Come Celebrate With Us
Reena celebrates 50 years of incredible work made possible by people like you who have contributed time and energy to a worthy cause. Join one, or several, of our events and be a part of this exciting milestone.
Home
Safe, independent and community based housing options.
Helping support competitive employment.
Supporting social inclusion through play and prayer.
Providing programs and services to 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities.
Since 1973, Reena has been at the forefront of inclusion, empowering those with diverse abilities, within a framework of Jewish culture and values.
With support from people like you, we offer life-changing day programs, mental health support, employment support, respite care, residential services, and beyond.
As we head into our next 50 years Reena is focused on ensuring that it remains a values-based, person-centred, and accountable organization.
At the core of these strategic directions are our ongoing commitment to the individuals we serve and their families, our valued staff, volunteers, donors, funders, partners, and the broader community. Our community counts on us to strive to meet the ever-expanding need for supports and services for individuals with diverse abilities. We are committed to continuing to be a leader and trusted partner in our community and in the broader sector.
To achieve our strategic directions, our work will be supported by three guiding principles: Inclusion, a collaborative approach and strong communications and knowledge mobilization. Our goal is to keep the spirit of social, cultural and community inclusion while continuing to diversify our networks and leverage partnerships.
50 years of Outstanding People
Reena’s 50-year history is filled with people who worked tirelessly to promote dignity, personal growth, independence, and community inclusion within a Jewish framework for individuals with diverse abilities.
The many thousands of people who have contributed over the years all make up the many Faces of Reena.
How you can help drive change
Donate
Your support helps us fund transformational housing projects and vital programs including Day, Respite and Employment.
See Ways to Donate
Volunteer
We want to attract caring people to the Reena organization to continue to raise the bar for the services that we provide.
Join Our Team
Share
From the past to the future, we want to share our stories and let everyone know the life-changing impact of the work that Reena has done through our programs.
Share Our StoriesMy Dad was the director of camp Reena – I was 7 so it would have been 1974 or 75. Our family spent the summer there and I can still remember how meaningful it was. Even as a small child, I understood the need that camp Reena filled.
— Andrea Delman
In September of 1991, Reena provided me with my initial opportunity to work with people from the developmental delay community. I thoroughly enjoyed the rapport that I developed with the Reena clientele as I realized no matter what diagnosis one had, everyone was an individual. Within my decade tenure at Reena, I was able to support people within both the Dufflaw and Battle Centre day program settings as well as a residential site. I also was a senior support worker and a program supervisor before my duration at Reena came to a close. My Reena experience launched my career in social services as I supported individuals with a dual diagnosis and a mental health challenge I have now been doing such rewarding work for thirty-two years and my portfolio included agencies, such as Muki Baum and Cota. I even continued volunteering and freelancing with certain Reena clients for a couple of decades after I was an employee at Reena. This permitted me even to establish a substantial relationship with a Reena’s client’s family member who also at one time served on Reena’s Board. I have always found Reena’s staff training program to be solid, especially regarding medication training. Overall, I really missed the clients I met and supported during my time at Reena and I still think about many of them on a weekly basis. These individuals made me smile and laugh more times than I can count and they helped me realize that I entered this field to not judge people and to help people have a better quality of life and to help offer them a client-centred type of service.
— Keith Schloskey
CONGRATULATIONS REENA ON YOUR 50 YEARS OF SUPPORTING AND SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, AND THANK YOU! Since 2008, I have had the privilege of serving Reena in many capacities, but what I have done for Reena does not in any way compare with what Reena has done for our family. Our much-loved nephew and cousin have found a safe and caring home in a lovely Reena residence. There is no way that our family can ever thank Reena enough for their faithful support of individuals with special needs.
— Laurine Schmelzle
Congratulations and endless thanks to Reena on this, their 50 th anniversary for establishing and continuing to provide safe, supportive and inclusive spaces facilities and staff to enrich the lives of their clients. As Carolynn Morrison has reflected, Reena is a very special place fo Lee and his family, and for each and every one of those it supports. Happy anniversary Reena!
— Peter-Paul Duvernet
I have worked in Special Services my entire career. It has been a pleasure to know LM and his family. Reena has provided an amazing home for Lee. I commend you on your expertise in the community. Reena@50 #inclusion
— Theresa Sorichetti
Congratulations on 50 wonderful years! Reena has absolutely brought joy to or family. Our nephew lives in a safe, caring environment. The quality of care is remarkable. Reena continues to share their vision of hope to those who are often overlooked.
— Dawne & Peter-Paul Du Vernet
Congratulations on your 50th anniversary of services to the people you support. Your service is a shining example of our work in the Developmental Sector. May you be blessed with another 50 years. Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu, melekh ha’olam, ha’tov ve’ha’metiv.
— Monte Hardy
Happy 50th Anniversary to Reena and a special thank you to all of you who actually make up and deliver the programs and services to all the individuals. You make Reena the successful and well-known institution it is today! Erin was so happy about her 50th-anniversary t-shirt, especially after we watched Bryan wearing it on TV last night. We wish you all the best for a great celebration today and please send our regards to the entire team location.
— The Hopkins-Cary Family
Congratulations to Reena on 50 years of exceptional service and support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. My association with Reena spans virtually that entire time. I first met Sandy Keshen in 1973 when she was involved with a program called STEPS in North York and I was running a program for children with learning disabilities in York Region. When Reena was first getting off the ground, I was invited to join the new Board of Directors as a “professional advisor.” Who could have foreseen the amazing growth in this organization over the next 50 years? May the next 50 years be just as amazing!
— Craig Shields