Community Support Organizations Collaborate with Ontario Health Teams
For Immediate Release
Community Support Organizations Collaborate with Ontario Health Teams to Alleviate Pressure on Hospitals
TORONTO, October 1, 2019 – October is Community Support Month and organizations that deliver home and community care are working hard to create partnerships with Ontario Health Teams to deliver seamless services to Ontarians in need.
During this time of intense transformation and health care system change community care frontline providers are on the ground supporting seniors and persons with physical disabilities to remain in their own homes and communities. Since these services encompass health promotion, preventative services and re-enablement services, they not only meet a client's current needs, but, more importantly, they defend against decline and more serious needs in the future.
There are over 25 different services including personal care and home helps, Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer and adult day programs, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, and hospice and palliative care services.
While more long-term care beds are needed, until increased capacity is ready, additional resources for the home and community support sector will help alleviate current pressure on the healthcare system and meet the needs of the vulnerable public clients that desperately need support now.
“Not-for-profit home and community care providers are excited to break down barriers and work even more closely with their local partners to better serve clients and patients in their area,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association. “Community Support Month highlights the amazing frontline work these organizations do – work that helps take the pressure off the health system during this time of change.”
Here are the specific celebration days for the month:
| Date | Celebration |
|---|---|
| Sept. 30 – Oct. 4 | Meals on Wheels Week |
| October 2 | Congregate Dining Day |
| October 4 | Supportive Housing/Assisted Living Day |
| October 7 | Respite Services Day |
| October 7-11 | Community Care Worker Week |
| October 9 | Client Intervention and Assistance (CIA) Day |
| October 11 | Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance Day |
| October 18 | Home Help/Maintenance Services Day |
| October 14-18 | Adult Day Program Week |
| October 21 | Transportation Services Day |
| October 22 | Capacity Builders’ PSW Training Day |
| October 22 | OCSA AGM |
| October 23-24 | OCSA’s Community Connect Conference |
| October 25 | Attendant Services Day |
| October 28 | Hospice and Palliative Care Services Day |
Follow the conversation on social media at #CSM2019, #InvestInCSS, #EndHallwayMedicine and #OHTs.
Michele Vantrepote
-30-
About OCSA
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 240 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.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 242
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Toronto, ON – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s announcement in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement of a $1.1 billion investment to protect and expand home care services. This significant commitment demonstrates government’s recognition of the vital role that home and community care plays in the province’s healthcare system. “The Ontario Community Support Association welcomes this significant investment in home care. Previous funding commitments have helped stabilize the sector, supporting a measurable reduction in staff turnover and fewer missed care visits. These improvements mean more Ontarians are receiving the care they need, when and where they need it. We encourage the government to continue to invest in programs like Hospital to Home and organizations that bring together home care, community support, and independent living services, which are essential to building a system that keeps people healthy, connected, and cared for at home.” — Lori Holloway, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Community Support Association As the province looks ahead, OCSA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and system partners to advance innovative models that integrate home care, community support, and independent living services. Together, these efforts will help build a sustainable, connected system that keeps people healthy and cared for at home. About the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) OCSA represents the full spectrum of organizations that deliver home and community support services across Ontario, helping people live independently and with dignity where they want to be—at home. Through advocacy, research, and member collaboration, OCSA works to strengthen the sector and build a more connected, person-centered health system. Media Contact: Karla Sealy Ontario Community Support Association Email: karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca Website: www.ocsa.on.ca
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.
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
