Odette School of Business–John Howard Society of Ontario Partnership

This partnership provides an opportunity for co-creation of knowledge between faculty at the Odette School of Business (OSB) and experts at the John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO), with the end goal of improving fair employment chances for people affected by the justice system. The combination of OSB researchers and JHSO experts allows for the development of actionable, evidence-based recommendations regarding policy and employment programming.

Call to Action

This partnership is motivated by a shared desire for fair work opportunities for all, including the over four million Canadians with a criminal record. Together with JHSO, OSB is pursuing research to inform policy and improve employment chances. As justice system-involved individuals are disproportionately from marginalized groups, this partnership has not only economic but also social implications.

This innovation is in line with OSB’s mission to develop “innovative and socially responsible business leaders who thrive in a changing world.” Its scholars produce meaningful research that benefits both regional and global communities. The partnership is also aligned with two of the five strategic priorities articulated in the OSB strategic plan: sustaining world-class research and fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Innovation Description

OSB and JHSO have a formal partnership through a memorandum of understanding in which both parties work together to support second-chance initiatives for justice system-involved individuals.

JHSO is a nonprofit organization with 19 local offices across Ontario, including one in Windsor. The society provides programs and services to help people affected by the justice system build productive futures after incarceration. OSB faculty members involved in this partnership include Kemi Anazodo, Rachel Aleks, Yawo Kobara, and Maureen Sterling.

One of the partnership's main objectives is to further develop future partnered initiatives between OSB faculty and JHSO research staff pertaining to research, grants, programming, policy development, advocacy, and other projects. Further, it aims to facilitate knowledge mobilization, support community-based initiatives and campaigns, and foster both student and local community engagement.

Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, this program has been designed primarily for at-risk or currently justice system-involved Indigenous people, Black people, and newcomers.

Innovation Impact

This partnership has four main areas of impact: the EMPower program, scholarly and practical research, improved employment outcomes, and concrete and actionable policy recommendations to strengthen employment programming.

EMPower is a pre-employment program that promotes work readiness and social participation among marginalized communities. To support fair work opportunities, the program provides 12 weeks of pre-employment training followed by a 12-week job placement opportunity.

A catalyst for meaningful change, the partnership drives forward initiatives that support marginalized communities. By enhancing the EMPower program and cultivating fair employment opportunities, OSB not only equips individuals with vital skills but also fosters a culture of inclusivity.

The actionable policy recommendations provide a robust framework for addressing systemic barriers to ensure that employment opportunities are accessible and equitable. Further, the scholarly research generated through this collaboration enriches all participants’ understanding of effective employment strategies, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based practices.

Together, OSB and JHSO are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future. The partnership brings mutual value to three key stakeholder groups: JHSO benefits from skilled OSB researchers, OSB benefits from the expertise of JHSO, and JHSO clients benefit from improved employment outcomes.

Reference Links

• “JHSO,” JHSO website