John Howard Society looks forward to opening of Community Integrated Care Hub on Peel Street in new year

The John Howard Society of the Kawarthas is looking to introduce some exciting new ventures in the new year – especially the opening of the Community Integrated Care Hub at 22 Peel Street in Lindsay.

The Hub has been in the works for the last few years.

“The vision really, came together with our partners at the city and other like-minded service providers who have a keen interest in seeing folks have access to really low barrier supports,” said Dana Hetherton, CEO of the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.

The Hub will be a space open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where those in need can access the supports and services they need all in one place. “We’ll have a combination of day drop-in supports, where people can access low barrier services, basic needs, services from everything from like a shower to laundry to food, and harm reduction supplies,” said Hetherton.

The other half of the building will be a shelter, with 12 beds being offered.

Throughout 2025, John Howard’s also saw success with one of their newer programs, related to system navigation. They hope to see this success continue into 2026. This offering looks to support those who are being released from the Lindsay jail, and those who are on probation.

“It’s helping them navigate various aspects of their life as they come out of incarceration. The idea is to help people successfully reintegrate back into the community,” said Hetherton.

For 2026, Hetherton has plans for things to keep running as they have. “We’re hoping to be status quo with all of our current programs and services, and hopefully some of the other grants we’ve written this year will bring to light some new programs and services.”

With a recent amalgamation with the John Howard Society of Peterborough, the hope is to simply expand some of the services they offer.

In Peterborough, they’ve been able to offer a youth mentorship program. This program works to match youth with mentos who can help them to achieve their goals. For example, if a youth wants to be a hairdresser, John Howard’s works to match them with a mentor who is, or has been, a hairdresser. Hetherton said it would be great to be able to offer the same program here in Kawartha Lakes, on top of the many youth services they already offer.

Hetherton is aware that the work of John Howard’s is one that sees different organizations all come together, something that she hopes will continue to grow in the new year.

“Looking ahead, we aim to deepen partnerships and strengthen the continuum of care by working closely with local organizations, we can ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time,” she says.

All to create a lasting, positive outcome and a stronger, more inclusive community as the end goal.