Reena

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

09/29/2026

Proud to announce the opening of the Frankfort Family Reena Residence, backed by a $44M federal investment.

The 111 supportive homes will provide people with disabilities and mental health needs with a safe place to call home.

This is what building our community looks like 🍁

09/28/2026

Welcome Home.

Today, we are proud to officially open the Frankfort Family Reena Residence, Toronto’s first Intentional Community Residence and a place that 168 people with diverse needs will call home.

At 20 storeys and 111 units, this new community was designed around a simple belief: everyone deserves a safe, affordable and accessible place to call home, and the opportunity to belong.

For the people moving in, this is about so much more than a building.

It’s a front door of their own.
A place to build friendships..
A place to feel safe, supported and connected to the community.
A place to call home. ❤️

As we celebrate Sukkot, we are reminded of the importance of shelter and how deeply we all value the security of a permanent home.

“For the 168 people moving into this residence, that home means independence, security, choice and belonging.” — Bryan Keshen, CEO, Reena

The Frankfort Family Reena Residence represents what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.

We are deeply grateful to the Frankfort Family, whose leadership and generosity helped make this vision possible; to the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario and City of Toronto for their significant support; to our generous donor community through Reena Foundation; and to our community and social service partners, neighbours, Board and staff.

Most of all, to our new residents: welcome home.

May this be a place filled with friendship, independence, laughter, possibility and belonging for many years to come.