A Message from Laura Davidson

As we move into a new season, I am proud to share the latest edition of our York Region Children’s Aid Society newsletter—highlighting key stories and achievements from July through September 2025.

Each story reflects our continued commitment to the well-being of children, youth, and families across York Region, and the collective impact we achieve when our community comes together.

I want to express my deep appreciation to our dedicated staff, volunteers, foster parents, and community partners. Your compassion, collaboration, and commitment make it possible for us to provide responsive, inclusive, and family-centred support every day.

This edition also shines a spotlight on the York Region Children’s Fund, which helps ensure children and youth have access to life-enriching opportunities that build confidence, connection, and hope. Your donations make a lasting difference—and we are so grateful for your generosity.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the children, youth, and families we serve. Together, we continue to make a positive impact across our community.

To learn more, get involved, or share your ideas, please reach out at communications@yorkcas.org.

Sincerely, 

Laura Davidson

Thank You to York Region CAS Staff, Volunteers, and Foster Parents

In honour of our annual Staff, Volunteer, and Foster Parent Appreciation Event, we asked members of our leadership team to reflect on the heart of our work — the people.

From the impact we’ve made together over the past year, to the daily inspiration drawn from our incredible teams, their messages are a heartfelt tribute to the dedication, compassion, and resilience that drive our Agency forward and ensures the well-being of the children, youth and families in our community.

Celebrating a Champion of Community: Beulah Osei Honoured with June Callwood Award for Voluntarism

York Region Children’s Aid Society is proud to celebrate long-time volunteer Beulah Osei, who was recently recognized with the prestigious 2025 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism. This distinguished honour celebrates Beulah’s remarkable leadership, innovation, and enduring commitment to the well-being of children, youth, and families in York Region. Beulah received her award during a moving community celebration in Markham, where hundreds gathered, including local MPPs, to recognize outstanding volunteers.

A Heartfelt Thank You to 100 Women Who Care Markham!

York Region Children's Aid Society and York Region Children’s Fund is incredibly grateful to 100 Women Who Care Markham for their generous $7,000 donation!

This incredible support will go directly to the Stay in School Awards, a program that celebrates the hard work, commitment, and determination of youth in Grades 8–12 who are staying in school and advancing to the next grade. The awards also recognize youth supported by the Fund who are pursuing post-secondary education.

Back to School Backpack Donation



We are thrilled to recognize the generosity of Central United Church (Unionville) in supporting children and youth in our community.

The Church has generously donated 28 backpacks filled with school supplies to be distributed to children and youth our Agency is working with — just in time for the back-to-school season. Even more special, the backpacks were thoughtfully packed by the Church’s children during summer camp as part of a meaningful lesson on helping others — children helping children.

Thank You! York Region Children's Fund Car Wash Fundraiser

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we are proud to announce that we have raised a total of $1,624.49 through our annual Car Wash Fundraiser in support of the York Region Children’s Fund. This year’s event once again showed the strength of our community when we come together for a cause. From early morning setup to the last car towel-dry, the energy, generosity, and teamwork on display were inspiring.

Every dollar raised for the YRCF helps to provide children and youth in care with educational opportunities, enrichment activities, and essential supports that foster resilience and well-being. These contributions make a real difference in the lives of young people across York Region. Thank you for helping us turn soap and water into opportunity for children and youth in our community!

To learn more about the York Region Children’s Fund or to make a donation, visit: https://yorkregionchildrensfund.org/donate/

Youth Program Summer Highlights

This summer was one for the books!

From downtown Toronto adventures and paintball battles to water park fun and overnight trips to Niagara Falls – our youth had an unforgettable season full of connection, growth, and pure summer joy!

Youth also built valuable life skills through certification programming and had the opportunity to explore post-secondary options.

As we look ahead to fall, our youth can look forward to empowering workshops on everything from mental health and self-advocacy to job prep and cooking.

We’re here to support youth in care and youth justice – every step of the way.

Currency for Kids: Donate Today!

Returning from vacation and have some left over foreign currency? Don’t let it go to waste! Donate it to the York Region Children’s Fund (YRCF) through the Currency for Kids Program. After being converted to Canadian currency, your donation is then used to support programs for children and youth living in vulnerable situations.

You can participate in this program by mailing or dropping your donation of foreign currency to the YRCF (16915 Leslie Street, Newmarket). You can also visit the Continental Currency Exchange locations at Markville Shopping Centre and Upper Canada Mall.

Make a Difference in Your Community - Donate to the York Region Children's Fund Today!

The York Region Children’s Fund is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth in the care and protection of York Region Children’s Aid Society.

With the community’s support, York Region Children’s Fund helps provide vital childhood enrichment, educational support, and compassionate aid that improves the quality of life for children and youth in our community who have faced abuse, neglect or other threats to their wellbeing. Click Here to learn more.

The York Region Children's Aid Society 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.

York Region CAS Hosts Fall Connection and Appreciation Gathering

In September, the York Region CAS family came together for a heartwarming Fall Connection and Appreciation Gathering. This special event brought together staff, volunteers, and foster parents from across the Agency to celebrate the incredible work that they do in support of children, youth, and families in our community.

Highlights included:

• A meaningful all-staff meeting focused on our shared values and lasting impact.
• A heartfelt celebration of our milestone recipients – recognizing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of dedicated service!

Interested in Fostering? Join us at our Next Foster Caregiver Information Session

Join us for a virtual, interactive information session on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. to learn how you can make a difference as a foster caregiver. Please RSVP by emailing fostering@yorkcas.org—a meeting link will be sent upon confirmation. We look forward to meeting you! If you or someone you know would like to learn more about becoming a foster caregiver, visit our website by clicking here.

Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) Program - Participant Stories

From May to June 2025, the York Region CAS Family Intervention Team (FIT) proudly delivered the Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) program over an 8-week period at our Newmarket office.

Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in meaningful discussions, explored real-life challenges, and gained new tools to support their children’s emotional development.

Meet the York Region CAS Board of Directors

Elected at our Agency’s Annual General Meeting in June 2025, our dedicated Board of Directors bring a wealth of diverse expertise, guiding our Agency’s strategic direction and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children, youth, and families in York Region.

You can learn more about each member by visiting our website!

York Region CAS is honoured to have some of the best Board Members in the sector!

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If you have any suggestions on how we can work better with you, our community partners, please email:

communications@yorkcas.org