Supporting CoSA at a Glance: What to Expect as a Donor

At Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), our mission is simple but powerful: No More Victims. We aim to safely reintegrate individuals who have been incarcerated for sexual offences back into the community with the help of trained volunteers, evidence-informed practices, and strong community partnerships. But this work doesn’t happen without you!

This blog post gives a quick look at what your donation supports, why it matters, and the impact you can help create.

Why Donate?

Because it works
By supporting CoSA, you are protecting your community. Research shows that CoSA participants (known as Core Members) are up to 88% less likely to reoffend compared to those without CoSA’s support. That means fewer victims, safer communities, and healthier reintegration.

“Because of CoSA, I am very hopeful for my future. I know for a fact that, with their help and support, I will not re-offend, or do anything that could land me back in jail ever again” – Core Member

Because it saves money
Every $1 invested in CoSA is worth $4.60 in savings to society in terms of criminal justice costs, lost productivity, and related impacts.

“…the actual cost per core member for a year is relatively low, considering the costs of, for example, incarceration or criminal justice processing and so on. So, there are significant benefits that do accrue if you do a cost-benefit analysis” – CoSA Board Member

Because it’s community and volunteer led.
By supporting CoSA, you are investing in volunteer education, safety, and support. Volunteers from your community are trained to build supportive, accountable relationships with Core Members. Your donation helps train and equip these volunteers so they can do their work safely and effectively.

“The training schedule and comprehensive selection process showed the seriousness and dedication towards Core Members. The continuing education sessions are invaluable when one becomes involved in a Circle experience” – CoSA Volunteer

Where Your Money Goes

When you give to CoSA, you’re supporting:

• Volunteer training and screening to ensure safety and preparedness.
• Resources and materials to help Core Members navigate reintegration
• Staff support and coordination that makes our work sustainable.
• Expansion to underserved areas where CoSA is needed most.
• Ongoing research and best practice development to improve outcomes.

“Your generosity helps CoSA Ottawa provide the support, connection, and accountability Core Members need to rebuild their lives safely in the community. Every donation truly makes a difference in creating hope, belonging, and safer futures.” – Michaela De Curtis, CoSA Ottawa Director 

What’s In It for You?

Donors are the backbone of CoSA Canada, and becoming one comes with several benefits:

• Tax-deductible giving through CoSA Canada and local sites like CoSA Ottawa.
• Clear communication so you can see how your money is being spent – with impact updates and annual reports.
• Invitations to community events and engagement opportunities, like our “It Takes a Village!” gala.
• The knowledge that you’re helping prevent future harm, supporting restorative justice, and giving people a second chance to rebuild safely.

The Impact You Create

When you donate, you help:

• Core Members find housing, employment, and support.
• Volunteers offer stable, trained, non-judgmental mentorship.
• Communities benefit from a safer, more restorative approach to reintegration.

“People that go to prison for sexual offending are going to be coming back into our communities, and whether we like it or not, this is the reality. This is why CoSA’s work is so important – because it surrounds the perpetrator to help them to lead pro-social lives, to reintegrate safely and to not harm anyone else” – Executive Director, Ottawa Victim Services

Ready to Make a Difference?

• Donate today
  Make a one-time contribution to support volunteer training, program coordination, and community reintegration. Every dollar helps us work toward a future with no more victims.
• Set up monthly giving
  Ongoing monthly donations provide stable, reliable support so we can plan ahead and grow. Choose an amount that works for you and make a lasting impact all year long.
• Have questions or need help?
  We’re happy to connect. If you’d like to discuss your donation, set up a legacy gift, or learn more about how your support is used, contact us at admin@cosa-ottawa.ca.