Thank you, Bess. So moving.

I’d love to hear what drew Bess to tell this story

How do you think restorative methods like COSA can properly balance the need for a person who has caused harm (specifically sexual violence) to heal and the fear of members of the community who may have experienced sexual violence themselves?

Community Justice Center's receive funding for the CoSA/Reentry Programs but are not a division of DOC.

CJCs are embedded in towns/cities or are independent non-profits.

Who were people at the table(s)? Some trained professionals? Some community people? What training? How often do they meet with the former offender? Can offender call them for support (like AA sponsors)?

What is the recidivism rate for those who engage in COSA? Seems like a great place to put more funding rather than the cost of putting back in jail.

Bess, you are describing the Dismas volunteer phenomenon exactly — it really is the community interaction and caring that is so important

I just heard of a private org called "Working Fields" in northern Vt which is an employment agency with social services for people who have a felony on their record. Also sounds like important, similar work!

Sorry, have to drive someone up to get stitches. Good to see you all!!

Can you please loop back to my question as well when you get a chance

Yes, we definitely will, Lauren! I wanted to respond to questions around the same theme and then give yours to Bess.

Got it, thanks!

Well done everyone. Have to go now.

Has there been any serious talk about converting a Vermont State College Campus to a working/living/learning center for ex-prisoners? These campuses are central to their communities, have facilities etc....It may not be right for all those coming out, but it might work for some.

Thanks, I appreciate those thorough answers

I thnk it was 29%

Are all people accepted for program if they asked for the help?

https://hartfordjusticecenter.org/volunteer/

Vermont Works for Women is another great program.

Headrest in Lebanon NH has a similar service

Is that a legal prohibition for convicted felons from access to subsidized housing? If so, it sounds like that needs to change.

Link to rent or purchase the full video of "Coming Home": https://vimeo.com/ondemand/cominghomecosa

Link to register for our next Speaker Series. Jessica Brown, Public Defender. Friday, April 30, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. https://forms.gle/DZPCe5UocJ97wvzB9

Thanks for a wonderful event.

https://dismasofvt.org/hartford-dismas/new-hartford-volunteer-opportunities/

Thanks to all!

Those interested in a different model of incarcerating/rehabilitating our offenders can look to German and Danish "prisons" which are more like lightly restricted communities, support work experience, and help reintegrate individuals into caring for others in and outside the "prison".... The main goal of these places is reintegrating individuals into caring community life, rather than "punishment".

Prison abolition in Vermont https://www.wjfi.org/

Thank you, Jon, for sharing this link!

Thank you. Outstanding program.

Thank you so much, everyone.

Thanks for a terrific film and a great presentation - it was really helpful to hear about COSA’s from multiple perspectives! They are obviously very powerful! I totally support focusing on connection and support and vastly reducing the unbelievable incarceration rates in the US!

So inspiring. Thank you all for this great event.

Thank you for this great program, and the work that you all do.

Windsor County Mentors is an organization that matches caring adults with youth 7-14 years to keep them OUT of trouble. We always need more mentors also! Thanks so much for this presentation! www.wmentors.org