John has been a leader and founder of several local, provincial, and national initiatives designed to create positive change in human services and communities so that vulnerable citizens can achieve full citizenship, participation, and equality.

In 1982, John was a founder and first director for more than a decade of the Centre for Community Based Research.  Located in Kitchener, the Centre has had a major impact on community research approaches across Canada. John and his colleagues pioneered community-based research in human services. The Centre has also played a major role in leading-edge research related to new paradigm approaches in mental health and other areas of vulnerability.

John is a brilliant author and continues to be an advocate for full inclusion os seniors in their communities.