Celebrating 50 Years
Since 1974
Springboard is proud to celebrate 50 years of building stronger communities. As we reflect on our journey, we honor the achievements and stories of impact and transformation that define our work. Join us in celebrating five decades of providing essential programs and services and in looking forward to continuing our mission of unlocking the potential in every person we serve.
HISTORY
It Started with a bus route
Springboard was formed by volunteers and former offenders to assist in keeping families together during a period of incarceration, primarily through transportation and counselling.Â
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.
For more information about Springboard’s history, click here.
SPRINGBOARD TIMELINE
A SNAPSHOT INTO OUR HISTORY
1969
Operating from our first location at 297 Calton St, Springboard incorporates and achieves charitable status to provide transportation to all major Ontario correctional institutions & penitentiaries, and support services to former inmates and their families.
1981
With Executive Director David Arbuckle, Springboard now runs 10 group homes, a 24-hour distress line for inmates, a community service order program, counselling, education, and job services.
1988
Digital learning platform Community Learning HUB is launched, offering programming in anger management, substance abuse and violence prevention.
2020
50 Years of helping vulnerable youth and adults through Justice Services, Developmental Services, Employment Services and the Community Learning HUB. 
Operation Springboard is conceived by Don Bailey and other former inmates of Warkworth Institution to assist in keeping families together during a period of incarceration, through transportation and counselling.
1974
Frank Drea House opens at 114 Indian Road, our first home for individuals with developmental disabilities involved in the justice system.
1987
Opening of Employment Resource Centre in Scarborough, expanding Employment programming for vulnerable youth and adults.
2007
COVID-19 declared a global pandemic, services adapted to support clients virtually, and staff continue to support clients safely in our Justice and Developmental homes..
2024
50 Years, 50 Stories
Inspiration & Impact
Watch our video collection here.
50 Years, 50 Stories
Inspiration & Impact
HISTORICAL BLOG
The Stories That Shaped Springboard
Dive into the history of Springboard through blogs by Edward Brown, a Toronto-based freelance writer. Edward’s narratives provide a unique perspective on our history, highlighting the moments and milestones that have shaped our organization. Explore our blogs to gain a deeper understanding of our origins and the impact we’ve made over five decades.
Read our premier blog, Heartbreak Special, here.
HISTORICAL BLOG
The Stories That Shaped Springboard
Delve into the history of Springboard through blogs by Edward Brown, a Toronto-based freelance writer. Edward’s narratives provide a unique perspective on our history, highlighting the moments and milestones that have shaped our organization. Explore these blogs to gain a deeper understanding of our origins and the impact we’ve made over five decades.
