Communications
Thank you for your interest in OCSA's media room. Here, you will find statements and media releases issued by OCSA, as well as member bulletins providing important updates on issues impacting the home and community care sector.
Statements & Media Releases
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
Voter support strongly linked to party policies on Home and Community Care
Calls on all candidates to pledge to support home and community care
Sector calls for investments to close the growing wage gap for frontline workers
October is Community Support Month
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) calls for urgent investments in Home and Community Care
OCSA in the News
Calls on all candidates to pledge to support home and community care
Sector calls for investments to close the growing wage gap for frontline workers
October is Community Support Month
Members Bulletin
Our monthly e-newsletter provides updates from OCSA, upcoming member events and programs, the month's top news stories, job postings and much more.
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Media Contact
To arrange an interview or request a comment, please contact:
Karla Sealy
Manager of Communications
karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca
416-256-3010
1-800-267-6272, ext. 242
or
Janice Bedore
Executive Assistant
416-256-3010
1-800-267-6272, ext. 224
Deborah Simon - CEO
Deborah Simon has been the CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association since 2012. Deborah is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Arts from York University and an MBA from Athabasca University. Her role as OCSA CEO draws on decades of clinical, administrative, government relations and leadership experience. Privileged to have had a very diverse career, Deborah has worked across the health care system, but is particularly drawn to the creativity and diversity of the home and community support sector.
CONTACT US
180 Dundas St. W., Suite 1400-B,Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
416-256-3010 | 1-800-267-OCSA
info@ocsa.on.ca
Charitable Registration #:
13426 9505 RR0001
HOURS
Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
INFORMATION
OCSA is being hosted on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
