Reena

Since 1973, Reena has been providing housing, programming and services for individuals with diverse a Reena supports people from all denominations.

Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values. Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. In 1977, Reena began receiving funding from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and since that time has grown to provide support for hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy. As a faith based community agency, Reena understands the importance of supporting people on their spiritual journey. Over the years, Reena has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation and as the go-to agency for quality training. Reena offers over 30 training courses, events and seminars to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive quality care.

11/19/2025

Urgent and Overlooked: Confronting the Housing Crisis for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
https://www.yorkregion.com/news/a-failure-we-can-no-longer-ignore-people-with-developmental-disabilities-desperate-for-housing/article_d2814882-c528-543f-9de3-82504678d3ee.html

Families across Ontario are sounding the alarm: adults with developmental disabilities are facing a growing housing crisis that can no longer be ignored. With affordable, accessible, and supportive housing options in critically short supply, too many individuals are left waiting years—sometimes decades—for a safe place to call home.
The -Community-Consortium (ICC) (https://www.facebook.com/people/Intentional-Community-Consortium/61577800641357/) is working to change that by bringing together organizations dedicated to building inclusive, community-integrated housing. As a founding member, Reena plays a central role in advancing this mission. Through innovative developments such as the Sandy Keshen Community Residences and other projects, Reena continues to push for solutions that provide independence, dignity, and long-term stability for people with developmental disabilities.
But meaningful progress requires collective action. The article highlights the urgent need for government investment, cross-sector partnerships, and sustainable long-term planning. Organizations like Reena and the ICC are ready with solutions—now we need the support to scale them.
Everyone deserves a home where they can thrive. It’s time to ensure that adults with developmental disabilities are no longer left behind.
Gary Gladstone

Some people on waitlists their entire lives for inclusive, supportive housing: Community Living Central York and Reena officials say.

11/13/2025

Big shoutout to Reena's COO, Sandy Stemp, for her presentation on improving hospital discharge planning for individuals with developmental disabilities. Co-presenting with Sandy is Derian Peterson, Manager GCSN Transitional Support Services.

This was a meaningful collaboration with our friends at Lumenus Community Services, where she shared six quick tips to strengthen transitions from hospital to community.

Presenting earlier this week was Tracey Berman, Director of Operations Programs and Supports at Reena, and also conference Chair and incoming Chair for OADD.

Together, we can create smoother, more person-centred care journeys!

11/12/2025

Thank you to the generous donors, volunteers, The Magen Group, and Reena staff who made this incredible event a reality.

11/11/2025

On this Remembrance Day, Reena honours and remembers the brave individuals who have served—and continue to serve—our country in pursuit of peace, justice, and freedom.

We reflect on the sacrifices made, and we renew our commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society, where everyone belongs.

At Reena, we carry this legacy forward by advocating for dignity, independence, and community for people with developmental disabilities.

11/10/2025

Thank You to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for an Inspiring Kickoff!

Reena was proud to participate in the UJA’s Littlest Volunteer event on Sunday, November 9, 2025, marking the start of a year-long journey to nurture empathy, generosity, and community spirit in our youngest volunteers.

Through hands-on activities and shared experiences, this program helps children and families explore the power of tzedakah and volunteerism—showing that even the littlest hands can make a big difference.

At Reena’s booth, participants joined our “One-Hand Cupcake Decorating” activity—an inclusive, fun challenge that invited children to decorate cupcakes using only one hand. The experience offered a playful yet meaningful way to build empathy and understanding for people of all abilities, reflecting Reena’s mission of creating a truly inclusive community.

The day was a huge success, filled with smiles, creativity, and connection. Thank you to UJA for leading this beautiful initiative, and to all the Littlest Volunteers and their families for showing that kindness begins at any age.

11/04/2025

Join Reena’s Chief Operations Officer, Sandy Stemp, at the CCCE Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence Conference!

Most Canadians want to age and receive care at home — but too often, families and caregivers shoulder the burden of a fragmented system that hasn’t kept pace with this reality.

At the CCCE Conference, Sandy Stemp, COO of Reena joins a dynamic panel of caregivers, providers, and innovators to explore fresh ideas, promising models, and practical solutions that reimagine how care is delivered at home and in the community.

With over 35 years of experience in developmental services — including 20 in senior leadership — Sandy is a trailblazer in bridging health, aging, and developmental supports. Her work focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities as they age, and her leadership has helped shape sector-wide collaboration through initiatives like the Ontario Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities (OPADD) and the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the sector’s leading voices and advance your professional knowledge and thinking about aging, inclusion, and innovation in care.

Join Sandy’s session and be part of the conversation shaping the future of home and community care. The Azrieli Foundation
AdvantAge Ontario

10/31/2025

Building Homes, Building Hope.

Access to is more than a basic need; it’s a foundation for dignity, independence, and inclusion. For people with and other vulnerable groups, a safe and supportive home opens the door to opportunity and belonging.

Last night, community agencies and partners came together at the City of Richmond Hill Supportive Housing Collaboration (RHSHC) Open House, uniting voices, ideas, and shared purpose to find real solutions that make housing more inclusive and accessible for all. The keynote speaker was Mike Clare, President of MICAH (Markham Interchurch Committee for Affordable Housing).

is proud to be part of this collaboration, joining forces with Home on the Hill, Blue Door, Sandgate Women’s Shelter, Memory Lane Home Living, and dedicated volunteers. Together, we’re demonstrating that real change happens through collaboration.

Because when we work together, we’re not just building housing, we’re building community, connection, and hope.
Karen Cilevitz Godwin Chan .cui.908 Gary Gladstone Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA) RH Councillor Scott Thompson Home on the Hill Supportive Housing Yellow Brick House Sandgate Women's Shelter of York Region Inc. Merite Mortgage International Brokers Ltd

10/23/2025

Thank you for coming and supporting our cause. Reena Dr. Helena Jaczek

10/22/2025

Richmond Hill Supportive Housing Collaboration

Join Reena and our partners in the Richmond Hill Supportive Housing Collaboration for a special Open House — celebrating inclusion, independence, and the power of collaboration in creating supportive housing.

Wednesday, October 30, 2025
7:00 PM
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

Reena is proud to contribute to this meaningful collaboration that’s transforming lives and communities.

10/21/2025

Hey Toronto!

REENA RUMBLE is just 6 DAYS AWAY and tickets are selling FAST

Join us on OCT 27 for an unforgettable night of pro-wrestling and impact! Every single ticket helps individuals with developmental disabilities through Reena's programs.

Don't miss your chance to be part of Toronto's #1 wrestling charity event.

Buy your tickets NOW at WWW.REENARUMBLE.CA

10/20/2025

💉 COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinic at the Bernard Betel Centre! 💉

Stay healthy this season! Get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines right here at the Bernard Betel Centre, in partnership with Reena and Silver Fox Pharmacy. Please bring your health card or ID to your appointment.

▶️ Friday, October 24 – Priority for individuals aged 65+
▶️ Friday, November 14 – Open to everyone
▶️ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
▶️ Free for all

Registration required:
✅ Book online: fluclinicyorkregion.simplybook.me/v2
✅ Call Charm at 416-225-2112 ext. 105 (English language)
✅ Call Larisa at 416-225-2112 ext. 119 (Russian language)

Spaces are limited! Book today! Let’s protect ourselves and our community this fall! 🍂💪

Address

927 Clark Avenue West
Thornhill, ON
L4J8G6

Website

http://www.reena.org/

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Our Story

Reena is a non-profit organization which promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values. Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. In 1977, Reena began receiving funding from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and since that time has grown to provide support for hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy. Reena supports people from all denominations. As a faith based community agency, Reena understands the importance of supporting people on their spiritual journey. Over the years, Reena has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation and as the go-to agency for quality training. Reena offers over 30 training courses, events and seminars to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive quality care.