Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) attempts to enhance
the safety of communities by reducing the risk of re-offense by
released high-risk offenders. It does this visibly by recruiting
volunteers who form support and accountability circles around
these offenders. Equally important but less obvious are its efforts
to stop the creation of more victims by helping communities to
address issues of violence.
Service Opportunities:
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Support Circle Volunteers- CoSA invites adult volunteers
from a wide range of ages interests and skills to join support
circles seeking to help an offender to live well. Volunteers
have opportunity to attend training sessions, meet local
professionals offering support, get to know others and share
in the excitement of growing together toward peace.
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Program Assistants - CoSA needs program assistants
to work in a variety of capacities. Tasks may include writing
and delivering newsletters, planning speaking engagements
and group activities, and/or office assistance.
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*For more information on service opportunities with CoSA,
contact Joan at (204) 788-4262.
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Q
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O
T
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“To walk with CoSA members is like
walking a new path of life with friends who truly care for
you.” from a core member volunteer
A voice cries out: "In the wilderness
prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert
a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
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CoSA’s mission calls us to increase
community awareness of the prevalence and roots of violence. With
the vision, guidance and support of a loving God, we at CoSA feel
that Isaiah’s call aptly describes our reality. The world
of violent crime is no stranger to any community within our province
and those participating within CoSA attempt to walk a path of
peace and justice within its midst. We are still batting a thousand-
for every community within which we have spoken, we have come
to hear their own stories of violence and violation (20 trainings/presentations,
four newsletters and one CBC interview, one volunteer celebration
and three Coffee Chats).
Yet in the midst of these deserts and wildernesses, there is
always hope. As our mission statement makes clear, we seek to
support healthy integration by providing circles for those released
from prison. Our core members (eight regularly participated this
year) take the risk to bare some of their worst secrets and behaviours
as they strive to live healthier lives. One of those eight has
not only committed to healthier living for himself but has now
joined another circle to help someone else. So as we walk together
on this path in the wilderness, it can broaden, gaining more light
and energy as others join us.
We at CoSA have been able to celebrate the various people who
have joined us in our struggle to walk well in a world filled
with much violence. 30 volunteers have been active within circles
this past year and they come from all walks of life- men and women;
ages 20-80; professionals, farmers, young students, retirees,
plant workers, florists, waitresses, managers, job seekers,...;
grandparents, parents, adult children, married, single; Christian,
Agnostic, Buddhist, Aboriginal Traditionalist. Anywhere from 15-
21 volunteers were active in circles within any given month and
they have given a total of 2700 hours of their time to circles!
What a force working in the wilderness, one that is drawn to the
vision CoSA shares and the hope we seek to plant and live.
We are also blessed to receive the gifts of other community volunteers
who give of their wisdom, time, energy and passion as: Circles
Advisory Team members (6); trainers (11, two of whom were core
members willing to risk publicly sharing their experiences) and;
consultants (10 regulars).
As with the people of the Bible, our journey has had its share
of ups and downs. Circles have terminated in sad and difficult
ways (drugs, alcohol, minimizing). Participants have at times
been frustrated, tired, overwhelmed. Yet when we come together
with God, each other and a vision to live well, there are reasons
to celebrate. This year, between the eight core members regularly
involved, we celebrate 19 years of healthier living with no new
victims! God be praised!
Joan Carolyn, Program Coordinator
Advisory Committee:
Deborah Martin-Koop,
Gladiola Kehler,
Bo Gajda,
Shosana Funk
CoSA is an interfaith, national program supported by Corrections
Services, Canada Chaplaincy, The
Winnipeg Foundation and MCC Manitoba.
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