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.

08/18/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Reintegration & Community Safety

MYTH:
❌ Reintegration is only about helping the individual.

FACT:
✅ Successful reintegration benefits everyone.

Safe and successful reintegration is about more than supporting one person - it is about creating safer communities for all.

When individuals returning to the community have access to accountability, guidance, and meaningful supports that help them live safely and responsibly, the risk of future harm can be reduced.

Programs like CoSA bring together individuals, trained volunteers, and community partners to support accountability, strengthen positive connections, and contribute to long-term public safety.

At CoSA Ottawa, we believe that supporting safe reintegration is an investment in safer communities and fewer future victims.

08/13/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Life After Incarceration

MYTH:
❌ Once someone leaves prison, their sentence is over and they no longer need support.

FACT:
✅ The transition back into the community can be one of the most challenging periods.

Returning to the community involves navigating significant changes and challenges, including finding stable housing, accessing employment, reconnecting with family and community, and building healthy support networks.

Access to practical resources, healthcare, and positive social connections can reduce isolation, strengthen accountability, and support long-term community safety.

At CoSA Ottawa, we recognize that successful reintegration requires both accountability and support. By helping individuals build stable, responsible lives, we help create safer communities for everyone.

08/11/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Change After Harm

MYTH:
❌ People who have committed serious offences cannot change.

FACT:
✅ Change is possible.

Accountability for past harm is essential, but research and experience show that people can make meaningful, lasting changes when they have access to appropriate treatment, support, and opportunities to build responsible, healthy lives.

Successful reintegration is not about ignoring the past - it is about supporting the steps people take to prevent future harm and contribute positively to their communities.

At CoSA Ottawa, we believe that accountability and the possibility of change can exist together. Through structured support and meaningful relationships, individuals are encouraged to build safer, more responsible futures.

08/10/2026

Today, on Prisoners' Justice Day, we recognize the importance of dignity, humanity, and justice for everyone affected by the criminal justice system.

At CoSA Ottawa, we know that community safety is strengthened when people leaving prison have the support and accountability they need to rebuild their lives responsibly. Reintegration is not about forgetting the harm that has been done - it's about reducing the risk of future harm by helping people live safely, responsibly, and in connection with their communities.

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Every community deserves to be safe. Those goals are not in conflict - they are achieved together.

As we reflect today, we also recognize the volunteers, community partners, and supporters who make safer communities possible through compassion, accountability, and evidence-based reintegration.

08/06/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Community Support & Public Safety

MYTH:
❌ Community support makes neighbourhoods less safe.

FACT:
✅ Community support, when combined with accountability, helps create safer communities.

Research shows that structured support and accountability can reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Programs like CoSA provide individuals returning to the community with guidance, positive relationships, and connections to resources that support stable, responsible, and prosocial lives.

Safety is strengthened when communities are informed, engaged, and committed to approaches that reduce the risk of future harm.

At CoSA Ottawa, we believe that accountability and support work together to build safer communities.

08/04/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Supporting Successful Reintegration

MYTH:
❌ People who have been incarcerated will always reoffend.

FACT:
✅ Most people released from prison do not return to custody for committing another serious offence.

Successful reintegration is possible when people have access to the supports they need - including safe housing, meaningful employment, positive relationships, and community connections.

Community support and accountability play an important role in helping people build stable, healthy, and responsible lives after incarceration.

At CoSA Ottawa, we believe that safe communities are built through support, accountability, and connection. By working together, we can help reduce the risk of future harm and create a community with No More Victims.

07/30/2026

Happy International Day of Friendship!💙

At CoSA Ottawa, friendship is more than a kind gesture - it's a powerful force for building safer communities.

Every day, our volunteers walk alongside individuals returning to the community, offering support, accountability, encouragement, and genuine human connection. These relationships help reduce isolation, promote positive change, and contribute to our shared goal of No More Victims.

A Circle is built on trust, respect, and the belief that everyone benefits when people have the opportunity to make positive choices with support from their community.

Today, we celebrate the volunteers who make these meaningful connections possible. Thank you for showing that friendship, compassion, and accountability can change lives and create safer communities for us all.

07/24/2026

International Self-Care Day💙

At CoSA Ottawa, we know that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves.

Our volunteers, staff, and community members give their time, energy, and compassion to support individuals reintegrating into the community. That work is meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding.

Today, on International Self-Care Day, we’re taking a moment to recognize that rest, reflection, and renewal are not luxuries - they’re essential.

Self-care can look like:
• Taking time to rest and recharge
• Setting healthy boundaries
• Connecting with supportive friends and family
• Spending time in nature
• Seeking support when needed

Thank you to all of our volunteers who show up with care and commitment. Your wellbeing matters, and so does the space you create for others to grow and thrive.

07/21/2026

🔍 New Blog post! Behind the Circle – The Research Series

What happens when people with serious sexual offence histories don’t get support after prison?

A 10-year study from Circles South East shows just how powerful CoSA can be in reducing harm and keeping communities safe. Read in plain language how community support + accountability makes a real difference.

📰 https://cosa-ottawa.ca/circles-of-change/

07/16/2026

Did You Know Series💡

What is a CoSA Circle?

A CoSA Circle is a group of trained volunteers who meet regularly with a Core Member returning to the community.

The Circle offers support, accountability, and guidance to help reduce isolation and support positive choices.

It’s community-led safety in action.

Address

211 Bronson Avenue, Unit 236
Ottawa, ON
K1R6H5

Telephone

+16132882284

Website

https://linktr.ee/cosaottawa

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