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Springboard was formed by volunteers and former offenders to assist in keeping families together during a period of incarceration, primarily through transportation and counselling.
Springboard was incorporated in 1974 as a non-profit charitable organization and has since evolved to provide a diverse range of services. Recognizing the need for support for people with developmental disabilities, Springboard began offering housing and programs that foster capacity-building and independence. Services expanded to provide employment programs for youth and adults facing barriers due to conflict with the law, new immigration status, or the need for new skills. The organization has since developed the Community Learning HUB, a digital learning platform featuring educational modules used by organizations across Canada.
Our history began with Donald Bailey’s (1942-2003) release from Warkworth Institution, a federal prison near Campbellford, Ontario, in 1969. During his period of incarceration, he struggled with the profound emotional impact of being separated from his family. Upon release, he contacted the Christian Resource Centre in Toronto’s Cabbagetown community, establishing a support agency with the help of volunteers and former offenders to assist in keeping families together during incarceration, primarily through transportation and counselling at 297 Carlton Street.
According to Don Bailey, the name Operation Springboard was selected based on the idea “of helping a man make the leap from prison to the street without getting smashed in the process.” Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, we received charitable status the same year. In subsequent years, Operation Springboard evolved into a multi-service organization.
Today, Springboard’s strength lies in its capacity to adapt and evolve to the changing needs of the people we support. We service the Greater Toronto Area and have a digital learning platform nationwide. We also provide services for people with developmental disabilities, youth and adult justice, and employment services.
Join us in celebrating 50 years of making a difference. Click here to learn more about our journey!
