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 #healthcare more #accessible, inclusive and coordinated for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). @zivhargil MPH, PMP, 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 @RaquelleDF , ICD.D, 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, @SurreyPlaceON, @SafehavenTO, and @CAMHnews to advance approaches to 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: lnkd.in/eY7Ft8Tg Ziv Har-Gil Hava Raquelle Forrester Surrey Place Safehaven Maple Family Health Care #AFHTOSummit #InclusiveHealthcare #PrimaryCare #PrimaryCare #FamilyHealthTeams #OntarioHealthcare #PowerOfPrimaryCareSummit #DevelopmentalDisabilities #HealthEquity #ThornhillCHC #PrimaryCare #FamilyHealthTeams #OntarioHealthcare #PowerOfPrimaryCareSummit

"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 @UWGreaterTO Way, Ontario for All and Voice the Vote for ensuring that we could put this together. #inclusion #electionmatters #Ourvoices @ReenaFoundation

Congratulations and well done to @HopewellSupport A new home opens to support people with developmental disabilities guelphtoday.com/local-news/a… via @guelphtoday

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. 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. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #SupportiveHousing #CommunityInclusion

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. #October7 #Inclusion @developmentaldisabilities #dignity #communitysolidarity

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: buff.ly/wXyUQMi Every Child Matters #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation

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. #Reena #FrankfortFamilyReenaResidence #ComingHome #SupportiveHousing #AffordableHousing #Accessibility #Inclusion #Community #Belonging #Toronto

Chag Sukkot Sameach from Reena. Sukkot is a time of joy, gratitude and gathering. As we sit together in the sukkah, we are reminded of the importance of community, hospitality and caring for one another. The temporary dwelling of the sukkah also reminds us of the importance of ensuring that everyone has a place where they feel safe, supported and included. May this Sukkot bring peace, connection and a renewed sense of gratitude to our entire community. #Sukkot #ChagSameach #Community #Inclusion #Reena

A time to pause, reflect and renew. On this sacred day of Yom Kippur, may we find space for forgiveness, compassion and hope. May the year ahead bring peace to our hearts, strength to our community and a renewed commitment to kindness, inclusion and caring for one another. G’mar Chatima Tova — may you be sealed for a good year. #YomKippur #Inclusion #Community @ReenaFoundation

May the year ahead bring good health, peace, sweetness and new possibilities to the individuals we support, their families, our staff, volunteers, partners and friends. May we continue to build a community where every person is valued, every person belongs, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet, meaningful and peaceful New Year. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!

Congratulations to @MichelleC_PC on her appointment as Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Reena is grateful for Associate Minister Cooper’s ongoing support of our community and of people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We see every day how #housing, #health, #mentalhealth and #community supports come together to help people live with dignity, independence and a true sense of belonging. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen these connections and build a more inclusive Ontario. Congratulations, Associate Minister Cooper, and thank you for your continued support of Reena

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 of diverse abilities can build skills, gain access to 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. #GReena #ReenaCommunityFarm @ReenaFoundation @GladstoneCFRE #InclusiveEmployment #Sustainability #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Reena

The signs are up, and work is underway! The Reena Thornhill #Community #Health #Centre at Promenade Mall in Thornhill 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: reena.org/thornhill-chc We’re excited to see this much-needed community resource taking shape! #Reena #PrimaryCare #InclusiveHealthcare #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Neurodiversity #Thornhill #Vaughan

Thank you to MP @MelissaLantsman for visiting Reena and touring our Community Farm! The Farm is part of GReena, Reena’s environmental sustainability initiative, creating opportunities for people with #developmental #disabilities to learn, participate and contribute while connecting with nature and their community. We would also like to thank Melissa for her support for the Canada #Summer #Jobs positions funded by the Government of Canada, which help make meaningful opportunities like these possible. Thank you for taking the time to visit, learn and see inclusion in action.

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]. #employmentprogram #supportedemployment #reena

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 #ZeroProject #IntentionalCommunities #InclusiveHousing #SupportiveHousing #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Accessibility #Belonging #ZeroCall27 #DisabilityInclusion #Innovation

Reena was pleased to participate in a #Budget2026 pre-budget consultation focused on Canadians with disabilities, chaired by the Honourable Wayne Long, MP, alongside @lesliechurch, MP for Toronto–St. Paul’s, and @docdanielle MP for University–Rosedale. Our message: Canada’s next National Housing Strategy must include a dedicated focus on housing for people with #developmental #disabilities. We also raised the need to strengthen the Disability Tax Credit and the Canada Disability Benefit. Thank you to our federal representatives and disability-sector colleagues for listening, sharing and bringing these priorities forward. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home—and the opportunity to belong in their community. #DisabilityInclusion #SupportiveHousing @ReenaFoundation @SurreyPlaceON @CNIB @RickHansenFdn @CdnCaregiving @DrSylvainRoy @CCRW

Reena’s Thornhill Community Health Centre is opening January 2027 at Promenade Mall! It 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 are looking for healthcare professionals who want to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team committed to compassionate, accessible, and person-centred care. Current openings: 🔹 Primary Care Physician 🔹 Nurse Practitioner (NP) Apply today: buff.ly/SPAgkZU