Volunteer
Volunteer with us!
Sometimes that looks like being part of a circle to explore the impact of a specific incident on the community. Sometimes it’s connecting with someone after they've experienced harm to help with resource navigation and systems advocacy. Our work happens in community, with the community-- and that includes you.
All volunteers must attend a 30 minute volunteer orientation to begin. Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation. Orientations are offered on the fourth Wednesdays of the month from 12-1.
If you have more questions about volunteering, please contact Becky Penberthy at (802) 923-9010 or bpenberthy@burlingtonvt.gov.
As a city program, the BCJC brings community members together to support each other through conflict, harm, and healing.
Circles of Support and Accountability
CoSA is a reentry program based on a successful international restorative justice model of assisting serious offenders to reintegrate into their communities. Trained CoSA volunteers work in teams of three to five and meet weekly with the core member to support them in returning to the community and managing everyday living. This includes:
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following the supervision rules set by the Department of Corrections.
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acting in ways that do not hurt others.
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taking responsibility for one's actions by making amends for past offenses.
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getting help for mental or emotional problems such as addictions, depression, or learning disabilities.
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practicing productive new attitudes and behaviors.
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arranging for transportation needs.
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finding a job.
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creating and living within a budget.
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developing constructive solutions to problems.
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planning for the future.
The mission of a CoSA is to enhance community safety and repair relationships by supporting core members to successfully rejoin the community and commit no further offenses. The CoSA circle helps the core member take the learning and self-awareness gained from treatment and utilize it in everyday life. Additionally, the circle will hold the core member accountable for adherence to post-release expectations and for developing healthy relationships. As the core member grows and rebuilds community connections, the circle will represent the needs of the community in relationship to those of the core member.
Contact Becky Penberthy at (802) 923-9010 or bpenberthy@burlingtonvt.gov to learn more.
