Halifax Community Chaplaincy Society (Circle of Support & Accountability (CoSA) Volunteer)

Organization Name: Halifax Community Chaplaincy Society
Opportunity Title: Circle of Support & Accountability (CoSA) Volunteer
Category: Counselling / Support / Mentoring
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: September 22, 2022
End Date: November 30, 2022

Email: cosa.novascotia@gmail.com
Website: http://www.halifaxchaplaincy.ca
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) Nova Scotia is a reintegration program, based on restorative justice principles, operating across Canada, that assists people who have been incarcerated for sexual offences and seek CoSA’s help, voluntarily, to develop a meaningful and crime-free life in the community. A Circle, consisting of a CoSA facilitator, 3 or 4 trained and screened volunteers, and a ‘core member’ (CM), meet as a group to help with reintegration challenges, role model good decision-making, assist with obstacles as they arise, and challenge the CM’s choices and attitudes that may lead to a reoffence or breach of legal conditions. Volunteers (age 21+) are required to be available for approximately one to two hours a week and make a commitment for a minimum period of 6 months (renewable, dependent on the CM). Volunteers get to experience providing support, accountability, compassion, mentorship, and practical help to a Core Member as they make steps toward a meaningful and crime-free life. Additionally, volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing directly to a safer community for all!