A Lifelong Circle: One Volunteer’s Journey with CoSA
Welcome to The Inner Circle: Volunteer Spotlight, a blog series highlighting the volunteers behind CoSA Ottawa. In this series, we share the stories of the people who complete our Circles – from their backgrounds to their experiences with CoSA, and the impact they’ve made along the way.
For one long-time CoSA Ottawa volunteer, the path to CoSA began with personal experience—and a community that didn’t turn away.
“In 1994, [a person in my life] got out of prison after being convicted of sexual offenses,” she shares. “Fortunately, we got introduced to a priest … [and] what they did was form a circle of people around us and really helped us reintegrate into society.” That circle became the foundation for CoSA’s first beginnings in Ottawa. “The very first CoSA circle was made up of people from our church.”
From those early days to now, she’s seen firsthand the power of non-judgmental support. “We’ve been absolutely, totally blessed,” she says. “It’s in my heart. I really, really believe in it. Having experienced it, I just believe there’s nothing like it for these people who would just be tossed aside – literally tossed aside.”
Over the years, she’s been part of several Circles – each one unique, each one a lesson in compassion, honesty, and patience. Some Core Members struggled deeply. Others, like her current Core Member, offer moments of joy and hope. “He was able to find a job… he sent me an email this summer and said he got a bonus from his company. That’s my success story.”
For her, what makes CoSA’s approach effective is simple: empathy. “It is caring for people who need to be cared for… Every person, no matter what crimes they’ve done, is still a person – can be rehabilitated, can be helped,” she says. “And everyone should be allowed that possibility.”
She’s seen CoSA evolve from a grassroots effort to a national organization, and still supports CoSA to this day. “It’s changed from being a small kind of organization into something more tangible,” she says. But she also highlights the ongoing struggle for funding. “It’s tragic that CoSA sites across the country are closing… If somehow we could get permanent funding, that would make all the difference in the world.”
Despite these challenges, she remains unwavering in her commitment. “Go for it,” she says to anyone considering volunteering. “Be expected to be surprised and delighted. But you have to be prepared to be brutally honest with the Core Members, and you have to be prepared to hear things that are not pleasant – but it’s worth it.”
Through every story, every success, every setback, she finds meaning in showing up, listening, and supporting those who need it most. “I would encourage people to become involved because it’s worthwhile and it’s rewarding personally,” she says. “You’re reaching out to people who most of society think are untouchable, or should be locked away for life. But everyone deserves support.”
CoSA Ottawa is deeply grateful for the dedication and compassion of our volunteers. Their commitment plays a vital role in building safer communities and supporting meaningful reintegration. If you’re interested in volunteering with CoSA, click here or contact us at admin@cosa-ottawa.ca.
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