OCSA celebrates Community Support Month 2024

October is Community Support Month

Ontario – October 1, 2024 – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to recognize October as Community Support Month, a time to celebrate the vital contributions of community support service (CSS) organizations across the province.

These services range from falls prevention programs and exercise classes to Adult Day Programs, Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, and much more. The work of CSS staff and volunteers ensures that individuals can live independently and safely, reducing the need for hospital visits and long-term care placements.

Throughout the month, OCSA will join with our members to highlight these services and their impacts on individuals, families and communities. This year, we are pleased to add a new service celebration date to the calendar. October 17^th has been designated as Falls Prevention and Exercise Day. This day will highlight programs like VON's SMART program, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

“CSS organizations provide invaluable services to our communities,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of these dedicated professionals and volunteers who go above and beyond to support Ontarians.”

In celebration of Community Support Month, OCSA member organizations will host a series of events and activities across the province, including community workshops, informational sessions, and opportunities for the public to engage with local support service organizations. These initiatives aim to foster greater awareness of the resources available and to encourage community involvement.

OCSA invites Ontarians to participate in activities happening in your community. Share your experience online using the hashtag #CSM2024

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 or further information, please contact:

Karla Sealy (she/her)

Manager of Communications

416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242

karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

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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.

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OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . 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 that 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