22 A brief history of the local CAS
Among other responsibilities, the newly formed Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions helps to keep kids safe and healthy.
New name, new identity for county’s CAS Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions unveiled Continued from page 5 was chosen to embrace the work of both child welfare and children’s mental health, as the agency provides both services. “So many important factors were considered,” explained Carmichael. “Like the colours with the purple symbolizing abuse prevention, green is for children’s mental health and blue for the lakes and rivers that geographically tie the regions together. “And, as a bilingual agency, I am so proud that our new name, Connexions, spelled with an ‘X’, reflects our diversity.”
SMFC provides services to the community out of nine locations and covers more than 8,800 kilometres over the regions of Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. The head office is in Barrie (60 Bell Farm Road, Unit 7) with additional branch offices in Orillia, Midland, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Alliston, Bracebridge, Bradford and Collingwood. A new website for the combined group will be launched next month and can be accessed at www. familyconnexions.ca. To contact the agency by phone call 705726-6587 or 1-800-461-4236.
The Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society has been serving the community since 1894. In February 1894, a Children’s Aid Society was formed in Barrie, followed by the formation of one in Orillia in June of 1894, Collingwood (May 1897) and Midland (August 1907). These operated primarily as small volunteer committees who met monthly or as required and members would be delegated to investigate concerns about children. Their work and efforts spread throughout the county and the need for co-ordination led to the granting of a Charter on Nov. 26, 1913 for The Children’s Aid Societies of Simcoe County. The first shelter was opened in 1914 and its matron became the first full-time employee of the Simcoe County CAS. The placement of county children in a shelter in Barrie continued from 1914 until June 1944 when the use of subsidized receiving homes and foster homes throughout the region became the practice. The return to decentralization and the formation of branch offices occurred during the 1940’s with Midland forming the first branch office in May 1941 followed by Orillia in May of 1946. This organization provided more direct service at the local community level and the decision to eventually close these offices was questioned. This did, however, occur during an eight-year period and by 1966 the Society was again being operated from a central office in the old Court House in Barrie. The office relocated to the County Administration Centre in Midhurst in November of 1973. The process to decentralize was instituted in 1985, as the merits of decentralized services to the children of the county appeared to outweigh those of centralized service. In October of 1990, the head office relocated from Midhurst to 80 Bell Farm Road in Barrie and with significant increase of staff and demand for more space, the head office moved to its current location at 60 Bell Farm Road.
– CAS Board of Directors 2015/16 –
Susan Carmichael, executive director of the newly formed Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, says the amalgamation unites our histories and culture.
Anne Burgess, communication manager, says that harmonizing the services of Muskoka and Simcoe County is a good move for an agency that has an ever increasing need.
Executive Members Board President Tracy Fleischmann First Vice President Bonnie Greer Second Vice President Dave MacPherson Secretary Mary Jean Watson Treasurer Lloyd Ferguson Members at Large Jane Kovarikova, Jennifer Costello
Elected Members Tracy Cleland Steve Clement Linda Collins Marlene Ham Patrick King Shannon Landry Andrew Lowe Paul Michaelis Heather Ummels Rick Williams Executive Director Susan Carmichael