Summer is finally here! It’s actually feeling like a long winter and an unbelievable spring have finally come to an end. The pandemic has certainly served to prolong the stress and anxiety of winter and spring. Though we’re not done with the pandemic, I’m sure people are glad to come out of quarantine and enjoy the sunshine and the warmth of summer.

It has been an interesting and challenging time these past several months and we certainly feel for all whose lives have been disrupted by COVID 19. As well, our hearts go out to the families of George Floyd and the many people like them who have lost loved ones due to racism and injustice. It is definitely time for change and we all need to work to create change.

Each morning in my devotional time, along with these concerns, I lift up our clients and volunteers in prayer and give thanks for all of you and ask for the Creator’s blessing and guidance in all that our volunteers do in journeying with our clients.

I am amazed at the commitment of these wonderful people to make a difference in our world. Whatever the reason for volunteering, whether it’s:
   - in response to the words of Jesus in scripture; 
   - a need to get a University credit; 
   - wanting experience that will prepare them for their chosen work field;
   - just wanting to do something that shows you care;
   - or wanting to ensure the safety of the people around us;
we are so grateful to all who make this commitment.

I’m sure every one of our volunteers can share at least one story of how something that was said, or something that happened helped them to recognize the importance of doing what they do. There have been many holy moments in the times of meeting together.

In this time of pandemic, there have been significant challenges to keeping contact with our clients and being supportive in a trying time. So, we’re thankful to everyone who has helped people to feel cared for by writing letters, making phone calls, sending texts, and whatever you’re doing. And whether you are a volunteer, a donor, a church or an individual praying for us we want to say a big “Thank you” to you all.

You’ve probably heard this too many times and it may be getting old already, but “We will get through this together.” After all, that’s really what our work is all about.

Dave Feick

The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to explore technology and various forms of media in order to engage in our work, share our mission, and connect with individuals and communities from afar. Click on the titles below to view and share. 

Our institutional programs: P2P, Forward Step, and FCRP remain on hold, or continue to be facilitated in alternative ways (e.g. phone calls and letter writing) as provincial and federal correctional institutions remain closed to the public. As of June 21, 2020 CoSA circles are permitted to meet in-person under the following guidelines:

   - Circles take place in large, outdoor, spaces; 
   - Circle members must wash their hands, or use hand sanitizer, prior to circle attendance; 
   - Circle members must abide by provincial physical distancing protocols;
   - Circles are limited to core members and volunteers only - no guests are welcome at this time;
   - Circles begin with a group round table discussion regarding the potential for COVID-19 transmission;
   - Circle members should avoid car-pooling;
   - The use of facemasks is recommended.
  
We ask that all individuals participating in Micah programs or considering visiting our office do not do so if you:

- Have any of the following symptoms which are new or worsened if associated with allergies, chronic or pre- existing conditions: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and/or runny nose.  
- Have just returned from out of province travel within the last two weeks.
- Have had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of respiratory illness and/or COVID-19 without the use of required PPE.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and have reasonable cause to believe you’ve been in contact with a known case, contact your local health authority to be screened, and if necessary, tested.