Community Support Month: Celebrating Our Resilient Heroes

(Toronto, ON. October 1, 2023.) In honor of Community Support Month this October, the Ontario Community Support Association acknowledges the unwavering commitment and resilience of the home and community support sector’s incredible staff and volunteers. As the healthcare system continues to face unprecedented challenges, the demand for community-based services has never been higher and these incredible service providers continue to go above and beyond to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce premature admissions to long-term care.

Each year, more than one million Ontarians reach out for community support services (CSS) to help them live well at home, and this number continues to rise as our population ages. These services have become an indispensable part of our healthcare system and Community Support Month is an important time to recognize the tremendous impact that these services, and the providers who deliver them, have on the lives of some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.

Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA, acknowledges the profound impact of CSS organizations, stating, "CSS organizations are pillars in our healthcare system and have expert knowledge of client needs, priority populations, and service delivery. OCSA is honoured to celebrate these incredible organizations and their dedicated staff throughout the month of October, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their commitment to ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities receive the care they deserve in the comfort of their homes and communities."

The sector includes over 25 essential programs, including nursing care, personal care, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer's and adult day programs, medical appointment transportation, caregiver support, hospice, and palliative care services, among many others. These services are delivered by a workforce of over 22,000 staff plus tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers who contribute nearly 3 million hours of service each year.

We encourage everyone to participate in the Community Support Month celebrations this month by:

Taking time to learn about the importance of community support services this month by visiting OCSA’s Community Support Month page at https://www.ocsa.on.ca/csm.
Joining the conversation on social media at #CSM2023
Familiarizing yourself with the organizations who provide these critical supports to vulnerable citizens in your area by exploring OCSA’s list of member organizations here: https://www.ocsa.on.ca/membership#FULLOCSAMEMBERS.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Rhiana Alfadili
OCSA Communications Manager
416-256-3010 / 1-800-267-6272, ext. 219
Rhiana.Alfadili@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA releases new policy paper: Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario

By Davina Yawson • June 13, 2025

With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.

Lori Holloway Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Community Support Association

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

Celebrating PSW Day 2025

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.