Today, as we wrap up our volunteer spotlight series in celebration of National Volunteer Week, we are thrilled to spotlight Lauren Lé Blanc, one of our dedicated Board Members at York Region CAS.
What inspired you to start volunteering with York Region CAS?
As a former crown ward of the Toronto Children’s Aid Society, I have a deep, personal connection to the child welfare system. I understand the impact it can have — both positively and negatively — which is why I’ve dedicated my career to helping transform it. I’m extremely passionate about the work I do because I know firsthand the importance of creating meaningful, lasting change for children, youth, and families. What drew me to volunteer with York Region CAS was the organization’s honest acknowledgment of its past challenges and its commitment to real, systemic change through its Operational Work Plan. Their willingness to address issues like racism, harassment, and inequity, and to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in service delivery and governance truly resonated with me. Combined with the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services’ five pillars for redesigning child welfare, I saw a shared vision — one that aligns with my own advocacy and lived experience. Volunteering here is more than just a role; it’s a passion that supports generational community success. It comes naturally to me, and I love what I do!
Can you share one memorable moment or experience you’ve had while volunteering?
A moment that really stood out to me was during a meeting with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Accessibility (IDEAA) Committee. We were engaging in deep, honest dialogue around how policy and culture can either reinforce harm or create healing. What made it memorable wasn’t just the content but the authenticity of the space — it reflected York Region CAS’s commitment to its Operational Work Plan and its efforts to rebuild trust and accountability. For someone who has both lived through the child welfare system and now serves within it, those moments of authentic, purpose-driven collaboration are incredibly powerful. Especially when the York Region CAS staff is actively working to make these changes. Without their commitment, it would be impossible.
How has volunteering impacted your personal growth?
Volunteering with York Region CAS has been transformative. It’s allowed me to merge my professional expertise with my lived experience in a space that values both equally. It has challenged me to grow as a strategic thinker and leader while staying deeply rooted in my values of justice and equity. More than that, it’s shown me that true change — cultural, structural, and systemic — is possible when accountability, community voice, and transparency guide the work. Through this role, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations can rebuild from within and move toward a model that is not only effective but deeply human-centred.
Thank you again to everyone who helped us celebrate National Volunteer Week and to all the volunteers who make what we do possible.
