Circles of Support and Accountability-Ottawa

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Circles of Support and Accountability-Ottawa

CoSA Ottawa builds safer communities by supporting the successful reintegration of people returning from incarceration.

Through trained volunteers, accountability, and restorative justice, we work toward a mission of No More Victims. We assist people who have served a sentence for sexual offences in their process of reintegration in the community.

09/15/2026

Did you know?

Research spanning more than two decades has shown that Circles of Support and Accountability can significantly reduce sexual reoffending while improving community safety.

CoSA works because it combines:
✔ Accountability
✔ Positive social support
✔ Community engagement
✔ Evidence-informed practice

Safer communities aren't created through isolation – they're built through accountability and support.

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Many people involved in the justice system experience mental health challenges, trauma, loneliness, and social isolation.

At CoSA Ottawa, we know that meaningful relationships and community connection can play an important role in supporting hope, resilience, and wellbeing.

While CoSA is not a mental health service, we work alongside community partners to help Core Members access appropriate supports while fostering positive social connections and accountability.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Connection can save lives.

09/08/2026

Growth doesn't happen overnight – it happens one step, one relationship, and one opportunity at a time.

At CoSA Ottawa, we believe successful reintegration is about more than avoiding reoffending. It's about helping people build meaningful, accountable lives rooted in connection and purpose.

Our programming supports Core Members as they develop:
🌱 Healthy relationships
🌱 Social connections
🌱 Life skills
🌱 Community involvement
🌱 Positive routines

When people have the support to grow, our communities become safer for everyone.
Small steps create lasting change.

09/05/2026

Today on International Day of Charity, we celebrate the power of giving back.

At CoSA Ottawa, every volunteer, donor, community partner, and supporter helps create safer communities.

Because of your generosity, people leaving prison have access to support, accountability, healthy relationships, and opportunities to build meaningful lives.

Charity isn't only about donations – it's about believing that stronger communities are built when everyone can succeed safely.

Thank you for helping us work toward our vision of No More Victims.

If you've ever wondered how you can make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

09/04/2026

🍕 EAT. ENJOY. GIVE BACK. 🍕

Join us for a fundraiser night at Boston Pizza Orléans in support of CoSA Ottawa!

Enjoy a great meal while making a difference — 10% of your bill will be donated to CoSA Ottawa to support our work building safer communities.

Bring your family, friends and appetite! 🙌

📍 Boston Pizza Orléans
📅 September 29, 2026
⏰ 5pm-9pm

09/02/2026

There’s no “typical” CoSA volunteer.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, including:

✔ Retirees
✔ Public servants
✔ Business professionals
✔ Students
✔ Community leaders
✔ And many others

They bring different careers, experiences, perspectives and skills to their Circles.

No two volunteers are the same but they share something important - a commitment to safer communities and a willingness to make a difference.

You don’t need a particular job title or professional background to volunteer with CoSA.

Maybe you’re exactly the kind of volunteer we’re looking for.

09/01/2026

What if my family has concerns about me volunteering with CoSA?

That’s completely understandable.

Volunteering with CoSA is meaningful work, and it’s natural for the people close to you to have questions.

We want you to feel confident about your decision to volunteer. That’s why we encourage prospective volunteers to ask questions, learn about how CoSA works, and involve their families in the conversation.

Your safety and well-being matter to us.

Training, clear boundaries, ongoing supervision and support are central to our volunteer program. You’re never expected to navigate challenging situations on your own.

If you’re curious about volunteering but have questions or concerns, we want to hear them.

08/31/2026

Does volunteering with CoSA actually make a difference?

Research says yes.

For more than two decades, research on Circles of Support and Accountability has found that the CoSA model can reduce sexual reoffending and contribute to safer communities.

Behind those findings are volunteers who show up, build relationships, provide accountability and help people navigate the challenges of returning to the community.

That means your time can have an impact far beyond the Circle.

Because preventing future victims matters.
Because safer communities matter.
Because your commitment can make a difference.

Could you be part of that difference?

08/30/2026

So, what does a CoSA volunteer actually do?

It’s more than simply “being there.” Volunteers are part of a Circle that provides support, encouragement and accountability as a Core Member works toward a safe and successful life in the community.

Circle meetings may focus on:

✔ Accountability — talking openly about choices, responsibilities and progress
✔ Goal setting — identifying practical goals and celebrating progress
✔ Healthy relationships — building positive connections and communication skills
✔ Problem-solving — working through challenges before they become bigger problems
✔ Encouragement — recognizing progress and providing positive support
✔ Community connections — helping build healthy, pro-social connections and access community resources

You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to listen, ask questions, encourage progress and help someone stay accountable.

Your presence matters.

Could you be part of a Circle?

08/29/2026

Being a CoSA volunteer is a meaningful commitment — but it doesn’t have to take over your schedule.

Most volunteers contribute approximately 2 hours each week. Your time can make a real difference. By showing up consistently, listening, offering support and helping someone stay accountable, you can play an important role in their successful reintegration and in building a safer community.

Two hours a week can make a lasting impact. Could you make the commitment?

👉 Learn more about becoming a CoSA volunteer at www.cosa-ottawa.ca.

Address

211 Bronson Avenue, Unit 236
Ottawa, ON
K1R6H5

Telephone

+16132882284

Website

https://linktr.ee/cosaottawa

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