Help Susan raise money

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a reintegration program, based on restorative justice principles, to assist people who have been incarcerated for sexual offences and seek CoSA's help voluntarily to develop a meaningful and safe life in the community. CoSA Ottawa is one of several CoSA sites operating across Canada and, based on research indicating that CoSA reduces the reoffence rate by 88% compared to those not involved in CoSA, the program has expanded to many countries worldwide. CoSA is the ONLY community-based organization working with this population. Even though CoSA has been proven to be tremendously effective and cost-effective, it struggles with sustainability. In fact, we learned recently that the three largest CoSA sites in Canada will be closing their operations next month, so we must be ever vigilant to ensure we can continue to operate in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. 

Having recently retired, I am honored to have served as Director of CoSA Ottawa for 22 years. I want to extend a HUGE thank you to all the amazing volunteers I have worked with during this time, who have been instrumental in helping our Core Members get a second chance at life, by helping them learn how to recognize and avoid the triggers that have previously led to their offending path. Thank you also, to our Core Members for their bravery in facing the many challenges associated with change, but change they did; only two minor reoffences during the time I was at CoSA...and for that, I am very proud!

Let's all work together to help keep our community safe. It takes a village! Thanks to all of you for being part of the solution!!