Volunteer

Hear directly from Ontario foster caregivers about how the fostering experience has enriched their lives, and the lives of the children, youth, and families they have supported:

“There’s a lot of people who have compassion to step into this opportunity…It’s a big step, it’s a big… decision to make for your life, for your family, to invite and open your home to little people. But all they are looking for is love. And that’s what we had.”
— Veronica, Rama First Nation

“It’s just a matter of having a lot of love, and compassion, and empathy, and understanding. I think that goes a long way with the children that come into care. Being able to see not only the children thriving but to be able to watch everybody come together to help the families, mom and dad and extended family as well, is really rewarding.”
— Serenity, Thunder Bay

It starts with a conversation. Connect with us.

Our next virtual info session is this Wednesday August 20th @ 7:30pm. Register now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-information-session-tickets-1412766335139?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawLwYyJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsWnA1N1JrSTExZEI4eEVHAR597rtZC9PMc9hmz0XNsdda1QGktDRuHyX5mpMHGTY851T8odTUqy1rFhh2dg_aem_McF0DcCIXzy1WLTLMy_zsA

We are pleased to share that Brooke McCoy is the recipient of this year's Jack Ross Memorial Award!
Since 1985, each year we seek nominations from the community, for an individual who has made outstanding contributions to children, youth, and families in Oxford County, in memory of the …late Constable Jack Ross. This year, we had a nomination that stood out as a shining example of dedication and compassion, in offering not only professional expertise, but heartfelt support where it is needed most.
From all that Brooke brings to her professional role at Ingamo Homes, to her many additional contributions to support events, groups, and programs such as GrowGirls, Oxford Pride, youth programming at Wellkin/CMHA Brightside Youth Hub, Youth Talk on social media, and various training and workshops, she truly is having incredible impact to support help, healing, and hope-building for so many in the community.
Of course we are happy to be able to recognize Brooke through this award, as she carries forward the legacy of Jack Ross, but we are most grateful that she continues to be out in the community, doing the work she does, in that incredibly compassionate and impactful way that she does it. 💗

In Oxford County, and across all of Ontario, there is urgent need for placements that support sibling groups, older children and youth, infants, and children and youth with complex needs. A recent survey of child welfare agencies in Ontario showed that 97% of agencies are having difficulty placing …teenagers aged 13-18. Ongoing support and development are provided to caregivers to meet placement needs. Curious to learn how you can have impact where it is needed most? Reach out and start the conversation with us! Email us at fosterinquiries@casoxford.on.ca

Foster Care provides children and youth with an alternate family setting during a time of crisis. Children may need foster care for just a few days, a week, several months, or possibly even years. For the wonderful people who are interested in providing this support… it all starts with a …conversation. A conversation to inquire, a conversation to share! Come have that conversation with us and plan to attend our next virtual information session on Aug 20th, 2025.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-information-session-tickets-1412766335139?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawLwYyJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsWnA1N1JrSTExZEI4eEVHAR597rtZC9PMc9hmz0XNsdda1QGktDRuHyX5mpMHGTY851T8odTUqy1rFhh2dg_aem_McF0DcCIXzy1WLTLMy_zsA

Fostering. Have you ever wondered what it takes? How the process works? How you can have a meaningful impact on children, youth, and families in your community?
Find out how to be “THERE TO CARE” as a Foster Care Provider in Oxford County, and join for a virtual info session from the …comfort of home!

Our next session is tomorrow evening:
Wed July 23, 2025 @ 7:30pm

Registration is FREE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-information-session-tickets-1412766335139?aff=oddtdtcreator

Questions can be directed to:
Anna Baik: abaik@casoxford.on.ca

What does it mean to be THERE TO CARE?
Foster caregivers do more than just support children and youth. They are important community members who not only provide temporary homes for children and youth, but also facilitate connections and reunification with their families and communities. …Caregiving can also include taking care of children and youth from one's extended family or cultural community, through kinship placements. #ThereToCare

Foster caregivers are THERE TO CARE by supporting the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in our communities. Learn more about fostering in Oxford County by visiting https://www.casoxford.on.ca/foster-care/

Calling all Children's Summer Program Facilitators!!!
We are hosting virtual workshops designed specifically to EMPOWER those who work directly with CHILDREN & YOUTH in the summer programming setting.
We will cover a variety of topics, including:
👉 types of abuse and …neglect,
👉 your legal duty to report,
👉 what happens when you call us.
Please join us for our next virtual session on June 27 2025 from 1-2pm.
Let’s work together to create safe and supportive spaces
for all kids this summer!
For REGISTRATION CONTACT SARAH at scoombs@casoxford.on.ca

The deadline has been extended to June 30th, 2025.

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

In child welfare, we must recognize the ongoing impacts of colonial systems, including residential schools and the …overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care.

Today and every day, we honour Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities, and are committed to Reconciliation through meaningful action.

We would like to recognize and express our gratitude to the Zonta Club of Woodstock for their generous donation to our agency. This donation will directly support the Family Violence Counselling Program Women’s Groups. Their generosity makes a difference in our community, helping to foster …healing, empowerment, and hope.
Thank you, Zonta Club of Woodstock, for believing and sharing in our vision. Together as a community, we help children, youth, and families be safe, strong, and connected.

DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Session)
June 23rd
9:30-10:30am via ZOOM
This 1 hour workshop is for you if any of the following apply:
👉 you work with children and youth
👉 you want to understand your legislative duty under the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act
…👉 you want to know what happens when you make a referral to Child Welfare
👉 you would like to know how Children's Aid works with families in the community
For Registration, contact: Raeann at rmoss@casoxford.on.ca

Throw back to last Thursday June 5th, when United Way Oxford, helped local businesses send teams of volunteers across all of Oxford County for the Day of Caring.
Since 2006, this initiative has helped create connections between businesses and local non-profits, to give back and make a …difference in the community.
This year, we were fortunate to have volunteers from Revel Reality come and help with some much-needed clean up of our gardens.
The gardens at our agency are an important part of our service delivery, helping provide a connection with nature and each other for the families we support.
We are very appreciative of Revel Realty for their hard work, and to United Way Oxford for creating the connection and spreading the joy created through simple acts of kindness!
#UWODayofCaring2025

June is PRIDE MONTH, a time to both celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as work to improve safety and inclusivity for all.
Young queer people face disproportionate levels of harassment, bullying, violence, and family and community rejection.
Research shows that for 2SLGBTQIA+ …young people, there are four major protective factors that promote their safety and well-being:
• family acceptance and support
• access to gender-affirming health care
• supportive adults, and
• engagement with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Events, programming, and symbols that represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community affirm the identities of 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth and can help them to feel seen, supported, and safe. They also give all youth the opportunity to learn about the community and promote understanding, acceptance, diversity, and equity.
2SLGBTQIA+ youth deserve to live and learn in safe places that accept and support them, and we ALL have a role to play in ensuring this becomes a reality here in Oxford County.
#CASOxford #Pride #OxfordCounty #HonouringCommunity

DUTY TO REPORT (Free Information Sessions)
May 26th & June 23rd
9:30-10:30am via ZOOM
This 1 hour workshop is for you if any of the following apply:
👉 you work with children and youth
👉 you want to understand your legislative duty under the Child, Youth, and Family …Services Act
👉 you want to know what happens when you make a referral to Child Welfare
👉 you would like to know how Children's Aid works with families in the community
For Registration, contact: Raeann at rmoss@casoxford.on.ca

Today is Children and Youth in Care Day.
This important day was created because of young people in and from care, who shared their stories and experiences through the My Real Life Book report. Thanks to their tireless efforts, it was proclaimed into law through the Children and Youth in Care …Day Act, 2014.
The day is an important reminder that children and youth in care cannot be forgotten. They make valuable contributions to their communities across Ontario and have shown strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The #ForgetMeNot campaign aims to bring renewed attention to the accomplishments and unique challenges of children and youth in and from care.
Celebrating the little wins in the lives of children and youth in and from care is more than just a moment of joy – it’s a powerful reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, counts.
The #LittleWins matter

Its Mental Health Week, and as CMHA explores the theme of "UNMASKING MENTAL HEALTH", we are challenged in how we think about the concept of "normal".

Spoiler alert: There is NO normal!

We all exist within a diverse range for all sorts of aspects of who we are,… what we look like, and how we feel. While some behaviours may be more common, that doesn’t make those behaviours normal. What’s considered normal is based on the
popular beliefs in a society at any given time. Normal is a social construct, and what’s considered normal changes over time, and
there really is no “normal” way to feel, behave, and act.
There’s more to any one person than meets the eye and we should all be free to be seen, heard, and to express ourselves without fear.
Addressing stigma and discrimination and practicing compassion can help us create a society where people feel safe to share and be who they are.
Let’s unmask mental health together
#UnmaskingMentalHealth

May 5-11 2025 is Mental Health Week, and this year's theme is Unmasking Mental Health.
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect …themselves from judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
CMHA, through this campaign, is encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.
#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthweek #UnmaskingMentalHealth

May 5th is Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People, a day that we are called to both acknowledge and honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Today, …May 5th, Isan- Indigenous Solidarity & Awareness Network- Oxford is holding a memorial event from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM in Museum Square, Woodstock. All welcome.
#NoMoreStolenSisters