Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA)

One City Peterborough and the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas are pleased to announce that the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) program will transition from One City to the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, effective September 2026.

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CoSA Peterborough has existed in many iterations - first as a grassroots initiative under the leadership of Dan Haley, and then officially as part of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy, Peterborough Reintegration Services, and most recently within One City. With trained volunteers, staff, and community partners, this program has made a meaningful difference by supporting accountability and successful community reintegration.

 

As One City considered how best to sustain this important work within the limits of its funding and organizational capacity, the John Howard Society emerged as a natural partner and a fitting home for CoSA’s next chapter. With decades of experience delivering reintegration, restorative justice, housing, and community support programs, the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas is well positioned to build upon CoSA’s strong foundation while maintaining its core principles and collaborative approach.​

 

Over the past several months, our teams have worked together to facilitate a smooth transition, including sharing resources and knowledge, transitioning volunteers, and moving the program into JHS’s space. CoSA Canada has provided important guidance during this change, and is highly supportive of this commitment to service continuity.​​​

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For questions about volunteer opportunities with the CoSA program, please contact Caitlin Burkholder at cburkholder@jhskaw.ca. For questions about the program or referrals, please contact Don Gibson at dgibson@jhskaw.ca.