Initiatives for Just Communities walks with people with Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disabilities, and those
currently or previously incarcerated, to help them to achieve a
better quality of life for themselves and their communities.
WE ARE HIRING!
Join a great team and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.


Building, growing, changing
It was a cool wet day in Nova Scotia as we made our way to a small place outside of Truro Nova Scotia. Every since I heard about it I wanted to see it, the building of the Schooner Lena Blanche. My wife Linda and I had returned to Nova Scotia to attend a visitation

Community, responsiveness, opportunity
We believe in growth and nurture it as much as possible. Recently a participant reached out to me. They had moved from a very intensive form of support to living with someone in community. It took a long time for them to get there, and a lot of intentional work by both them and their

Connections, healing, hope
Spring is an essential time for growth, prosperity, and transition. The change of seasons brings about nicer weather, gardens, and friendly faces; a reminder of the importance of connections with the earth and the people whose time we appreciate and value. We have settled into the new season very nicely at Open Circle. Things are
Who We Are
Initiatives for Just Communities is a non-profit, charitable organization that is committed to restorative justice practices. IJC works to create communities where each person, particularly the stigmatized and the vulnerable, has a place to belong.
Four programs run through IJC:
- Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) – supports the healthy reintegration of people with high-risk offence cycles as they are released from prison and settle back into the community.
- El’dad – provides residential support, vocational training and assistance, and support for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Open Circle – encourages volunteers to visit individuals in prison and offer caring non-judgemental support.
- Touchstone – provides case management and direct individualized support to adults and older youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.