Improving Access to Data for Better Outcomes in Home and Community Care

Ontario Community Support Association Launches New Research Centre to Support Evidence-Based Transformation in the Home and Community Care Sector 

The logo for elevate impact hub has arrows pointing up and down.

TORONTO, January 2023 – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) announced today the launch of the Elevate Impact Hub, a major new initiative to curate and share data-driven research and insights that’s designed to help home and community care providers, planners, and policy-makers ensure Ontarians get the best possible care now and in the future. 


The Elevate Impact Hub will collect, curate, and disseminate research, reports, and white papers that generate new knowledge and insight into home and community care. It will also help bring research insights to life through implementation-focused webinars and peer learning opportunities. 


 “Historically, home and community care organizations haven’t had strong relationships with research institutions. They just haven’t been on each other’s radar,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association, whose membership includes over 220 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services across the province. “That means cutting-edge research hasn’t been finding its way to providers, and on-the-ground provider innovations haven't been finding their way to researchers and institutions with research interests in the health system.” 


“The Elevate Impact Hub will open up these channels of communication, helping to advance home and community care with evidence-based research, while also supporting more and better research into the work of the sector and its impact to support smart, strategic decision-making for the future of the health system.”  


An independent division of OCSA, the Elevate Impact Hub will connect with researchers, providers, and others to collect, share, and encourage the implementation of evidence-based insights into practice. It welcomes inquiries from researchers with an interest in home and community care, and from providers interested in participating in, supporting, or leveraging insights from data-driven research.  


Find out more at www.elevateimpacthub.ca


 

 About OCSA 

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents over 220 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.  

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

  

For interviews and information requests please contact: 

Karla Sealy -  Manager of Communications 

Ontario Community Support Association 

416-256-3010 ext. 242 

karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca 

 


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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
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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.
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