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, for their 2026 board education event on March 6 and 7.
The purpose of board education days are to educate board members on JHSS programming, so they see the impact of the organization on the lives of clients and in the communities JHSS serves.
On Friday, board members toured the HOMEBASE Moose Jaw Youth Hub. JHSS is contracted by Ministry of Health to deliver Integrated Youth Services across the province through HOMEBASE. HOMEBASE has hubs in Moose Jaw, Regina, Humboldt and Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
HOMEBASE staff toured board members around the hub through various spaces and services offered to youth on a regular basis. There were youth hanging out in the kitchen for a cooking class and in the computer lab. Board members saw the golf simulator room, the games room, the art mentorship space as well as a space used for medical appointments.
Board members check out the cultural room in JHSS’s Moose Jaw office.
Board member Jason Demers, professor of English at University of Regina, was impressed by the variety of supports for youth at the hub.
“Mental health supports, a doctor, wifi and computers, a lab to practice mock interviews using virtual reality, musical instruments, a safe and quiet space to meditate,” said Demers. “Hub staff aren’t only resourceful and eager to provide tailored support, but they’re ready to listen and learn so that the Hub can grow alongside the community it serves.”
On March 7, the board toured Poplar Place, JHSS’s home for youth-in-care referred by Ministry of Social Services. A youth in the home explained about the impacts of the supports she received through JHSS, in particular how the support and encouragement of JHSS staff was important as she went through treatment. The youth will soon move to Regina to live in her own place.
Jason Demers (left) listens to Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Nash at Willow Lodge.
The board toured the Moose Jaw office on Hochelaga Street, checking out the cultural room and seeing where office staff normally work. Then it was over to Willow Lodge, where Youth Housing Manager Crystal Peterson and Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Nash took board members through the intake process and explained the services offered in the emergency shelter.
“Connection and collaboration are the common thread with all we do at John Howard Society Moose Jaw,” said Peterson. “Building community while also building services helps our guests, clients and youth feel safer, more supported more likely to genuinely engage with our programming.”
Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Nash (left) explains how community partnerships allow Willow Lodge to remain well-stocked with food for clients.
Crystal Peterson (second from left) explains Willow Lodge programming as board members tour emergency shelter.
“Having the JHSS Board join us to have a peek into our day-to-day relationships, is another example of connection,” continued Peterson. “This shows us the support we need as staff to continue strengthening our services.”
Board member Rejeanne Cooper, director of resident supports at Elmwood Residences in Saskatoon, was impressed with how clean and organized Willow Lodge is. “I have experience working with clients in shelters and this is not your typical shelter environment. I am proud of the work the team is doing at Willow Lodge and I believe this is a model many other agencies could learn from.”
YAT members share their thoughts on how the youth-in-care system should be improved with JHSS board members.
The education event concluded with a presentation from the Youth Advisory Team, a group of youth who have aged out of care who offer feedback to the Ministry of Social Services on best practices advocate for positive change.
Precious and Hajar shared powerful stories and examples, emphasizing the need for child and family-focussed care.
“I was struck by their resilience in the face of challenges that would leave many feeling overwhelmed or powerless,” said board member Amin Asfari, justice professor at the University of Regina. “Their critique of the system—a legitimate indictment—including the gaps they identified, should be taken seriously as both cautionary tales and important points of tension that JHSS can and should work to address at the policy level.”
The JHSS Board of Directors consists of volunteers from different walks of life and sectors of society who are leaders in Saskatchewan communities.
If you would like to learn more about serving on JHSS’s Board of Directors, contact us at provincial@sk.johnhoward.ca.
