A Message from Sally Johnson

As I reflect on my first 100 days as Chief Executive Officer of York Region Children’s Aid Society, I want to sincerely thank everyone for the warm welcome and support I have received since joining the Agency on March 16, 2026.

Over the past several months, I have taken time to listen and learn from staff, caregivers, volunteers, and community partners. I have heard about your experiences, successes, challenges, and hopes for the future of York Region CAS. Your thoughtful and insightful feedback will help shape our priorities and direction in the months ahead.

I am also pleased to share that the York Region CAS Board of Directors has been renewed with the addition of several highly skilled and experienced members. Together, we will continue strengthening our services and addressing opportunities for growth and improvement, including those identified through the recent workplace assessment.

As we move through the summer, our team will review and analyze the valuable feedback received. This fall, we look forward to sharing plans for the co-creation of new structures, processes, and policies that will support a stronger, more responsive, and collaborative organization.

I remain committed to building trust, advancing equity and inclusion, and strengthening reconciliation with Indigenous children, families, communities, and partners. Together, we will continue working to ensure children, youth, and families receive the support they need to thrive. I am excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to the journey ahead. For questions, ideas, or feedback, please contact us at communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Sally Johnson

York Region CAS Hosts Annual General Meeting

On June 18, 2026, York Region CAS welcomed board members, Ministry representatives, OACAS, community partners, staff, resource parents, volunteers, and guests to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at our Newmarket office.

Hosted by a talented youth from our Youth Advisory Council, this year’s AGM celebrated the accomplishments of the past year under the theme, Brighter Days: A Celebration of Colour, Creativity, and Hope through the Eyes of Youth.

Serenity Room Named in Honour of the Geense Family

We are proud to announce the naming of the Serenity Room at our Newmarket Office in honour of Naomi and Lou Geense, recognizing their extraordinary dedication to children and youth over more than three decades of fostering and adoption. For 32 years, Naomi and Lou opened their hearts and home to children and youth in need of safety, stability, and belonging. Through their compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment, they created a nurturing environment where young people felt supported, valued, and cared for during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

York Region CAS Volunteer Honoured with Community Builders Award

York Region CAS is proud to celebrate Lincoln Whittaker, recipient of the NewmarketToday.ca Community Builders Awards in the Unsung Hero category for 2026.

The Unsung Hero award recognizes individuals or groups whose quiet, consistent efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Recipients embody generosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to community, often working behind the scenes to create lasting, positive change.

Fourth Annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference

On May 12, 2026, York Region CAS proudly participated in the fourth annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference at Seneca Polytechnic (King Campus), held under the theme Eyes Open: Knowledge to Action. The event brought together approximately 300 attendees, including parents, families, youth, caregivers, community members, and service providers, for an opportunity to learn, connect, and act. Through presentations, workshops, and interactive booths, participants gained valuable knowledge, tools, and resources to help protect and empower our community.

York Region CAS Proudly Marches at York Pride

On Saturday, June 13, York Region CAS proudly marched in the York Region Pride Parade, joining hundreds of community members in downtown Newmarket to celebrate unity, community, and love, hoping to continue to pave a brighter path forward for all. This year’s York Pride Festival brought vibrant energy to the streets with live performances, child-friendly activities, food vendors, small business booths, and much more!

The York Pride Festival is held to help inspire positive change through connection, education, and fun while celebrating queer culture and highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces within York Region and beyond. Pride is a celebration, but it is also a reminder of the work still to be done. Click Here to read more.

York Region CAS Hosts Children and Youth in Care Day Picnic

To recognize and honour Children and Youth in Care Day, York Region CAS hosted a picnic at Brooks Farms on May 13, 2026. The event brought together approximately 100 attendees, including children, youth, caregivers, foster parents, and staff. It provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the resilience, strength, and individuality of young people in and from care. Participants enjoyed a day of connection and celebration, with activities such as painting, henna tattoos, flower planting, and shared meals. These moments fostered a sense of community while creating space for joy, creativity, and belonging.

Children and Youth in Care Day at Ontario Legislature

On May 14, York Region CAS was proud to participate in OACAS’ Children and Youth in Care Day at the Ontario Legislature. Two York Region CAS youth, one former youth in care, and one staff member attended alongside youth and staff from agencies across the province, OACAS representatives, and members of the YouthCAN Provincial Youth Advisory Council.

The day began with attendees observing the morning Parliamentary Question Period, where Minister Michael Parsa formally welcomed and acknowledged all youth in and from care as special guests.

York Region CAS Hosts Drag Bingo for Agency's Children and Youth

On Saturday, June 6, York Region CAS held a Drag Bingo event for our Agency’s children and youth at our Newmarket office. Our Bingo caller, Guy Annabella, made it a fun afternoon for our youth and answered their questions about performing, costume design, and living as your authentic self. Thank you, Guy and congratulations to all the youth that won prizes!

Drag is an art form that can be vital to affirming and expressing who we are. Drag performers have always been, and continue to be, advocates for themselves and others, and fabulous change-makers!

York Region Children's Aid Society's Youth Advisory Council

Established in 2022, the York Region CAS Youth Advisory Council was created to help provide direct youth voice to the activities, programs and changes occurring within the Agency. The Council's mission is to ensure that the voice of youth are included in all aspects of decision-making.

Click Here to learn more about the Youth Advisory Council and some of the impactful projects that they have worked on.

Red Dress Day

Red Dress Day is a time to honour and remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). To commemorate the day, York Region CAS staff wore red in recognition and solidarity.

Our Agency’s Honouring Indigenous Commitments Committee also shared learning resources with staff to deepen understanding of the significance of Red Dress Day, the lives lost, and the importance of continued recognition and action. We invite our community to take time to learn more about Red Dress Day and its meaning.

York Region CAS Celebrates Asian and Jewish Heritage Month in May



May was Asian Heritage Month in Canada and it’s a time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian descent who have helped shape Canadian society. Throughout the month, our Agency’s Asian Heritage Month Planning Group shared stories, resources, and events focused on wellness and the diverse cultures and histories of Asia, encouraging staff to participate, engage, and explore. In addition to Tai Chi classes, staff came together on May 19 for a special celebration featuring henna tattoos, Chinese calligraphy classes, tea tasting, and a game of carrom.

National Indigenous History Month



June was recognized as National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It also provided our staff an opportunity to deepen their understandings of Indigenous experiences, reflect on the impacts of colonization, and advance reconciliation.

Throughout the month, our Agency's Honouring Indigenous Commitments Committee (HICC) highlighted resources and stories that celebrated the enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The HICC also held a meeting for all staff in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day which encouraged reflection on the heritage, music, dance, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

York Region CAS Annual Report

York Region Children’s Aid Society is pleased to share our 2025–2026 Annual Report, Brighter Days: A Celebration of Colour, Creativity, and Hope through the Eyes of Youth. This year’s report highlights the dedication and impact of our staff, caregivers, volunteers, and community partners in supporting children, youth, and families across York Region. It also reflects the voices, creativity, and resilience of young people through stories, achievements, and artwork featured throughout the report. Inside, you’ll find key updates on our services, community initiatives, and organizational priorities, along with Agency financial information and service statistics for the fiscal year.

Growing Together Through Circle of Security Parenting

From May to June 2026, York Region CAS’s Family Intervention Team (FIT) proudly delivered the Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) program during an eight-week series at our Newmarket office. Designed for parents and caregivers of children aged six and under, this evidence-based program provided a safe and supportive environment where participants could deepen their understanding of their child’s behaviour, build confidence in their responses, strengthen parent-child relationships, and reflect on their parenting approach.

Turn Your Travel Change into Change for Children with the York Region Children's Fund

Coming home from vacation with leftover foreign coins or bills? Instead of leaving them in a drawer, donate them to the York Region Children’s Fund’s Currency for Kids Drive and help support local children and families. We accept: foreign coins and bills, U.S. currency, Euros, Pesos, Pounds, Yen, and more!

Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund programs and services that make a difference for children in our community.

Heroes Needed! Become a Foster Parent Today!

York Region CAS continues to recruit for foster homes, and your urgent help is needed. We are looking for caring families in our community to open their homes to children and youth in need of temporary placement. By becoming a foster parent, you can make a lasting difference-helping kids stay connected to their families, schools, and the York region community.

Let’s work together to keep kids close to home. We urgently need homes from York region’s many diverse communities and/or homes for teens. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please visit http://www.yorkcas.org/foster-caregivers/

You can also reach out by email to: fostering@yorkcas.org or phone 905-895-2318 to learn more.

Welcoming Our Board of Directors

At our Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2026, York Region CAS welcomed a renewed Board of Directors. These diverse, experienced, and highly skilled individuals bring valuable leadership and expertise to support our organization’s continued growth.

Working collaboratively with Agency leadership, staff, and community partners, the Board will help strengthen supports and create better outcomes for children, youth, and families across York Region. Visit our website to learn more about our Board members and the experience they bring to York Region CAS.

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