The Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) program has been instrumental in assisting individuals as they reintegrate into the community following their time in incarceration. MCC has collaborated closely with these individuals to minimize the risk of further victimization and to help them embrace a lifestyle that is both responsible and accountable.
MCC Alberta is saddened to announce the closure of its CoSA program, effective March 31, 2025. This difficult decision stems from prolonged difficulties in obtaining long-term funding to sustain the program's operations.
Despite extensive efforts to secure lasting funding for the CoSA program, sustainable financial support from Federal and Provincial government has proven difficult to obtain. This lack of government funding posed a significant obstacle to maintaining this restorative justice initiative and created a growing challenge in sustaining the CoSA program.
The CoSA program at MCC Alberta has played a vital role in establishing connections, enhancing community safety, and offering assistance to individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration. The commitment and empathy demonstrated by numerous staff members and volunteers have had a profound impact on communities throughout Alberta. We are deeply thankful for their leadership and dedication.
MCC Alberta recognizes the closure of this program will be met with sadness by core members, volunteers, staff, and partners. MCC Alberta will collaborate with community partners to assist individuals in locating alternative support services and continue to work with the current circles until the Core Members who wish to graduate from the program are able to. However, it acknowledges that this transition will present challenges, as these programs offer something unique and irreplaceable.
MCC Alberta would like to extend a thank you to the staff, volunteers and donors who made this program possible.