Reena

01/27/2026

Today, on International Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of the millions murdered during the Holocaust and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion and human rights for all.

January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and is recognized globally as a day to remember victims and survivors while confronting hatred and intolerance.

Recent films that bring forward previously overlooked stories — including the persecution of people with disabilities under the N**i regime — remind us that discrimination and dehumanization have devastating consequences when left unchecked. https://buff.ly/103QU4r

At , our mission is to promote dignity, independence, and meaningful inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. We reflect on this day with deep respect for the lives lost and a renewed commitment to supporting and advocating for individuals with diverse abilities — ensuring that every life is valued, every voice is heard, and the lessons of history guide us toward a more compassionate and just future.

01/21/2026

We were honoured to welcome Ontario Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa and MPP Michelle Cooper to the Frankfort Family Reena Residence — the future home of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Reena continues to lead by identifying solutions and advancing innovative housing models. We thank the provincial government for its confidence in our work and for funding initiatives that enable dignified, independent living.

Bryan Keshen Gary Gladstone Sheila Hochman-Miller

01/19/2026

This article reflects something we see often at Reena. As people with live longer, siblings are more and more likely to find themselves stepping into caregiving roles — sometimes suddenly, and often without enough support. These moments can feel heavy and uncertain for families. We work closely with individuals and their families to plan ahead, build connections, and create lives filled with dignity, choice and belonging. Stories like these remind us how important it is that families don’t have to face these transitions alone. The Toronto Star

Siblings are the second-longest care providers for people with disabilities after parents, however, they are often ineligible for many caregiving benefits, tax credits and supports typically accessed by parents.

01/16/2026

This morning, Reena's Lead of Stakeholder Relations, Gary Gladstone presented at Ontario’s Pre-Budget Consultation, urging the Province to make bold, necessary investments in supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities and complex needs.
We called for all provincially funded to meet Fire Code requirements, so people with higher support needs can live safely in the community, not in institutions.
There are 53,000 people in Ontario waiting for services. Too many are stuck in hospitals, shelters, or long-term care: places never meant to be home.
Reena is ready to build, partner, and deliver. Thank you to the Province of for listening, for supporting, and for walking alongside us.

, , Peter Bethlenfalvy

01/14/2026

Skating into the New Year Together

On Friday, 2 January 2026, Reena's Outreach Program, in partnership with the Channels North Day Program, welcomed the new year with a meaningful and joyful skating day at the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena. Participants, families, and community partners came together for a fun outing in a fully accessible and welcoming space.
For many participants, this was their first time stepping onto the ice. With patience, kindness, and steady support from staff, families, and peers, participants tried something new and discovered what they were capable of. Small moments quickly became big achievements. Confidence grew with every glide, and pride shone through in smiles, laughter, and tears of joy from both participants and their loved ones.
Beyond the rink, the arena offered a warm and comfortable place to gather. Families and participants spent time together in the lounge overlooking the ice, enjoying hot chocolate, food, and simple activities. It was a space to rest, connect, and celebrate each other. Conversations flowed easily, bonds were strengthened, and everyone felt a true sense of belonging.
Participants cheered one another on, families connected with staff and with each other, and memories were created that will be cherished long after the skates were returned. The event highlighted not only the importance of movement and recreation but also the power of inclusion and access for all.
We are deeply thankful to the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena https://honeybarryarena.com for their generosity and commitment to accessibility. Their support helped create a space where barriers were removed, confidence was built, and everyone felt safe and welcomed. /

01/08/2026

A book. A moment. A lifelong connection.

Risa’s journey at Reena began with curiosity and evolved into 25 years of shared stories, laughter, and belonging.

Her story is a beautiful reminder of how small acts can make a lasting impact.

Read Risa’s story and be inspired.
https://reena.org/year-of-impact/

Now, share your story with us
https://reena.org/share-with-us/

01/06/2026

At Reena, we know isn’t just a clinical term, it’s something that touches lives, changes relationships, and deserves our full attention and heart.

Every January in Canada, ’s Awareness Month reminds us that stigma still holds too many people back from understanding, from connecting, and from living their best lives with dementia. Awareness matters because when we talk openly about dementia, we strip away the fear and replace it with curiosity, respect, and support.
Alzheimer Society of Canada
But here’s the thing: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who experience dementia are often invisible in that conversation. That’s why Reena has been stepping up: not just to participate, but to lead. Through our Dementia Strategy Project with the NTG-Canadian Consortium, we’re adapting guidance, sharing learnings from lived experience, and making sure people with developmental disabilities, their families, and supporters are seen, heard, and supported. https://reena.org/initiatives/dementia-strategy-project/

Let’s be honest: stigma doesn’t disappear with a poster or a hashtag alone. It fades when we listen — really listen — when we learn, and when we act together. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and every month, let’s make space for the full spectrum of dementia stories, especially those too often overlooked. After all, everyone deserves dignity, understanding, and a sense of community.

As recognized in Canada’s National Dementia Strategy, the primary objective of this ground-breaking project is to update and adapt existing guidance developed by the National Task Group (NTG-US) on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, utilizing a Canadian perspective.

12/31/2025

May this year offer more good days than hard ones, more support than stress, and more moments that go exactly as planned.
As a Jewish organization rooted in values that guide everything we do: Care, Leadership, Empowerment, Accessibility and Respect, is honoured to support, advocate, and celebrate with you.

Wishing you a year filled with care, connection, and moments that make you think, “Okay… this is a good one.”
Happy New Year!

12/29/2025

“I Can. I Will. I Do.”

Give myself and my family the relief of respite.

For Kyle, finding respite helped him to find his way to a life of independence. While his future home at the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence was being built, Kyle began spending weekends at the Sandy Keshen Reena Residence through respite.

Those weekends at respite gave Kyle a sense of independence in a safe and supportive environment. He learned how to fall asleep somewhere new, follow a routine that wasn’t centered around his family, and make small choices on his own.

When the call finally came asking if Kyle wanted to move into his own apartment, it wasn’t a leap into the unknown. He already knew what it felt like to be independent, and he now had the confidence to succeed.

Today, Kyle lives in a one-bedroom apartment within a community. He wakes up to his own alarm, manages his daily routines, and greets neighbours by name. He has friends. He has pride. He has purpose.

For his mother, Risa, respite brought reassurance. It showed her that Kyle was capable, adaptable, and comfortable being away from home: “Respite didn’t just prepare Kyle for independent living. It prepared our entire family,” she says.

Respite built a bridge to seeing — and believing — what is possible.

➡️ Give the gift of respite today to help support individuals and families in need: https://buff.ly/hXrm75v

Donations made by December 31st will receive a 2025 charitable donation receipt.

12/24/2025

Season's Greetings from Reena

12/23/2025

As Reena says goodbye to the year behind us—menorah lights dimming, holidays winding down—we’re filled with gratitude.

Thank you for sharing your stories, your trust, and your journey with us.

From supportive homes to expanded mental health and senior programs, everything we do is rooted in care—for those we serve and for each other.

Reena Ready 2030 is our next bold step.
Read our 2024–2025 Annual Report and see where we’re headed: https://reena.org/about/annual-reports/2024-2025-annual-report/

12/23/2025

Matthew’s dream job became his real job.

Because someone saw his potential, Matthew now has purpose, pride, and meaningful work. With your support, more individuals can follow the same path.

👉 Give the gift of meaningful employment. https://buff.ly/LY0fIwU