Mennonite Central Committee Alberta Circles of Support and Accountability (MCCA CoSA)

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation.

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a restorative justice program of Mennonite Central Committee Alberta in Calgary. CoSA aims to substantially reduce the risk of future sexual victimization of community members by assisting and supporting released individuals in integrating with the community and leading a responsible, productive, and accountable life.

CoSA’s objectives are "no more victims" and "no one is disposable." This recognizes the suffering of victims and the need to protect the community from future victimization (accountability), while at the same time offering assistance and dignity to former offenders who want to change and live differently (support).

CoSA is a project that individuals with a history of sexual conviction choose to participate in, as we believe that people who are motivated and want help can change. These people deserve support to empower them to lead responsible, meaningful, and crime-free lives beyond the label of “sex offender,” as this benefits not only them but society as a whole. The community has a role and responsibility in this process of restoration, re-integration, and public safety, and CoSA exists to promote and facilitate this possibility.