OCSA commends the continuation of the Ontario Community Support Program into 2021-2022
$5 million investment will ensure seniors and those with physical disabilities can stay safely at home
DOWNLOAD PDFTORONTO, November 5, 2020
– The new investment of $5 million for the continuation of the Ontario Community Support Program (OCSP) for fiscal 2021-22 will ensure seniors and people with disabilities can stay safe at home and access the proper nutrition they need. Launched as part of the province’s response to the first wave of the pandemic, the OCSP has delivered over 230,000 meals and essentials to seniors and people living with physical disabilities enabling them to safely self-isolate during COVID-19.
“The expansion of the OCSP is a critical investment in ensuring our communities’ most vulnerable can continue to stay safe at home,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA). “Ensuring seniors and people with physical disabilities have access to the nutrition they need is an important component of OCSP. Through this vital program, Community Support Service organizations across the province have worked in partnership with others in their communities to ensure that clients get access to food, groceries and other essentials critical to their health and well-being”.
OCSA would also like to acknowledge the province’s continued investments in the battle against COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the home and community care sector proved critical in helping to alleviate the pressure in our health care system. When adequately resourced, our sector and its’ employees help vulnerable Ontarians stay safe at home, where they’d prefer to be. The Ontario Community Support Association looks forward to continuing to work with the government and other health sector stakeholders to ensure our sector and its workforce remain resilient to continue to serve the needs of our clients.
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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.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 242
Michele.Vantrepote@ocsa.on.ca
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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
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.
