The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan has confirmed that Jody Oakes is no longer employed with the organization - they did not offer any detail or comment on the possible reasons for the development.
Oakes was the manager of justice programming and branch services at the John Howard Society of Moose Jaw.
Blair Roberts, director of External Relations with the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS), issued the following media release in response to our request for more information:
"I can confirm that Jody Oakes is no longer working for the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. We are grateful to Jody for her work during her time with us and wish her all the best. We do not anticipate any changes to JHSS services related to Jody's departure."
Oakes has had an outsized presence in Moose Jaw's downtown core for many years as one of the leading figures advocating for, offering help to, and developing relationships with residents struggling with addictions and mental health, homelessness, and marginalization. She was often at the Provincial Courthouse, helping JHSS clients understand the court processes, co-ordinating alternative measures for sentencing, and streamlining the experience of those sentenced to Drug Treatment Court.
She has organized Christmas parties, worked extensively with emergency services, social services, and community-based organizations, sat on many committees dedicated to helping the homeless, worked with other local volunteers to find safe shelter for the vulnerable during dangerous winter weather, and more.
She was nominated for the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award from the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.