Reena

10/27/2026

New beginnings remind us of the importance of the connections we make along the way.

We were delighted to welcome the Consul General of Israel, Mr. Zysblat, to Reena and the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence. Israel in Toronto

We are truly grateful for the friendship and ongoing support of the Consulate General of Israel and our shared commitment to the Jewish values of chesed (kindness), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and respect for the dignity of every person.

Rooted in Jewish values and open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, Reena is dedicated to building a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and included. Because belonging is something we all deserve.

As Mr. Zysblat begins his next chapter, we wish him every success, happiness, and fulfillment in his new role.

Todah Rabah for your friendship and support. May this new beginning bring wonderful opportunities!
Bryan Keshen Gary Gladstone

10/27/2026

Three Boards. One Shared Mission. People First.

At Reena, strong leadership begins with a shared commitment to the people we support.

At our recent annual Board Retreat, members of Reena’s three Boards came together for a day of learning, reflection, and collaboration, strengthening the connections that help guide our organization forward.

Through engaging discussions and learning sessions, Board members explored responsible governance, financial stewardship, fundraising, advocacy, and the changing landscape of developmental services. Together, they considered how Reena can continue to grow, adapt, and respond to emerging challenges while remaining true to our mission.

But behind every strategy, financial decision, and governance discussion are the people we support. Their voices, choices, aspirations, and quality of life are what give our work meaning and direction.

To our dedicated Board members, thank you for generously sharing your time, experience, insight, and passion. Your volunteer leadership helps strengthen Reena today and build a more inclusive future for tomorrow.

10/15/2026

Better primary care starts with inclusion.

At the AFHTO 2026 Conference, taking place October 15–16, Reena is proud to be part of an important conversation about making primary more , inclusive and coordinated for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Ziv Har-Gil, Reena’s Health Strategy and Partnerships Lead, is participating as a co-author of the poster “From Fragmentation to Connection: Building HELPful Health Homes and Neighbourhoods for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” Joining her is Raquelle Forrester, Interim Director, Reena Thornhill Community Health Centre.
The message is clear: Access to a family physician is essential, but access alone is not enough. People with IDD need healthcare teams that understand their unique needs, provide appropriate supports and work together across health and developmental services.
At Reena, we're putting this vision into practice through the Thornhill Community Health Centre, bringing together accessible, sensory-friendly healthcare, specialized expertise, care coordination and caregiver support.
We are proud to collaborate with Maple Family Health Team/Ongwanada, Surrey Place, Safehaven and CAMH in advancing approaches that can help build a more connected and equitable healthcare system.
Because everyone deserves healthcare that understands their needs, respects their dignity and supports their wellbeing.
Learn more about the conference: https://www.afhto.ca/conference/
Ziv Har-Gil Hava Raquelle Forrester Surrey Place Safehaven Maple Family Health Care CAMH

10/15/2026

"To Give our Opinion" and "Support Our Needs"

This week we held a municipal election readiness session to ensure that the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that Reena supports are engaged and can meaningfully participate in the democratic process. Thank you to United Way Greater Toronto for ensuring that we could put this together.

10/09/2026

World Mental Health Day | October 10

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, and Reena joins the global community in recognizing the importance of mental health, dignity, and inclusion.

At Reena, we believe mental health support is more than care. It's about connection, independence, and feeling valued. https://buff.ly/5jzMWoi

Through Reena's mental health services, 16 adults living with mental health challenges have access to supportive housing, with their own apartments, staff support, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

Programs like Club Simcha and the Bagel Club bring people together through conversation, friendship, and shared experiences, reminding us that even the simplest moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.

As the need for affordable supportive housing grows, so does our commitment to creating communities where everyone feels safe, supported, and included.

On World Mental Health Day, let's listen, connect, and build a future where everyone belongs.

10/07/2026

Three years ago, on October 7, 2023, lives were changed forever.

Today, Reena reflects on and remembers the impact on Israelis, particularly our Israeli Partners, including Israel Elwyn, Beit Issie Shapira, ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, El Manara, and others. Those who experienced loss within their own communities while continuing to protect lives, maintain essential services, and rebuild supports for all people with disabilities and their families. Their commitment to the people who depend on them, even during unimaginable circumstances, reflects the strength and compassion of the disability community.

We remember those who were killed, injured, taken hostage, displaced, and forever affected by the attacks in Israel and all those who continue to carry the grief and trauma of that day.

Closer to home, we are deeply grateful to the many leaders and organizations within Canada’s disability community who reached out to us and our Israeli colleagues and partners with friendship, moral support, and assistance. These acts of solidarity have reminded us that our community extends far beyond borders.

May the memories of those who were lost be a blessing. May those living with loss and trauma find strength and comfort. And may we continue to choose the path of compassion, dignity, and care for one another.

09/30/2026

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we pause to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour Survivors, and recognize the families and communities who continue to carry their stories.

At Reena, we believe deeply in the dignity and inherent worth of every person. Today reminds us that those values ask something of all of us: to listen, to learn, to acknowledge the truth, and to carry that understanding forward in how we build more respectful and inclusive communities.

Reconciliation is not the work of one day. It is an ongoing responsibility—one rooted in truth, learning and meaningful action.

We encourage our community to learn from Indigenous voices and to join the national commemoration, Remembering the Children, on September 30.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/wXyUQMi

Every Child Matters

09/29/2026