The Community Service Order Program is proud to be a part of the CCRC’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Community Service Order Program has been in existence for over 25 years, the vision of which is to reduce recidivism by providing meaningful community placements and activities to assist both youth and adults in conflict with the law to build skills and respect for themselves and their community.

Our clients performed 14,417 community service hours for non-profit organizations in Peterborough City and County in 2005. These hours were performed at over 100 separate community organizations. Clients reported that they learned about the importance of volunteering, how much they enjoyed giving their time to others and working in the community, as well as that they should find more ways to volunteer. Notably, 25% of our clients decided to continue on at their placements as regular volunteers, after they finished their court ordered hours.

Recently, the supervisor at one of our more frequently utilized placements reiterated how happy they were to have this program available in the community. They reported how good it feels to be able to help clients by providing them with supports and services at the same time as receiving assistance from clients to run their program. This is just one example of how clients are connected with their community and vice versa.

While we received a lot of positive feedback from our clients in 2005 there is always room for further development including creating additional activities, projects and placements in our community that are relevant to client and community needs, especially with regard to youth and rural areas. If you are interested in finding out more about the Community Service Order Program or wish to become a placement, please contact Joanne Fulford at 743-6376.