The annual Recycle Journey for Justice is focuses on Mennonite Central Committee's support for restorative justice programs. This year the focus is specifically on those programs offered through Initiatives for Just Communities, in particular Circles of Support and Accountability also known as COSA.

"It was started five years ago by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)," explained COSA Director Natalya Ilynaik. "We work with folks who have been incarcerated for usually a lengthy periods of time, and they are coming back into the community. They are coming back into the community, and usually their sentences have been violent in nature. They usually don't have any supports left, because of what they have done. So, we build circles around them. Circles involve a staff person, a core member, who is the client, and a number of volunteers. We meet with them every week, and we support them with what ever they need. We hold them accountable for their actions."

Ilynaik outlined what the goal of COSA is when working with an individual.

"We have one individual who was a part of COSA for a few years. Due to the nature of his offences he ended up being alienated from his community, and came to Winnipeg, not knowing anyone. He was struggling finding work and a place to live," said Ilynaik. "When he joined COSA he really flourished and his circle really helped him to get enrolled in university. He has completed two undergraduate degrees, is now married, and recently bought a house. Right now he is working as a successful editor and writer. He also works in a program that helps individuals who are in a similar position as to what he was once in."