Source: (2010) The Well. The Church Council on Justice and Corrections. Fall 2010.
Note from the editor: A number of people wonder about CoSA and if it really is a positive program that
belongs in the community. I asked the Ottawa site for CoSA how well they were doing and received big
smiles and a very enthusiastic response. They admitted that there were some hard times, difficult
decisions, and a lot of collaboration with the circle members to ensure that events flowed smoothly. When
I asked them if they really believed they were making a difference, the response was an emphatic yes! I
wondered if they would write a short story about a fictional ex-offender and what his experience would be
like, based on their experiences within the circles. They provided me with this short article. I truly hope,
when you have finished reading the article that you will talk about this wonderful program and help
promote its benefits across your town, city, and Canada-wide.
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