Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto

This month—and every month—offers us an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and strength of the children and youth that we serve.

At CCAS, we are committed to supporting youth of all identities, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and affirmed for who they are. This includes supporting 2SLGBTQ+ young people by creating spaces where they are heard, valued, and able to thrive — both within our care and throughout the communities we serve.

We are dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging for 2SLGBTQ+ youth involved with Ontario’s child welfare system. This commitment shows up in our everyday actions: reflecting on our biases, using inclusive language, respecting self-identification, and speaking up against discrimination.

Together, we can work on building an environment where every child and youth in our community feels welcomed, supported, and empowered. Thank you for being part of that work.

We’re excited to introduce 'Focus on Foster Care' — a new monthly series highlighting the vital role foster care plays at CCAS. Our foster families provide a safe, supportive place for children and youth when they can’t remain at home due to protection concerns. In a family-based environment, they offer stability, care, and connection while plans are made for reunification or another permanent path, ensuring every child continues to feel a sense of belonging in their community.

Each month, our series will consist of sharing stories, spotlighting our incredible foster caregivers, exploring myths vs. facts, or providing insights into foster care. Join us on the first Friday of every month as we deepen our understanding together.

To kick things off — Myth vs. Fact: Fostering is always long-term.
Fact: Placements can range from a single day to several years, depending on the needs of the child and family.

To learn more visit our website: https://twp.ai/9OXR9L

🌞 National Sunscreen Day | May 27

As we head into peak UV season, it’s a great time to remind everyone in the family to protect their skin every day — not just at the beach. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach you, so make SPF part of your daily routine, all year long.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but the good news is it’s also one of the most preventable. A few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your family’s skin healthy.

✅ Choose smart protection
Broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB)
SPF 30 or higher
Water-resistant (great for active kids!)

✅ Use it properly
Apply 15 minutes before heading outside
Reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming or sweating)
Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, neck, lips, and tops of feet

✅ Go beyond sunscreen
Look for shade (especially between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Dress for the sun with lightweight long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses

And remember — everyone needs sunscreen — kids, teens, and adults of every skin tone. Keeping sun safety part of your daily routine helps protect today and for years to come. 🌞

🌙 Eid al‑Adha Mubarak

Today we join the Muslim community in celebrating one of Islam’s most sacred holidays. Traditionally marked with prayer, charity, family gatherings, and shared meals, Eid al‑Adha is a time of gratitude, compassion, and faith.

May this blessed day bring peace, good health, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones. Wishing everyone joy, love, and beautiful moments with family and friends.

✨ Eid al‑Adha Mubarak from CCAS ✨

Today, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto joins Christians around the world in celebrating Pentecost, the great feast that takes place 50 days after Easter. Known as the “Birthday of the Church,”

Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, filling them with courage and the ability to speak in many languages so they could share the Gospel with all people.

Rooted in the Jewish festival of Shavuot, Pentecost reminds us of God’s ongoing work of renewal, unity, and mission. The symbols of the day—wind, fire, and the colour red—reflect the Spirit’s power to transform hearts and communities.

Across Toronto, Catholic parishes celebrate this feast with special Masses, baptisms, confirmations, and community gatherings that honour the Spirit’s presence among us. Around the world, many countries also observe Whit Monday, extending the celebration of this sacred season.

As we reflect on Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in our mission to serve children, youth, and families with compassion, courage, and hope.

Come, Holy Spirit. 🔥🕊️

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) — marking its 15th year on May 21, 2026.

At CCAS, we recognize that true inclusion means ensuring everyone can access and engage with the digital world. More than one billion people globally live with disabilities, and digital accessibility plays a critical role in removing barriers to information, services, and connection.

Digital accessibility means designing websites, apps, and online content so that people of all abilities can navigate and interact with them independently. From clear communication to inclusive technology, we’re committed to creating environments — both online and offline — where children, youth, and families can thrive.

Today is a reminder to reflect and take action: explore accessibility resources, test your digital platforms, and deepen your understanding of diverse needs across visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive experiences. Together, we can build a more equitable, accessible future for all.

☀️ Happy Victoria Day Long Weekend! ☀️

This weekend marks Victoria Day (May 18), which celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday and the unofficial start of summer. It’s the perfect time to get outside, open the cottage, fire up the BBQ, or simply enjoy some well‑deserved rest with family and friends.

As you make the most of the long weekend, remember to travel safely, be mindful on the roads and water, and soak in the fresh air and longer days. However you spend it, we hope it’s filled with relaxation, connection, and a little sunshine.

Today is Children and Youth in Care Day

At CCAS, we’re proud to stand with children and youth in our care — supporting your goals, amplifying your voice, and walking with you as you shape your own future.

This year’s theme, Rising in Strength and Story, reflects what we see every day:
Strength built through resilience and support
Stories defined by youth — on their own terms
Futures shaped by possibility, not labels

That’s why we support youth:
✅ Up to age 23
✅ With housing, education, employment, health & wellness, and financial stability
✅ Through programs like Foundations, Ready, Set, Go, and Voluntary Youth Services
✅ With mentors, emergency supports, a youth pantry, and our https://twp.ai/IlqnTC resource hub
✅ With targeted, affirming support for Black youth, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and other equity‑deserving communities

Your voice matters. Your strength matters. Your story is yours to tell. Today — and every day — we rise together.

Learn more: https://twp.ai/9OWJ54

🌿 Recognizing Maternal Mental Health Month | May 2026

May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) — treatable conditions that affect 1 in 5 new mothers during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. These challenges are not a reflection of a parent’s love, strength, or ability.

This year’s theme, A Decade of Voices, highlights the importance of listening to women’s experiences and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.

At CCAS, our workers support families through newborn education, early health assessments, and compassionate guidance, while also connecting parents facing prenatal mental health challenges with community supports, culturally responsive resources, and wraparound services that strengthen safety and well‑being.

Let’s continue to uplift mothers, birthing parents, and caregivers by fostering understanding, compassion, and access to care. No one should struggle in silence.