WHAT WE DO
We believe that all children deserve an equal chance at becoming who they want to be.
OUR MISSION is to support children and youth in child welfare by funding initiatives in educational, enrichment, and essential needs.
OUR VISION is to inspire and empower children and youth in child welfare by helping them develop resilience, create life-long memories, and increase their overall well-being.
Growing up in the child welfare system means that these kids often have to care for themselves and their parents rather than focusing on just being kids. No matter the hardships, challenges, or setbacks that life throws at them, children and youth in child welfare system deserve a chance to:
» Create positive childhood memories
» Feel empowered and confident
» Become successful and resilient adults
You can help them take back their childhood and give them the confidence they need to succeed in life.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Education
Education truly is the key to one’s success. Part of our mission is to help make educational success a reality for children and youth in the child welfare system.
Cookie Jar
The majority of the work CAS Ottawa does is with children and youth living at home; however, there are few resources available to support these families. That’s where the Cookie Jar comes in.
Youth Transition
Entering foster care and leaving foster care are two stressful times in a child’s life. Our Foundation tries to make them as comfortable and prepared as possible to tackle these momentous life changes.
Enrichment
For some families, summertime and the holiday season are not happy times. Camp for Kids and the Holiday Gift Program exist to try and change that.
Education
Education truly is the key to one’s success. Part of our mission is to help make educational success a reality for children and youth in the child welfare system.
Cookie Jar
The majority of the work CAS Ottawa does is with children and youth living at home; however, there are few resources available to support these families. That’s where the Cookie Jar comes in.
Youth Transition
Entering foster care and leaving foster care are two stressful times in a child’s life. Our Foundation tries to make them as comfortable and prepared as possible to tackle these momentous life changes.
Enrichment
For some families, summertime and the holiday season are not happy times. Camp for Kids and the Holiday Gift Program exist to try and change that.
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa Youth
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa Youth
Events
Our events help raise awareness and raise funds for kids in Ottawa. We’d love to see you there!
Donate
You can make a difference today. Any gift that is meaningful to you, means the world to these kids.
Launch a Dream
Make a financial commitment to support kids in child welfare and help launch a dream.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
ROB DE TONI
Chair
I saw first hand the effect of CAFO’s bursary program on disadvantaged youth and I firmly believe that higher education provides our youth with the opportunities they so richly deserve.
ANNA LYNCH
Vice Chair
Being able to provide a different view, experience, or opportunity to children who may not otherwise have the chance is the reason I joined and is the reason I’ll continue to participate.
JOHN HARALOVICH
Treasurer
I joined to help youth who need the support of others to achieve the same dreams and goals I had as a youth.
SHAIL PALIWAL
Secretary
The CAFO team and programs give disadvantaged youth in Ottawa a helping hand; being born and raised in Ottawa, I knew I wanted to support these efforts. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve CAFO.
MARION BAILEY-CANHAM
Past Chair
To be given the opportunity to lend a hand and give support to the kids in our community meant a lot and to do so with smart, proactive, generous folks inspired me to contribute and take part.
Directors
MICHAEL BEAUCAGE
Director
CASO has so many incredible projects helping at risk youth in our community. I want to do my part to help extend the reach of the hard working team at CAS.
LAURA-LEE BRENNEMAN
Director
I joined CAFO to lend my skills and view points to help vulnerable children and youth thrive. All children deserve the chance to realize their dreams and I am excited that I can be a small part of that.
DARLENE CARREAU
Director
As a mother, it is important to invest in and support all kids in our community to have opportunities, achieve their goals, and realize their potential.
JAYNA CARTER
Director
As a Manager at CASO, I see first-hand the positive differences the Foundation makes in the lives of children and youth in our community every day.
PAULA CLANCY
Director
I am proud to serve an organization with deep local roots – all of the funds we raise go directly to supporting children and their families in our community. It is very satisfying to know that we can make a difference right here in Ottawa, and to know that our work may help improve the lives of kids who are in need of help and support.
SHELLEY JONES
Director
I believe that all children and youth deserve an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. CAFO’s educational initiatives such as the Dare to Dream Bursary help to make this happen, and I am honoured to support the CAFO team.
JESSICA ROBSON
Director
Having two children, I cannot imagine them growing up in a world where they do not have everything they need to physically and emotionally thrive. I joined the board as a way to offer my time and community connections to help impact children and youth who do not have the same opportunities.
MAIRI THOMSON
Director
I want to help the kids in our community access more opportunities and have a better chance at building a good life. CAFO has so many pragmatic ways to help our Ottawa kids and as a board member, I know that my contribution will make someone’s life that much better.
DR. BARBARA VIRLEY
Director
As a clinical child psychologist, I wanted to support an organization that supports the holistic development of disadvantaged children and youth in our community – and especially their ability to pursue educational goals.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
With your support, children and youth in the child welfare system will receive opportunities that they deserve. Let them know that you care.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
With your support, children and youth in the child welfare system will receive opportunities that they deserve. Let them know that you care.