Circle Volunteer
Description
CoSA is a community-based reintegration program, based on restorative justice principles – articulated by its twin mottoes: No More Victims and No One is Disposable – for people who have been incarcerated for committing sexual offences and are returning to the community. ‘Core Members’ participate in the program voluntarily and are committed to leading an offence-free life.
A ‘circle’ of two to four trained and screened volunteers (age 21+) are assigned to a Core Member and meet regularly as a group and 1on1 (for a minimum period of one year, which is renewable), helping the Core Member with reintegration issues, and challenging problematic thoughts and behaviours that may lead to relapsing.
If you’re interested in being a part of this initiative, join our spring training! The sessions will take place (by Zoom) on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm on March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. Following these sessions, we will conduct volunteer screening (interview and references checked), and successful applicants will be required to obtain a Police Check (cost minimized for CoSA volunteers). Approved volunteers will then proceed to the final session on May 10, and will be assigned to a circle when an opportunity arises, at which time the one-year term begins.
Attending the training does not obligate participants to become a circle volunteer – all are welcome to learn about the wonder of CoSA!
How will this opportunity benefit the volunteer?
The volunteer will gain invaluable experience providing support and accountability to a person released from prison by role-modelling pro-social behaviour and good decision-making. They get to be 'part of the solution!'
How will the organization benefit?
CoSA and the wider community benefit greatly from volunteers' contributions. When volunteers invest their time and effort with our clients, their risk of relapsing (reoffending) is reduced and we continue to work positively toward our ultimate goal of No More Victims.
Volunteer location:
Our office is located at 211 Bronson Ave (Unit 207A). However, the majority of circle group meetings happen at St John the Evangelist Church (Somerset/Elgin). Many circle meetings also take place virtually.
Contact
1-week
Details
Volunteer Considerations
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