What is Community Chaplaincy?

Community Chaplaincy is a network of organizations across Canada that support offenders and their families as they re-enter society. Community Chaplaincies are usually governed by a board of directors, providing their services under contract and operating independently of The Correctional Service of Canada.

Core Values and Objectives:

Community Chaplaincy:

• respects the dignity of individuals, and the rights of all members of society, · believes in the potential for human growth and development.
• respects the social, cultural and religious differences of individual offenders. · recognizes that offenders have the potential to live as law-abiding citizens.

Purpose:

Community Chaplaincy contributes to the protection of society by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to safely and successfully re-enter society by providing them with practical, spiritual, emotional and social support.

Key Roles:

Journeying is central to the work of Community Chaplaincy. Key areas of involvement include:

·         spiritual support

·         emotional support

·         support with medical concerns

·         mental health support

·         practical assistance

·         finding appropriate housing

·         addictions

·         self-help programs

·         community access

·         various mentorship groups

·         Circles of Support and Accountability

·         others, as needed

 www.csc-scc.gc.ca

The Community Chaplain in each area can also provide important contacts and supports for those travelling to and settling in other communities.