Testimonials
Laurent Champagne
Institutional Chaplain
Archambault Penitentiary
"Having organized participant groups at the Sainte-Anne des Plaines Minimum Security Penitentiary for over 12 years, I've witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of the Rainbow Workshop. The residents' case management teams are consistently impressed by its ability to foster crucial self-awareness, effectively preparing participants for restorative justice dialogues with victims facilitated by CSJR. The unwavering dedication of our volunteers, who generously donate their time, is fundamental to our continued success."
Colette, volunteer
"It was an experience of real brotherhood among the inmates, the chaplains, and the volunteers.
Hearing the personal stories and journeys of the guys really grew my hope in the potential of every human being.
A deep sense of solidarity and shared humanity blossomed with these individuals – people who have faced judgment, yet are ultimately moving forward on their own paths... just like me..."
Lucie, volunteer
"This volunteer work has reignited my faith in humanity's capacity for genuine progress. It brings me profound satisfaction to support individuals made incredibly vulnerable by their actions. Not being "experts," I've witnessed how simple acts of listening, belief in others, abundant love, and generosity can create transformative change in healing and self-worth, as well as respect for others. These men are deeply touched by this, and it fuels their motivation. My sincere thanks to the facilitation team for this vital initiative."
Anonymous participant
"The Rainbow workshop has allowed me to understand empathy and express it. It also allowed me to understand my guilt and shame, and to forgive myself, leading to a calmer and healthier life."
Sylvie, volunteer
"This experience has broadened my perspective on life, allowing me to analyze situations through various lenses that the guys have shown me.
I'm also learning to heed my intuition more, which is helping me navigate the uncertainty I feel when I don't always rely on my intellect. Without a doubt, this is contributing to my personal growth.
The life experiences of these guys are astounding. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they are all incredibly inspiring."
Anonymous participant
"The Rainbow workshop gave me a lot of confidence, without feeling judged. I know how to work on my self-esteem now."
Maria, volunteer
"I have read Matthew 25:34-40 many times over the years but was never impacted the way I was a few years ago in prayer. I felt God nudging me to prison ministry. I heeded His call and became a volunteer. From the moment I walked into the prison chapel and met the inmates, I felt like I was home."
Dina, volunteer
"Volunteering in a prison setting allows me to support human beings who are learning to change their hearts in all authenticity, week after week, ready to repair themselves. Their reflections stemming from their journey and their new perspectives on themselves inspire me enormously."
Claudette, volunteer
“Meeting our participants, whom I often refer to as men of goodwill, gives me great satisfaction. They are inspiring and give me hope for better days ahead for our society. I would go so far as to say that my involvement in the Rainbow program certainly contributes to my spiritual growth.”
Jacques, volunteer
"Through the Rainbow program, I came to see that everyone in prison has a dark side, which is obviously their crime, but also a bright side – the core of who they are that's still capable of love, despite what they've done. What's also powerful is how this program helps inmates get back their self-respect by looking inward with the help of a volunteer.
That's the impact the Rainbow program had on me."
David, volunteer
“For me, St. Francis' prayer describes my experience well when I do the program with a guy:
“Lord, make me seek to understand rather than to be understood;
To love rather than to be loved.
Because it is by forgetting ourselves that we find."
It's a truly spiritual experience in my opinion."