About
We are a provincial network of leaders from community-based social service agencies across Ontario. Through shared learning and leadership development, we strengthen our 40 not-for-profit member agencies to the benefit of the more than 250,000 individuals, couples, families we serve each year.
Established in 1974 with the goal of providing accreditation to and creating a provincial presence for Family Service agencies, Family Service Ontario transformed into an advocate for its member agencies. For nearly 50 years, Family Service Ontario has tackled some of the most significant and pressing issues, trends, and challenges that leaders face in the province’s social service sector. By working together, we’re better equipped to understand and attend to the needs of Ontarians as they face increasingly complex challenges.
Our Vision
Our Mission
All relevant policymakers, stakeholders and funders value and count on Family Service Ontario as a reliable source for advice, direction, and responsive leadership to changing community needs.
Our Objectives
- Strengthen and support member agencies through meaningful connections to each other;
- Ensure timely access to relevant information and opportunities for knowledge exchange;
- Increase value to member agencies through support and education activities;
- Develop and support new entrepreneurial initiatives for members;
- Act as a voice for Family Service agencies with policy makers, funders and other stakeholders;
- Advocate with funders for resources;
- Broaden the membership base and expand relationships to strengthen our voice; and
- Foster growth of new initiatives.
Our Objectives
Family Service Ontario strives to:
- Strengthen and support member agencies through meaningful connections to each other;
- Ensure timely access to relevant information and opportunities for knowledge exchange;
- Increase value to member agencies through support and education activities;
- Develop and support new entrepreneurial initiatives for members;
- Act as a voice for Family Service agencies with policy makers, funders and other stakeholders;
- Advocate with funders for resources;
- Broaden the membership base and expand relationships to strengthen our voice; and
- Foster growth of new initiatives.
Our Board
Family Service Ontario’s Board of Directors is a diverse group of professionals who serve voluntarily. The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of six (6) and not more than ten (10) Directors. All Board members are either an active Executive Director of a member agency, or an active or past Board member of a member agency.
Get Involved
The Board welcomes new members who are elected by the voting membership at the Annual General Meeting for a term of three (3) years. Directors are eligible to serve two (2) consecutive terms. If you know of anyone who meets the criteria for membership or are interested in becoming a Director yourself, contact us.
A Strong Voice
The Board of Directors is accountable to internal and external stakeholders, and it’s primary responsibilities include:
- Meeting its responsibilities under the Ontario Corporations Act and other legislation that governs Family Service Ontario;
- Transacting the business on behalf of the Corporation
- Providing strategic guidance to the organization, ensuring that the vision, mission, values and strategic plans are current and respond to the needs of our member agencies;
- Ensuring accountability for resources and results;
- Providing oversight of enterprise-wide risk management;
- Provides direction and strategic planning to the Executive Director through the development year-end statements; and to
- Provide a voice, build capacity and add value to FSO member agencies.