The John Howard Society of London and District, founded in 1947, was the second branch of the John Howard Society in the province of Ontario. The branch was operated by a group of dedicated citizen volunteers guided by representatives from the Toronto group until, in 1951, the first professional staff member was appointed. In 1953, the John Howard Society of London and District became a financially participating member of the “Community Chest of London,” now known as the United Way Elgin Middlesex.