Open Circle is a prison visitation program that matches trained volunteers with inmates (participants). Open Circle provides participants with nonjudgmental support and long-term connection. In this environment of trust, Open Circle empowers participants to develop healthy coping mechanisms, make better choices, and recognize offending behaviours and risks.

Open Circle does this by providing a safe, supervised environment for inmates to gather, share stories, and connect with volunteers and staff. Open Circle holds monthly coffee houses, both in prison and in downtown Winnipeg, allowing inmates on Escorted Temporary Absences an opportunity to fulfill community hours as they approach their release date.

For more information about Open Circle, contact opencircleijc@initiativesjc.org.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Apply through Volunteer Manitoba.

 

“I was in prison and you visited me… a stranger and you welcomed me… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”
– Matthew 25:36 & 40