October 27, 2020
Hello everyone!
25 years ago today, our organization, which was intended to be an extension of Prison Chaplaincy in the community,was officially born. Community Chaplaincy is recognized by the Correctional Service of Canada, with whom we work.
The beneficiaries of our services continue to tell us how important our presence is in their lives. Men who come out of prison and do not have any support on the outside, find in our two shelters and our day centre, a living space that helps them reintegrate into the community. Community chaplaincy works within a network to reach all those affected by crime.
We work in a spirit of restorative justice in close collaboration with the Center for Services in Restorative Justice, thus reaching out to victims of crime. We are in contact with Relais-Famille, which supports the family members of people who are incarcerated. We are in partnership with the Circles of Support and Accountability to prevent recidivism by accompanying people who have committed sexual offences. Every Thursday evening at Entrée Libre, volunteers and people who are incarcerated or in transition, meet to discuss different topics, providing a place for them to open up and offering them the help they need to reintegrate into society, which is not always easy. Another one of our projects, Presence Compassion, is there for the people of the street, in the city center where there are former inmates. The Jean-Paul Morin Corporation creates a space for dialogue with volunteers and offenders, which helps to re-establish human, social and spiritual ties following crimes or offences. The Maison Orléans welcomes men for activities and celebrations. All of these projects are also held in English-speaking communities, thanks to Communitas, as well as in Quebec City.
The Covid pandemic prevents us from celebrating all the moments that have been experienced over the last 25 years, and which allow people to get back on their feet and have the desire to live with more serenity and confidence. We will celebrate at a later time! We thank all the volunteers and beneficiaries who work with heart and conviction to make our society a more humane and safe place. Let’s be proud of these 25 years! We still have a long road ahead of us!
Lucie Gravel, Président
Laurent Champagne, Coordinator
Website: aumcommtl.com Tel: (514) 978-8881 Email: [email protected]