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 Minis

try 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.

09/03/2026

Yesterday, the GReena Advisory Council had the opportunity to visit several Reena Community Farm sites and see firsthand how this growing initiative is making a difference in the lives of the individuals we support.
With Reena Board members, staff, individuals supported by Reena and volunteers at the table, the GReena Advisory Council brings together diverse perspectives and experiences. Together, members help shape a program where everyone has a voice, opportunities to contribute, and a meaningful role in building a more inclusive community.
Through the Reena Community Farm, individuals with diverse abilities can build skills, access equitable employment opportunities, strengthen self-sufficiency, and develop deeper connections within their communities.

And while GReena grows fresh food, what we’re really growing is something even more important: confidence, belonging and opportunity.

Reena

Gary Gladstone

09/01/2026

The signs are up, and work is underway!

The Reena Thornhill Community Health Centre at Promenade Mall is one step closer to opening its doors in early 2027.

This new community health centre will offer accessible, team-based primary care, mental health services, care coordination, and other health and social supports. It will serve the broader community while placing special emphasis on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, seniors, and others who face barriers to consistent healthcare.

If you have a valid OHIP card and do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, visit our website to learn about eligibility and join the waitlist:

www.reena.org/thornhill-chc

We’re excited to see this much-needed community resource taking shape!

08/31/2026

Everyone deserves to have a successful career.
At Reena, our Employment Program supports individuals with developmental disabilities in building meaningful careers, gaining confidence, and achieving greater independence. Gabi's success story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity.

Are you looking for support in finding meaningful employment? Our team is here to help you explore your goals, develop job skills, and connect with inclusive employers.

📩 Applications are now open. Learn more and apply today by emailing [email protected].

08/27/2026

We’ve been shortlisted for a Zero Project Award!

We’re incredibly proud to share that Reena’s Intentional Community Model has been shortlisted for this international recognition of innovative solutions advancing inclusion for people with disabilities.

It’s a wonderful moment for Reena — and an even bigger opportunity to shine a light on an idea we believe can change lives.

Our Intentional Community Model starts with a simple belief: people with developmental disabilities deserve more than housing. They deserve a home, choice, independence and a community where they belong.

That’s why the model brings together our Three Abilities:

🏠 Affordability — deeply affordable housing designed to remain within reach for people with limited incomes.

♿ Accessibility — homes that go beyond minimum accessibility requirements and are designed around the people who live there.

🤝 Supportability — flexible, individualized supports that can adapt as a person’s needs change throughout their life.

The need is significant: more than 26,000 adults in Ontario are waiting for developmental services and supportive housing. And approximately 90% of the people Reena supports rely on ODSP as their primary source of income.

What began as a Reena approach is also growing into something much bigger. Today, the Intentional Community Consortium connects more than 80 organizations across Canada, sharing knowledge and working together to advance affordable, accessible and supportive housing.

So yes, we’re celebrating this shortlist!

But we’re also celebrating what it represents: the possibility of more people having a key of their own, a home of their own and neighbours who know their name.

Because the goal was never simply to build housing.

It was to build a community.

Intentional Community Consortium

08/24/2026

Employment changes lives and this is what success looks like.

Through Reena's Employment Program, individuals with diverse abilities receive personalized support, job readiness training, and assistance finding meaningful employment in their communities.
Today, we're proud to share the story of Rose, a participant who turned opportunity into achievement and found a job that fosters independence, confidence, and growth.
If you or someone you know is looking for employment support, we're here to help.

📩 Interested in joining the program? Email [email protected] to learn more.

08/21/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and MPP Laura Smith for investing in inclusion and in the people we support at Reena. 💙

Thanks to a generous $200,000 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we have modernized 10 program rooms and revitalized the Snoezelen Room at Reena’s Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre.

These renovations have transformed more than 9,150 square feet into brighter, more accessible and welcoming spaces where people with diverse abilities can learn, connect, build skills and participate more fully in community life.

For the more than 1,000 individuals Reena supports each year, investments like this are about much more than renovating rooms. They help create spaces where people can feel comfortable, supported and included—and where everyone has the opportunity to grow and belong.

Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and MPP Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, for helping us build a more inclusive community, one space at a time.

Bryan Keshen Gary Gladstone Chris Ainsworth Mario Ferri .g.racco

08/18/2026

We’re inviting passionate healthcare professionals to be part of our new health centre!

Reena’s Thornhill Community Health Centre, opening January 2027 at Promenade Mall, is an innovative primary care hub focused on expanding access for individuals and families who experience barriers to care, including people with developmental disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, seniors, caregivers, and those without a family doctor.

We’re hiring:
🔹 Primary Care Physician
🔹Nurse Practitioner (NP)

If you’re ready to make a difference and help redefine inclusive healthcare, we’d love to connect. Apply today: https://buff.ly/SPAgkZU

08/14/2026

Today, we were delighted to welcome Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services at the City of Vaughan, to the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence. City of Vaughan

For the people who live here, this is more than a residence. It is home — a place to make choices, build friendships, participate in community life and live with greater independence.

As a proud member of the Vaughan community, Reena welcomes opportunities to open our doors and share what inclusion can look like in everyday life. Visits like this offer a chance to experience firsthand how our intentional community model brings people with diverse abilities, neighbours, families and supports together to create a community where everyone has a place.

Thank you, Gus, for spending time with us, meeting members of our community and experiencing the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence for yourself.

Reena Gary Gladstone

Address

927 Clark Avenue West
Thornhill, ON
L4J8G6

Website

http://www.reena.org/

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