Celebrating Community Support Month 2022!

Toronto, Ontario - This October, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Community Support Month and the thousands of staff and volunteers who deliver critical community services across the province. With the health care system currently experiencing significant challenges, community-based services are even more important, as they help to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and alleviate pressure on long-term care. Over one million Ontarians access community support services (CSS) annually, and the need is growing. 


“CSS organizations have deep-rooted connections with their communities,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), “they understand the needs of their clients, the diversity of their populations, and they utilize their knowledge of their geographic locations to ensure that Ontarians receive care where they want it, at home and in their communities. This Community Support Month, we want to raise awareness of the tremendous work these organizations do, and applaud the commitment of their staff and volunteers.”  


There are over 25 different programs offered by the sector, including services such as nursing care and personal care, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer and adult day programs, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, and hospice and palliative care services, just to name a few. These compassionate and cost-effective services are delivered by staff and volunteers. Dedicated volunteers donate close to 3 million hours of service each year.  


Community support services are a lifeline for many Ontarians, keeping them healthy at home and in their communities. 


Community Support Month celebrations are scheduled as follows:

October 3-7 Meals on Wheels Week

October 5 Congregate Dining Day

October 7 Supportive Housing/Assisted Living Day

October 10-14 Community Care Worker Week

October 11 Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance Day

October 12 Respite Services Day

October 14 Client Intervention and Assistance (CIA) Day

October 17-21 Adult Day Program Week

October 21 Home Help/Maintenance Services Day

October 24 Transportation Services Day

October 25 Attendant Services Day

October 6/13/20/27 OCSA’s Virtual CommunityConnect Speaker Series

October 28 Hospice and Palliative Care Services Day


Follow the conversation on social media in October at #CSM2022


About OCSA

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario.

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.

 

For comments/queries please contact: 

Karla Sealy 

Communications Manager 

Ontario Community Support Association 

416-256-3010 ext. 242 

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca 

 


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More Updates

By Karla Sealy May 30, 2025
TORONTO, May 30, 2025 - The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Holloway as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 30, 2025. A recognized leader in Ontario's health and community care sectors, Holloway brings over 20 years of experience driving system change, championing equitable access to care, and strengthening community-based services. Her appointment marks a full-circle moment—returning to OCSA after previously serving as Chief of Operations over a decade ago. Holloway's extensive leadership portfolio includes roles as CEO of Bellwoods Centres for Community Living, National Director of Health and Wellness at the Canadian Red Cross, and Interim CEO of CANES Community Care. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to lead organizations through complexity while keeping people and purpose at the centre. "Lori is a values-driven leader with deep roots in our sector," says Steve Sherrer, Chair of the OCSA Board of Directors. "At a time when demand for home and community care is growing and the policy landscape is shifting, her strategic insight and operational expertise will be invaluable in advancing OCSA's mission. We're thrilled to welcome her back to the sector and this exciting role with the organization." Holloway takes over from outgoing CEO, Deborah Simon. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Deborah for her tireless dedication and lasting contributions," says Sherrer. "Thanks to her leadership, OCSA is well positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead." This leadership transition comes at an important time as OCSA calls for more support for the sector through its Everyone Needs Home and Community Care campaign. Through the campaign, all Ontarians are encouraged to visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more and to connect to their MPPs for better funding, visibility, and support for home and community care. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca
By Karla Sealy May 21, 2025
Toronto, ON — Today, on Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day , the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) proudly joins communities across the province in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Personal Support Workers. PSWs are the backbone of Ontario’s home and community care system, providing essential support that enables people to live safely and independently at home. Each year on May 19th, PSW Day is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of these vital frontline workers. Whether helping seniors with daily tasks, supporting people with disabilities, or providing companionship to those facing isolation, PSWs deliver the care that’s needed—and the care that’s wanted—every single day. As Ontario faces a growing demand for home and community care, the role of PSWs has never been more important. OCSA continues to advocate for investments that will strengthen the PSW workforce, and this is part of the Everyone Needs Home and Community Care advocacy campaign. OCSA encourages all Ontarians to take a moment today to thank a PSW in their life. You can also visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more about how to support the people who provide essential care in your community. Happy PSW Day—and thank you to all the Personal Support Workers who make a difference every day.
We sent an email because everyone needs home and community care.
By Karla Sealy April 30, 2025
Against the backdrop of uncertain times, Ontarians need and want more access to these services 
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