Fall 2014 Kolreena

Kolreena
Towards a Better Future — integrating people with
developmental disabilities into the community
Volume 34
Contents
REENA
Cover
Annual General Meeting, June 26, 2014
Tribute Communities’ Swinging for Reena
2
Report of the Chair of the Reena Board
3
Report of the President
4-5 Annual General Meeting continued
In Loving memory of Lorne Gelman
6
Reena Welcomes New Board Members 2014-2015
Observations made on my recent travels
7
Award Presentations
In the Community
8
Holocaust Education Week
9
The High Holidays
Get well wishes to Jack Papoff
10 New Horizons Launch
The Home Depot Canada Supports Reena
11 Summer Employment Transitions Program
12 Core Competencies a Personal Perspective
13 Summer Carnival Honours Sandy Keshen
Sizzlin’ Summer Fun
Reena’s History - First half of
the 4th Decade 2002-2008
Pages 14-52
REENA FOUNDATION
53 Report of the Chair of the Reena Board
L’shanah tovah
54 Report of the President
Help Reena Become Greener
55 The Reena Foundation’s Annual General Meeting
56 September 2014 Endowment Fund List
57 Alex Eisen Society
Reena Foundation’s Monthly Donor List
58 President’s Circle of Donors
59 Reena Has Needs
Swinging for Reena funds New Wheelchair
Accessible Van
60 Tribute Communities’ Swinging for Reena
a Smashing Success (cont’d from cover)
Matching Gift Program
61 Ride for Reena has a Great 1st Year!
62 A Gorgeous Day for a Round of Golf for Reena
Race Night for Reena a Galloping Success
63 Scotiabank Charity Challenge
Financial Planning Strategies Information Evening
Tickets and Tables are Now One Sale for Reena’s
Annual VIP Event
64 Take out your calendar
Number 3
Fall 2014
Annual General Meeting, June 26, 2014
by: Minnie Ross, Manager, Communications
T
he atrium at the Toby
and Henry Battle
Developmental
Centre was filled with
excitement as everyone
waited for Avi Slutsky to
lead the singing of HaTikvah
and O Canada which began
the Annual General Meeting
on June 26th 2014. Avi’s
voice rang out loud and clear
above those of everyone
present including Reena
Avi Slutsky leads the singing of HaTikvah.
family members, staff,
volunteers, donors and individuals Reena supports.
Before the speeches and presentations were made, Reena’s Channels
Program proudly played a music video they had produced to highlight the
singing and dancing talents of the program participants. It was a great
achievement and set a very high tone for the meeting.
continued on page 4
Reena Foundation
Tribute Communities’ Swinging for Reena
a Smashing Success
I
t was a beautiful day of
golf for the 36 foursomes
at Wooden Sticks Golf
Club. On July 15, 2014, Tribute
Communities hosted this
exceptional Tournament to
benefit Reena’s Respite and
Enrichment programs. The
successful event was sold out
once again, and raised $120,000
Rachel Libfeld, Lalita Panday, Steven Libfeld and Gary
for Reena Foundation.
Sim present the ‘Big Cheque’ for $120,000.
Four years ago, Steven
Libfeld decided to honour his sister by hosting a golf tournament to raise funds
for Reena Foundation. His sister, Rachel, participates in numerous programs at
Reena. To date this annual event has raised nearly $400,000! Swinging for Reena
continued on page 60
Kolreena
Report of the Chair
of the Reena Board
Helen Vale
R
eena was delighted to learn
that the new minister of
Community and Social
Services is the Honourable Dr.
Helena Jaczek, who is no stranger to
Reena. We had the pleasure of
meeting Dr. Jaczek and speaking to
her about the programs at Reena, of
which we are so proud.
In her first message as Minister of
MCSS, Dr. Jaczek remarked that
when the Premier talks about
government being a force for good, it
has always been the work done by
the Ministry of Community and
Social Services that she thinks of first.
“In particular, I think about the work
to support adults with a
2 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
New Passport guidelines on the way
developmental disability, and their
In September, the Ministry of
families. I look forward with your help
Community and Social Services will be
and guidance, to being a part of that
releasing new guidelines for the
work through our continued
Passport Program. The Ministry has
transformation of developmental
consulted with the developmental
services.” She continued, “I am happy
services sector and received the
to tell you that our 2014 Ontario
message that everyone would
Budget, introduced in July, reaffirms
welcome clearer Passport guidelines to
our government’s commitment to the
which specific supports they can get
largest-ever funding increase for
with their Passport
developmental
funding, and those
services in
supports which are
Ontario. The
ineligible for
Budget will allow
Passport. The new
Ontario to invest
guidelines will be in
$810 million over
effect October, 1,
the next three
2014.
years in services
Through Passport,
and supports for
families and
people with
individuals can
developmental
choose to either
disabilities.
Helen Vale presents flowers to Sandy and
receive money
This investment Maxine at the Annual General Meeting.
directly so they can
will:
• Expand direct funding to serve 21,000 purchase their own services and
more individuals and families, and help supports, and/or get services and
supports through community-based
eliminate the existing waitlists for
special Services at Home (SSAH) in two agencies. People can use Passport
funding to support their personal
years and Passport in four years.
• Provide support for urgent residential development and involvement in the
community.
needs for approximately 1,400 people
Again, we shall let you know more
• Support young adults as they
about the new guidelines in the
navigate key life transitions such as
coming months, here in the pages of
going to school or getting a job
Kolreena. Reena looks forward to
• Promote community living
working closely with Minister Jaczek
partnerships through expanded Host
to build an inclusive Ontario, where
Family and Supported Independent
people with developmental disabilities
Living programs
are full and valued members of our
• Support agencies and front-line
communities.
workers in the community services
I take this opportunity to wish all
sector, and
our friends in the community warmest
• Promote innovation and costwishes for the coming New Year. May
efficiency so that savings can be reyou, and your families, be blessed with
invested into improving services.
The Ministry is finalizing those details good health, peace and happiness.
now, and we shall share the specifics
with you in the next issue of Kolreena.
Kolreena
Report of the
President
Bryan Keshen
Change / Opportunities / Challenges
A
s we enter the Jewish New
Year, our tradition provides
us with an opportunity for
introspection and self-criticism. This
is not an easy process. It involves
being aware of ourselves sufficiently
enough, to be able to reflect on the
choices we make, and then to make
the changes necessary to improve.
While many of us feel that our
choices are limited by circumstances,
external force and limited resources,
the reality is that so much of what
we do is in our control - especially
our values and attitudes. For Reena,
September will also be the start of a
period of introspection and planning.
As we begin to develop our blueprint
strategic plan for the next four (4)
years, we will take the opportunity to
explore our values, mission and the
attitude and approach we bring to our
work. This will not be a private
introspection but a public process
involving all our stakeholders.
Community leaders, funders, families,
staff, volunteers, citizens and
individuals whom we support, will all
need to give critical input to the future
of Reena.
Fortunately Reena begins the process
on a foundation of success (not crisis),
with highly-qualified staff, with a
provincial government and Ministry
that value the work we do, and with
an engaged and caring community of
families and supporters. While it is not
clear how and what we need to do to
meet all the needs of tomorrow, what
we do know about our future is that it
will be built on Jewish and Canadian
values, a respect of diversity, a valuing
of each and every person living to their
highest capability and the power of a
communal response.
I invite you to join us in this process
by contributing to our strategic
planning process by contacting us at
MyReenaplan@reena.org, and to
contribute in one of three ways:
a) Send your vison to us, - ideas to help
strengthen Reena.
b) Send us your contact information to
be part of a community survey. Please
send, full name and email or mailing
address.
c) Participate in a focus group by
sending your full name, email and
phone.
Together we will evaluate our
collective introspection and selfcriticism, combine it with our vision,
values and aspirations, and create a
new direction.
Topics we will be addressing include:
improved service delivery, creating
new channels of communication, job
creation program and more.
Like most of what happens to us, we
are not fully in control of the moment
by moment changes, but we can
control at least two things ….the vision
that guides us and the attitude/values
by which we will continue to operate.
I wish you good health, peace and
all the best that life can bring
throughout the coming year.
Wendy Nelson, Director (Central Region, Ministry of Community and Social Services),
Karen Chan, Assistant Deputy Minister (Ministry of Community and Social Services,
Bryan Keshen, President & CEO, Reena, Ann Szabo, Reena Resource Manager,
Karen Whitehead-Lye, Regional Independent Living Manager (Central and North Simcoe
Muskoka Region)
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 3
Kolreena
Annual General Meeting
continued from page 1
role in our community…
• And, now, your unique Reena Community Residence –
offering adults and seniors with special needs a special
home.
Over its forty year history,
Reena has built an
outstanding and welldeserved reputation for its
leadership in the field of
developmental disabilities –
earned by the hard work
and dedication of
volunteers and staff…and
Linda Gruson, Reena Board Member
by the generous support of introduces Mr. John Carmichael, MP
donors. Peter and I are
for Don Valley West.
proud as your MPs, to have
been able to play a role in supporting Reena. We are proud
to have promoted your outstanding work…and to have
developed and encouraged support for that work”.
He concluded his remarks by saying “For everything
Reena has accomplished, for all the services you provide,
and the help you give, and for all of the patience,
compassion, respect and strength in your hearts…thank
you very, very much. “
Helen Vale then steered the evening through its business
and events. Attendees unanimously
accepted the minutes of last year’s
annual meeting and Helen directed
their attention to her Report
included in the printed copy of the
Annual Report, which addressed
Reena’s astounding achievements
over the last year. She highlighted
the success of the Reena Community
Residence – its building and
successful programs – the great
strides in raising awareness and
educating the community about
And look what your hearts
Bryan Keshen with Mr. John Carmichael, MP for Don
inclusion and employment issues
have built and done:
Valley West.
faced by the individuals whom we
• The first home for seniors with
support – and of future plans including the building of an
developmental disabilities..
employment, training and job placement centre which will
• The amazing Developmental Centre we are gathered in
focus and expand our efforts to prepare our individuals to
today…
work as contributing and knowledgeable members of the
• Programs that not only help those in need, but offer
workforce. Reena’s successes throughout the year have
respite for their caring families…
been truly astounding and are the result of the dedication
• Training that helps people in agencies across the
and vision of staff, board members and board committees.
province provide outstanding services…
She thanked board members, volunteers and staff for their
• Genuine hope for a better future for thousands of
dedication to Reena and paid a warm tribute to Sandy
people and their families…
Keshen for creating and building upon Reena’s stellar
• The dignity and respect that comes from playing a real
continued on page 5
Reena Chair of the Board Helen Vale was delighted to
welcome everyone present and Linda Gruson, Reena Board
Member introduced Mr. John Carmichael, MP for Don
Valley West who stepped in at very short notice to speak on
behalf of The Hon. Peter Kent, who was scheduled to
attend but was unfortunately too ill to be with us.
Mr. Carmichael expressed his pleasure in meeting
everyone and to deliver the message that his friend Peter
had prepared for the occasion. Peter Kent’s words included
his deep admiration of
everyone involved in the
work Reena is carrying on
so effectively in the
community. He spoke of
the old saying that the
best way to judge a society
is by the way that it treats
its most vulnerable
citizens. “A nation that
cares for its elderly and its
Helen Vale, Chair of the Reena Board. children particularly those
with disabilities, is a nation with real strength. I’m not
talking about economic strength or military might, but the
moral and ethical strength to do the right thing. I believe
that you can judge individuals and their associations by the
same standard. When I tour Reena’s
facilities, watch Reena’s programs in
action and meet your members and
staff I see that true strength”. He
spoke of the many challenges faced
by people with developmental
disabilities and their need not only
for kindness, but real support and
care to live the best lives possible.
“Those who step up to the challenge
are those with true strength which
comes from the heart.
4 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Kolreena
Annual General Meeting
continued from page 4
reputation since its inception 40 years ago. The report also
acknowledged our strong relationship with the Provincial
Ministry of Community and Social Services, and with
Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, legislators
and bureaucrats as well as the many social service agencies
that are our partners in the delivery of supports.
On behalf of the Board of Directors she welcomed Bryan
Keshen, the newly appointed President and CEO of Reena
and wished him every success in
his endeavours on behalf of the
organization which he holds close
to his heart, and on behalf of
individuals with developmental
disabilities in the community.
Jeff Bernstein, Treasurer,
presented his Report and
Financial Statements and called
for the re-appointment of
Deloitte, as auditors for the
coming year.
very good news. This is an opportunity for the sector to
move forward - for us to be creative and innovative- to
think of how we support individuals in meeting their life
goals.
Reena has been a leader in pioneering collaborative
approaches. The Ministry considers Reena to be a valuable
partner in the modernization and transformation of
developmental services in Ontario. Reena’s work in
delivering services to adults,
youth and children with
developmental disabilities has
earned you the respect of the
ministry and the community.
I am personally very pleased to
have the opportunity to provide
leadership in continuing the
transformation journey. My
background is in Human Service
delivery and the inclusion of
people and integration of services
has always been a part of what I
Bryan Keshen with Karen Chan.
Greetings from the
call my “DNA”. In the 1980’s I
Ministry of Community
worked with agencies supporting children in Halton to put
and Social Services
in place Integrated Services for children – with a single
Karen Chan, Assistant Deputy Minister told the audience
point of access. We have made progress – and we still are
she was honoured to be at the meeting to bring greetings
on that journey- of which I am very excited to be a part.
on behalf of the Provincial Government. She recognized
Thank you for inviting me. This is how I learn - by
Sandy Keshen, who announced her retirement after over
getting out and talking to people - I wish the organization
40 years of leadership at Reena. “Sandy had a vision and
success – keep “imagining”.
continues to see the future. Today as I arrived Sandy asked
me if I could “imagine” a new focus on employment for
individuals with Developmental Disabilities. I was so
encouraged by the vision- by the continued work of your
by: Robyn Switzer – Resource Supervisor, Outreach & Respite Services
organization to move forward to dream the dreams and to
ugs, high fives, what’s new and how are you”
be innovative. I would
were just a few of the phrases that Lorne would
also like to congratulate
greet you with when you entered a room,
and welcome Bryan
whether you were a familiar face or a stranger.
Keshen into his new role
at Reena. I know he will
Sadly, on July 21st, 2014, at such a young age of 27, Lorne
continue to pursue the
unexpectedly passed away and left
vision.
behind many Reena friends and
As you have heard, we
family. Lorne had been attending
have a new MinisterReena for the past 10+ years
Minister Helena Jaczek,
including, cottage, day program,
who I know is committed
respite and Outreach.
to moving the
Lorne’s smile, sense of humor
Assistant Deputy Minister Karen Chan. Developmental Service
and personality will be greatly
agenda of inclusion forward. It is the intention of the
missed by anyone who knew him
government to continue with the proposed $810M
and we will cherish all the
commitment to the Developmental Services sector- this is
memories we have of him.
In loving memory of Lorne Gelman!
“H
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 5
Kolreena
Reena welcomes New Board Members 2014-2015
Carly has been involved with
the Joel Schwartz Memorial
Hockey Tournament at Reena
for the past three years. She
has also volunteered with the
Reena Special Olympics
Bowling League. Carly has a
Master of Arts in Child Study
and Education.
Carly Bardikoff
Gary Thompson
Amanda Kushnir is a lawyer
and has served on a number of
Board of Directors in the city.
She has also volunteered on a
number of other committees in
the community. Amanda will
bring a great deal of expertise
to our Board.
Amanda Kushnir
Gary is an engineering
professional with over 20 years
of experience in utilities and
industry. He is an active
community volunteer, involved
in promoting cooperation and
understanding across various
racial and religious communities,
currently serving on a number
of Boards and Committees
within education, municipal
government and social services.
Howard Weinroth has served on
Reena’s Continuous Quality
Improvement Committee since
2011 and is currently Chair of
Reena’s Behavioural Intervention
Committee. He has served on
many committees and Boards in
the community and will bring a
wealth of expertise to the Reena
Board.
Howard Weinroth
Lipa Roth has been involved in
the voluntary sector for over 30
years and has served on a
number of boards. Prior to his
retirement, Lipa worked for
both the Federal and Provincial
Governments and worked on
the Ontario Not-For-Profit
Corporations Act. Lipa’s
expertise will be of great value
to our board.
Lipa Roth
Ruth has a solid track record for
developing full service marketing
materials and strategies. Ruth has
more than a decade of experience
with serving clients in the
technology, financial and nonprofit industries. She has served
on several non-profit Boards.
Ruth Zive
Observations made on my recent travels
by: Bryan Keshen, Reena President & CEO
I
am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for what
we have here in Ontario, having recently returned
from a family trip to Israel, where I met with sister
agencies and organizations who, like Reena, are seeking
to improve the quality of life for individuals with
developmental disabilities. At the time, Israel was being
shelled from Gaza, and agencies were managing under
tremendous pressures. Moving people with physical
disabilities with only 30 seconds notice, with the
shrieking of an autistic child reverberating at a volume
6 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
greater than the siren that warned them to move to
safety, families experiencing the anxiety of a brother or
father called up to service and families sleeping in the
bomb shelter rather than choose which child to take
first. I saw all this happen and also saw the passionate
care that was extended to all Israeli citizens - Jew,
Muslim, Christian, secular… who all suffered and
needed each other more than ever. After this I am
thankful for what we have here in Canada and hope
that we can share it with others.
Kolreena
Award Presentations
Bryan Keshen presents the Morris Baker Ish
Tzaddic Award to Carolynn Morrison.
Bryan Keshen presents the Rabbi Joseph
Kelman Humanitarian Award to Professor
Martin Lockshin.
Helen Vale presents a Reena pin to outgoing
Board Member Denis Boiselle.
The Trevor Rosenberg Scholarship Award
presented by Valerie Rosenberg (centre) to
Sheena Sheridan and Sunday Adejobi.
Helen Vale presents the Board Member of
Distinction Award to Jeff Bernstein.
Helen Vale presents the Employee of the Year
Award to Ryan Marsh (centre) and Employer of
the Year Award to Cineplex Odeon, Silver City
– Richmond Hill
IN THE COMMUNITY
Reena presented a gift to Christine Elliott, MPP for
Whitby/Oshawa, in appreciation of her deep interest and
support of the work of the Faith and Culture Inclusion
Network. Seen in the photograph are (l to r) Bryan Keshen,
Reena President & CEO, Christine Elliott, Paul Burston,
Director of Government Relations & Social Policy at
Christian Horizons, and David Cohen, Reena Board member.
Sandy Keshen and Bryan Keshen met
with MP Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance,
Bryan Keshen, photographed in Toronto to share and update the Minister on
Reena’s development, and our vision for
with D. J. Schneeweiss, Consulate
employment for people with
General of Israel.
developmental disabilities, as an
important national initiative.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 7
Kolreena
8 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Kolreena
The High Holidays
by: Arlene Margolese, Manager, Faith & Cultural Services & Volunteer Services
I
write this just before we shall embark on the Jewish
New Year, a New Year filled with hope and renewal.
But the year is also filled with sadness, trepidation and
concern with respect to the war presently waging in and
around Israel and the tragedies taking place throughout
the world. The High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom
Kippur, Sukkoth and Simchat Torah) begin with Rosh
Hashanah marking the start of
the Jewish New Year.
Not unlike my own feelings of
trepidation and hope, Rosh
Hashanah is both a day of
judgment for mankind (reflecting
trepidation) as well as an
exhilarating time of closeness
and reconciliation with the
Almighty (reflecting hope). It
begins the eve of September 24th
until the night of September
26th. The shofar, a quintessential
symbol of Rosh Hashanah, is more than just a primitive
trumpet but an instrument proclaiming to the world that
our Heavenly Father is our King, guiding history, moving
mountains and caring for each and every human being
individually and personally. The shofar brings to us clarity,
alertness and focus in order to evaluate our achievements
and goals and electrifies our lives with purpose so that next
year when Rosh Hashanah comes around, the alarm clock
of the shofar won't be nearly as jarring.
Yom Kippur arrives a week following Rosh Hashanah.
Yom Kippur is a day when we atone for our sins through
fasting and repentance, affording us the opportunity to
cleanse ourselves of sin and renew our relationship with
the Almighty. Yom Kippur begins the eve of October 3rd,
ending the night of October 4th. Quickly following Yom
Kippur, we celebrate Sukkot, the
Festival of Booths, from the eve of
October 8th ending with the
culmination of Simchat Torah, the
night of October 17th. On Sukkoth,
with Lulav and Etrog in hand, we
eat, play (and, for many, sleep
throughout the nights of Sukkot –
weather permitting) under the stars
for seven days and remember that
G-d is our ultimate protection.
These days are the culmination of
a month-long process of coming
back to the Almighty. What could be more appropriate at
this auspicious time in the history of the Jewish people?
Each of us has a mission in life. My wish to you for the
coming year is to better know and appreciate your mission
in life and may the light you are shining into the world
form a gateway of respect and acceptance warmly
embracing all.
Get well wishes to Jack Papoff
by: Arlene Margolese, Manager, Faith & Cultural Services & Volunteer Services
J
ack Papoff is a wonderful man who has been
volunteering at Reena for the past nine years. He is
very much loved and appreciated by everyone at 236
Crestwood.
Recently, Jack took a leave of absence due to heart
problems and underwent surgery. He told us that before
his surgery, while lying in bed unable to sleep, he was
thinking of all the people that he volunteers with and the
courage and perseverance they have. He thought about all
his friends at Crestwood who, unlike him who can walk
and run without aids, show tremendous spirit and
determination despite their physical and mental
disabilities. He told us how all this strengthened his
greatest motivation towards recovery and his resolve to
continue fighting. He talked about how lucky he is to
know all the people living at 236 Crestwood and stated
that volunteering for such an organization has been
inspiring.
Jack, you are the inspiration! It is so beautiful to learn
how much volunteering has meant to you and most
importantly, how positively all the people you work
with at 236 Crestwood have impacted on your life (and
recovering good health), just as you have impacted so
positively on their lives.
On behalf of all your many, many friends at Reena,
we wish you a speedy and complete recovery and look
forward to welcoming you back soon.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 9
Kolreena
New Horizons Launch —
Coffee Hour in Honour of Senior Citizens’ Month
by: Ellen Rajzman, RCR Manager & Amanda Neves, New Horizons Project Assistant
O
Schwartz/Reisman Centre, representatives from
n Tuesday morning, June 17, 2014, the Reena
TanenbaumCHAT, RCR research committee member Dr.
Community Residence (RCR) was bustling with
Suzanne Cook from the Department of Sociology, York
staff and members of the community to launch a
University, as well as members of the New Horizons
New Horizons Project. We are delighted to announce that
Committee. The Committee, chaired by Susan Roher,
Reena has been awarded a grant of $24,800 under the New
retired Director of Social Work at Baycrest Centre, also
Horizons for Seniors Program for a Community-Based
includes Dr. Brenda Elias,
Volunteer Project.
Project Coordinator; Ellen
In effect since March 2014,
Rajzman, Residence
the New Horizons Project
Manager; Mille Chadwick,
aims to engage and promote
Reena Volunteer
volunteerism among seniors
Coordinator; Arlene
through multigenerational
Margolese, Reena Manager
mentoring of others, while
of Faith and Cultural
supporting the social
Services & Volunteer
participation and inclusion of
services; Amanda Neves,
seniors. The medium for
Project assistant; and
achieving these goals will
Andrew Sadgrove, as the
include the use of computer
tenant representative.
technology and social media. (l to r) Hirsch Silverstein, Daniel Duschinsky, Susan Roher, Kaylee
Mimran, Brenda Elias, Mille Chadwick and Ellen Rajzman.
“I am looking forward to
Held in conjunction with a
talking with seniors about what it’s like to move to a retirement
celebration of Senior Citizens’ Month, the New Horizons
home,” says tenant Daniel Duscinsky.
event was very successful with a high turnout of visitors.
“Reena is pleased to be funded by New Horizons. It is a
Special guest Sandy Keshen, founding President and CEO
wonderful opportunity for our individuals to connect with seniors
of Reena, offered greetings and extended her support to
in our local community,” comments Ellen Rajzman, RCR
the activities. Other attendees included tenants of the
Manager.
building, Reena staff and volunteers, patrons of the nearby
The Home Depot Canada Foundation Supports Reena
R
eena is proud to announce that The Home Depot
Canada Foundation has once again chosen to
support our work in the community.
Each year, The Home Depot Canada Foundation holds
an in-store fundraising campaign at all The Home Depot
stores across Canada. This year was the first public effort of
The Orange Door Project where for a $2 donation,
customers were able to purchase a ‘Paper Door’ at the
check-out with all proceeds benefitting a local youthserving housing charity. All proceeds raised at The Home
Depot Dufferin & Steeles store (located at 2375 Steeles Ave.
W.) were donated to Reena to provide a new driveway and
support railings to help physically disabled residents to
access our home on Cedarsprings Grove.
10 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
The Home Depot Canada Foundation is committed to
putting an end to youth homelessness in Canada. On any
given night, more than 6,000 young people are without a
place to call home, making youth homelessness one of the
most urgent social issues facing Canadians today. Over the
next three years, through The Orange Door Project
initiative, the Foundation has pledged $10-million to
support renovation and repair projects and programs that
provide vulnerable youth with access to safe, stable
housing and support services.
Reena sincerely thanks all associates at the Dufferin &
Steeles The Home Depot store involved in The Orange
Door Project fundraising campaign for their hard work and
enthusiasm. It is deeply appreciated.
Kolreena
Summer Employment Transitions Program
by: Rob Scott,
T
he Summer Employment Transitions (SET) program
was created in 2012 to assist employers with their
Summer Job Needs and assist students with
disabilities with Summer Employment. This is a joint
partnership between Reena, JVS Toronto, Geneva Centre
and York Region District School Board and has already
received many positive letters and comments from parents,
students, job coaches and employers.
This year SET has a total of 16
student participants who
showcased their unique
personality and enthusiasm to
contribute to the program when
they met the SET team in early
June. Throughout the summer
they steadily gained confidence in
their work and independence – a
coming of age journey that is
indicative of growth and success.
Job Hunting in York Region
The job cultivation process started in early May and on the
strength of the reputation and connections we had
established in prior years we had positive responses within
two days; St. Louis Bar and Grill and Joe Boo’s Cookoos
who returned to SET. “We are no longer selling the
program, but an individual and that makes
a world of difference”, stated Lucinda, SET
Coordinator.
Preparing for Work with Job Readiness
Training (JRT)
Continuing with tradition, JRT consisted of
three days of training. When JRT started,
the students were shy and reluctant to talk
in front of the class. However, after playing
a game of ‘Guess Who’, they were
engaging in conversation with the SET
team.
As the days progressed, all the students
were interacting with each other and
having lots of fun while learning workplace values such as
motivation, attitude, teamwork, and occupational Health &
Safety and WHMIS. Each topic consisted of interactive
activities to reinforce the importance of the materials
presented. All of the activities aided in building selfconfidence and better communication among the students.
“SET has helped me build my confidence so I can be more
independent” – D.T., Student
“I learned a lot about interview preparation and now I feel like
I am ready for any interview” - R.C., Student
The First Step: Interviews and Meeting the Employer
With the completion of Job Readiness Training, the
students set out to meet potential employers and to
experience their first interview. Arriving early and with
enthusiasm, they were dressed professionally, and eager to
get the process started. Before each
interview, the job coaches prepped the
students with potential questions,
ensuring that the students had all the
training and tools required to ace their
interviews and to make a good
impression. During the interviews,
students presented themselves in a
confident manner and introduced
themselves with firm handshakes and
welcoming smiles. They answered
every question to the best of their
abilities and asked for clarification
when needed. SET students exceeded expectations,
demonstrating their keenness to work and showcasing
their loveable personalities.
“That’s so good. I can’t believe I got the job. I tried to do my
best at the interview” - M.H., Student
Employers, charmed by the students’
charisma, expressed their admiration for their
eagerness to work. Heartened by the
students, several employers opted to hire
additional students.
“RC and DW did such an amazing job at their
interview, that a new position was created so that
both of them could have the opportunity to work at
Master Mind Toys. Seeing the employer running
to the parking lot to deliver the news was by far
one of the most satisfying SET moments. We can’t
wait to experience more moments like that.” –
Eden and Tanya, Job Coaches.
All of summer 2014 employers have shown
great enthusiasm and commitment to the program, with
most of them hiring more than one student. Their
compassion and understanding has created a positive work
environment for the students to build their job experience.
With their newly developed interview skills, students
have taken an essential first step into the work-force
beyond the boundaries of SET.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 11
Kolreena
Core Competencies a Personal Perspective
by: Jenny Gannon, Direct Support Member of the Core Competency Implementation Committee
I
f you work at Reena, chances are
you know what I mean when I say
Core Competencies. Each of us
has our own story as to how we come
to know and understand these 15
characteristics and behaviors outlined
by the Hay Group.
My story starts a few years ago when
I attended one of the very first core
competency courses offered at Reena,
and boy was it an introduction. Like
my fellow participants, I had no idea
what I was in for, this would be the
very first time we heard anything in
regards to core competencies. The
room was full of blank stares and
questions from those around me. It
was not the first time I heard words
like collaboration, advocacy, or
resilience; but it was the first time I
would learn how these and the other
words of the seven core competencies
for direct support professionals would
affect my work forever.
Jump ahead a couple years....... A
well placed maternity leave gave me
the opportunity to see the dramatic
change the core competencies have
had within the agency and the
developmental disabilities sector as a
whole. I got the rare glimpse of the
before and after of the core
competencies being adopted within
Reena. I was able to get an even better
perspective by being lucky enough to
join the Core Competency
Implementation Committee earlier this
year, and with that, got to sit in on one
of the more recent introductions to
core competencies training.
This course was so different from my
introduction so long ago, I was
amazed and pleased to see such a
change; staff in this more recent
training did not stare blankly at the
instructor, rather they were involved
12 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
and participated in discussion of the
competencies themselves. Although
this was an introduction, those who
attended knew what core
compentencies were, they had been
introduced to these behaviours and
characteristics long before entering this
room for training. The language of
core competencies has become
commonplace within Reena.
I have seen how the core
competencies have become adopted as
they evolved with each of us over
time. The words I thought I knew to
be collaboration, advocacy, and
resilience, have now taken on a new
common meaning. Instead of
collaboration's simple meaning
"working together"; I now know it to
mean "Collaboration is about
communicating with others both
within one’s team as well as with
individuals, agencies and
organizations outside one’s immediate
work area or span of control (e.g., with
community partners and stakeholders)
to create alignment within and across
groups. It is not only encouraging but
expecting collaborative efforts and
information sharing across
agency/organizational lines toward
shared outcomes."
Advocating for others does not only
mean "publicly supporting another"
but rather "Individuals demonstrating
the competency “Advocating for
Others” show through their
behaviours an inclination to champion
a cause or issue and try to get others to
support it (i.e., trying to win the
support of others). "
And finally, resilience meant "spring
back" to me long ago, but now I
understand it to mean, maintaining
stamina and performance under
continuing stress, and to act effectively
under pressure. It is about what we do
daily, persevering, being resilient, in
spite of setbacks.
In addition to the three definitions
above I also now understand that each
of the 15 core competencies (7 of
which apply to me as a direct support
professional) also have levels, levels
that we are expected to reach based on
our position. I also understand why
each of these core competencies are
important. I have come to know that
core competencies are not just a guide
to measuring my work, core
competencies change my work. By
working with core competencies in
mind I inadvertently do more than the
basic task at hand; conversations and
actions with individuals I support take
on a new tone and goal of being the
best support worker rather than "doing
for the sake of saying its done".
In the end, it is the individuals we
support who really win. By adopting
the core competencies, we become
better staff, and, in my opinion, better
person; we become professionals.
I am proud to be a member of this
community we call Reena. I hope to
continue to do my part in integrating
core competencies by being part of the
Core Competency Implementation
Committee.
Kolreena
Summer Carnival Honours Sandy Keshen
by: Anne Szabo
I
t’s hard to believe that the
summer program is over
for another year, as
marked by the Summer
Carnival on Friday. August
22nd 2014, which this year
was held in honour of Sandy
Keshen. It’s even harder to
believe that Sandy has retired
as Reena President and CEO.
Close to 400 individuals and
staff came out to play games,
Bryan Keshen and Gary Sim fresh out of the dunk tank.
eat cotton candy, dance and
participating in the dunk tank and
enjoy the entertainment of the Dunk
allowing us to dunk them over and over
Tank at the 2nd Summer Carnival in
honour of Sandy Keshen’s life at Reena. and over again. This started a trend and
many other staff and individuals kept
Also thanked and never forgotten,
cool and wet throughout the afternoon.
Maxine Sugar who is to Sandy what
This has not been the best summer
Lewis was to Martin and Ed McMahon
was to Johnny Carson. All our love and weather-wise but the rain held off long
enough for everyone to enjoy the day
respect to both of you.
with; the obstacle course, human
It was wonderful to see so many
Velcro, giant connect 4, the dunk tank
individuals who came to pay their
and other games, carnival treats; cotton
respects and thank Sandy for bringing
candy, popcorn, snow cones and giant
them into the agency. There were
pretzels. What would a Reena event be
numerous speeches with the common
themes of love and thanks, we will miss without enough food to feed an army;
boureka’s, wraps, falafel, pizza, pizza
you with many hugs, kisses, tears and
and more pizza and a dessert table to
laughter witnessed by all.
rival any buffet. Thank you to all the
Thank you to the “Wet Presidents”
staff and volunteers who helped out
Bryan Keshen and Gary Sim and for
with the Carnival and to the DORR
being such good sports and
team for planning a wonderful
day for all.
As I said in my words of
thanks to Sandy, this would not
have been made possible
without her allowing us to
dream, just as she has done for
so many years. Now that the
baton has been passed to a
worthy candidate you can sit
back and marvel at what hard
work and dedication has
achieved. But never one to sit on
your laurels, you and Maxine will still
be walking the halls of Reena; we can
catch site of you in your new digs in the
Wellness Centre Wednesday and
Thursdays.
Belinda Keshen and Maxine Sugar with Sandy
Keshen.
Sizzlin’ Summertime Fun
by: Robyn Switzer – Resource Supervisor, Outreach & Respite Services
T
his summer marked my ninth
summer at Camp Reena. This
was by far the best summer ever,
and I can attribute that to my
magnificent staff team and the amazing
campers who attended over the eight
weeks. Summer started off with some
exciting outings to Marine Land, Wild
Water Works and Wasaga Beach, and
although we were faced with some
challenging weather, we still found
innovative ways to entertain our
campers to provide them with a
memorable summer experience. This
summer we stepped up our integration
by taking part in community events
and outings on a daily basis. We
welcomed several new campers and
witnessed the development of lasting
friendships.
To wrap up a fantastic summer, we
held our annual summer carnival on
the last day of camp, honouring Sandy
Keshen our past President and CEO. A
great time was had by all, a wonderful
send off to our phenomenal staff,
volunteers and campers. We eagerly
anticipate the arrival of Summer 2015!
Brian Alexander enjoying the carnival fun.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 13
Reena History 4th Decade, 2002-2008 (first half of the 4th Decade)
Researched and Compiled by: Minnie Ross, Manager Communications and Public Relations, Honourary Editor: Laurine Schmelzle
T
he following introduction to the 4th Decade
of the history of Reena, was written and
presented on January 2007 at a pre-budget
meeting of the Provincial Government’s Standing
Committee on Finance,
by Carolynn Morrison, a
past Chair of the Reena
Board of Directors, a
member of many board
committees, and above
all else, the loving
mother of Lee who
resides in the Goose
Family Home for adults
living with autism.
We hear the words
By Carolynn Morrison
We hear the words “you are having a baby”.
Our heart’s are filled with joy, and our minds race
with the hopes and dreams that this child will bring.
The child is perfect! He reaches each milestone on
cue.
A daughter and a son, your world is complete.
During the “terrible two’s” you notice the tantrums
becoming more frequent and his speech does not
progress beyond the echoalic phase.It is difficult to
keep him focused on an activity.
At the age of three we receive the diagnosis; our
son has Autism. We are numb. The news would
forever change the way we live our lives.
We look for services that do not exist.
We both have careers and another child. It is
exceedingly difficult to address the needs of our son.
We make the decision to become a single income
family.
When not providing care giving, much time is
spent researching and resourcing information that
would assist us to understand and work with this
disability. At every turn it was discouraging to find
that there were no answers.
We struggled to function as a “normal” family,
responding to the many constraints of everyday life.
When occasions arose that required both of us to
attend we turned to my family for assistance and
support. We created our own Respite Team.
When Lee was five years old my father died very
suddenly. In an instant, our Respite Team dissolved.
During one of the most difficult periods of our lives
we were forced to look outside of our family for
assistance.
Thus began our journey through Autism.
Our son is physically perfect, a beautiful child. He
is verbal and very affectionate. However, all of this is
overshadowed by the severity and length of his
aggressions.
By fourteen our son is 6’4.and weighs 190 pounds.
Each aggressive episode becomes increasingly more
difficult to manage.
One terrible day I sustain some significant injuries.
We realize that we are trying to control a situation
that is truly beyond our control.
Once again our world is thrown into chaos.
How and where will we find the appropriate
services for our son?
He is placed in a hospital with four-point restraints.
Excessive medication is administered. We are frantic
to find a solution.
We are given two options. Place him in foster care
and he will receive services or press charges and he
will be arrested
and placed in a
facility where he
will receive
services. For two
parents who love
and are committed
to provide care for
our son this is
TOTALLY
unacceptable.
Our hearts are
broken.
During this
crisis we work
feverishly to find
services. After
hours of meetings
and phone calls,
funding is
Lee celebrating his birthday.
We have never for one moment regretted our
provided, and a placement is found fifty miles from
decision!
our home. However, the organization does not have
There are two distinct factors. One is our
the expertise required to deal with Autism.
For five years we travel four hours each weekend to partnership with the TPA in providing care and input
into the services and programs that Lee receives. Two
bring our son home. Of the 260 weekends we missed
is the caring and committed staff that work daily with
only 21. It was our desire that Lee be a part of our
Lee and have now become a part of our extended
family and his extended family.
family.
We discover the provincial government document
Our family knows what a daunting task it is to
“Making Services Work for People”. The document
provide Lee’s care. It is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
stressed family involvement and the desire to keep
clients geographically close to their home. We did not Over the years I have been Lee’s Primary Care Giver,
Play Therapist. Speech Therapist, Behaviourial
realize that the initial funding that we had received
Manager. ABA Worker, Educational Consultant, Tutor,
was NOT transportable.
Nurse, Advocate Case
Our family knows full well
Manager and MOM. All of
what “transformation” can
this I might add was Onmean. Through
The-Job training.
“transformation” families
Our sector is in desperate
become empowered and can
need of Staff Training and
then make appropriate
Development. There must
decisions and form the
be a standardize form of
partnerships that will
training. We must train
provide the desired services
each employee with the
for their child or sibling.
tools and skills necessary to
With a team of twelve
provide services to this
family members and friends,
distinct population. We
we developed a Life Plan for
must ensure that their
Lee, working for over three
training provides the
years to secure our funding.
necessary pharmacology
We gratefully acknowledge
instruction to enable them
all the assistance we received
to understand the
from the Ministry of
medication needs of their
Community and Social Services.
clients. They should receive
With our funding in place
on-going training to equip
we began to investigate and
them to understand and
research all avenues of
Lee with his sister and nephew.
develop strategies for
services. We sought to find a
behavioural changes.
placement that would provide programs to meet our
Not only should they be well-trained but upon
son’s unique needs. It was essential to have qualified
entering their chosen field they should be
and well trained staff that could monitor and
compensated on an equal scale with other areas of
administer medication while meeting the everthis sector. Only when they feel valued will we begin
changing challenges of his behaviour. We desperately
to see them remain working in this field.
wanted him in a safe and caring community where
Staff deserve the best training and compensation
he would be valued and supported and where our
that we can provide and our children should not be
family could take an active role.
required to settle for less.
After careful study and thoughtful evaluation we
I know that our family’s story is but one of
determined that our son’s complex and challenging
thousands that could be told. I have come before you
needs COULD and WOULD best be met through a
today to speak on their behalf and for the children
“transfer payment agency”.
whose voices may NEVER be heard.
D
uring her tenure
as Chair, Fay
extended an
invitation to The
Honourable Brenda
Elliott, Minister of
Community, Family and
Children’s Services
(MCFCS) to ‘come and
see what we are doing in
the community.’ We
wanted to impress her
Fay Rotman, Chair of the
with our programs, but
the Minister impressed us Reena Board, 2002-2004
with her interest, warmth and empathy as she toured
the Al and Faye Mintz Reena ElderHome, the Older
Adults Program and the Staff Training Program at the
Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre. Also on
the tour was Tina
Molinari, Member
of Provincial
Parliament for
Thornhill.
The invitation to
the Minister was in
keeping with
Reena’s
concentrated effort
to foster a greater
understanding by
Tina Molinari, MPP, The Hon.
Brenda Elliot and Larry Weinstein. MCFCS of the
needs of
individuals with developmental disabilities and how
those needs impact on their families.
Shortly after the Minister’s visit, Sol Fleising,
Reena’s Director of Finance informed Reena
supporters that the Ministry of Community, Family
and Children’s Services had announced new funding
to support people with developmental disabilities
and their families. Overall, the Ministry has
committed $48.6 million for the province. Reena’s
share from the Toronto and Central East area offices
will be about $500,000. Agencies are expected to use
these funds to offset human resource pressures,
including benefits and training costs. The intention is
to remain competitive with other sectors of the
economy where supports are provided for people
with special needs.
Working closely with HRDC
Reena continues to work closely with Human
Resources Development Canada resulting in
additional funding that brought Reena staff salaries
more in line with other agencies in our sector.
We have expanded our training program to
compensate for the lack of formal education in
developmental services at the community college
level. Reena offers this comprehensive training to
other agencies and currently accommodates 3,000
spaces in training programs each year. We are also in
discussion with a community college and working
closely with the York Region School Board, offering a
unique 15-week program where students will be able
to earn money while exploring a career in social
services, and in developmental services in particular.
New funding creates new jobs at Reena
Reena received funding later in the year from HRDC,
which enabled us to recruit, train and place 10 new
employees in our system and to reach out to
individuals who were currently under-employed.
This was the beginning of a very positive partnership
with HRDC in addressing the need to attract staff to
our sector and to retain them. It is only through such
government and community partnerships that we
will be able to increase our capacity to recruit
individuals to work with our clients.
Reena volunteers
are top class
In honour of Queen
Elizabeth’s Golden
Jubilee marking the
50th anniversary of
Her Majesty’s reign, a
commemorative medal
was presented to
Canadians in
Fay Rotman, Reena Chair
presents Lifetime Achievement
recognition of
Award to Alex Eisen.
significant
achievements or distinguished service. Not one, but
five Reena volunteers were chosen to receive this
prestigious medal. Long-time supporter Marilyn
Raphael was nominated by Tina Molinari, MPP for
Thornhill, while Marilyn’s husband Bert Raphael,
who serves as Reena’s Honorary Counsel, received
his medal from Monte Kwinter, MPP for York Centre.
Alex Eisen, who also received his award from
Kwinter, has been a staunch supporter for Reena for
many, many years. Frank A. Wilson, a current
Marilyn Raphael
Bert Raphael
Alex Eisen
Frank Wilson
Irving Ungerman
member of the Reena Foundation Board, was
at Reena the model on which great countries are built
presented with his decoration by Attorney General of
– little jewels threaded together.” The Reena Board
Ontario, David Young MPP for
presented her with a Reena gold
his outstanding work on behalf
pin, which Dr. Bennett said she
of Reena, and long-term Reena
would wear ‘with pride.’
supporter Irving Ungerman,
received his medal from the
Dedication of the Yetta
Honorable Lincoln Alexander,
Berg Children’s Home
former Governor General of
Ontario. We congratulate them
all for receiving recognition in
this royal manner for their
(l to r) Judy Berg, Allen Berg, Robin and
commitment to Reena and their Joe Spataro.
community.
The model on which
countries are built
Speaking at Reena’s Annual
General Meeting in June 2003,
Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP,
thrilled the audience when she
said “Other than cloning the
Reena Board, we have to find
Dr. Carolyn Bennett ways to replicate things that are
working, and we have to
celebrate gems such as
Reena.” Dr. Bennett,
Member of Parliament for
St.Paul’s, Toronto, chairs a
Parliamentary subcommittee on the status
of persons with
disabilities. “No one
knows better about gaps
(l to r) Michael Di Biase, Mayor, City of Vaughan, Susan
in the system than
Kadis, Councillor, City of York, Harold Seidel, Chair,
parents of children with
Batay Reena, and Allen Berg.
disabilities. They know
what works and what could work better,” she said.
“The government must learn from models that work,
such as models of inclusive decision making, choice
and responsibility.” She went on to say, “You represent
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Austism is a complex neurological disorder that
profoundly impairs the ability to communicate,
socialize, and respond to and express emotion.
Those affected often engage in repetitive and
sometimes self-injurious behaviours, such as
spinning and head banging. Symptoms vary widely
in severity and doctors often refer to it as autistic
spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is now almost
universally recognized as a developmental disorder.
Its causes are multiple and varied: genetic
predisposition, pre- or post-natal viral infection,
chromosomal damage or biological agents still
unknown.
The knowledge that a period of respite care is
available in a safe and nurturing environment for
their children can give families the strength they
need to carry on, and may prevent them from going
into crisis.
Aluminum Contractors and RBC Capital Markets
who supported the dinner at the bronze level. The
Media Sponsor was National Post and the silent
auction was sponsored by Grand Touring
Automobiles.
As a result of everyone’s efforts, Reena’s respite
and enrichment programs will be financed and
secure for the coming
year.
In Loving Memory
of Joseph Berman
The Reena family lost a
good friend when Joe
Berman passed away
in November 2003. Joe
was one of the
founding members of
Reena. He guided and
supported us every
Joe Berman
step of the way and
were it not for him, we would never have made
such a positive impact on the lives of so many
people with developmental disabilities. He served
on the Reena Board in 1974 and later became a Life
Reena’s Respite and Enrichment Program
Director.
Financed and Secure for the Coming Year
Always generous with his personal financial
Thanks to the most successful gala held by the
contributions, Joe fervently believed that it was
Reena Foundation in 2003, Reena’s Respite and
necessary to give persons in need the tools and
Enrichment Program is financed and secure for the
opportunity to help themselves. He took out a
coming year. David Kassie and Susan Harris, the
personal loan of $100,000
dinner honourees,
to allow us to operate our
insisted that the purpose
fledgling organization; he
of the night was to
gifted two houses to
honour Reena and the
Reena and donated a
people we support. The
large tract of land in
Reena Foundation is
Orangeville, which we
deeply grateful to
used to build Camp
Shelley Rabie and her
Reena.
talented Arrangements
Throughout the years,
Committee.
Joe was always supportive
We are also thankful to
of our efforts in the
Jeff Rayman and the
community and, in June
members of the Tribute
(l to r) Harley Mintz, Judy Nyman, Susan Harris and
2002, Reena presented its
Committee, who sold
David Kassie
first Lifetime Achievement
the corporate
Award to Joe and his wife, Helen, for their
sponsorships and tickets to ensure that the room
consistent and loyal support of people with
was full. Mintz & Partners, the event’s Presenting
developmental disabilities.
Sponsor headed an impressive list of sponsors
Yes, we lost a good friend. His warm personality,
including RioCan, CIBC, and Tribute Communities
deep sense of responsibility and inspired leadership
at the gold level; priszm brandz and Counsel
will be sadly missed.
Corporation, at the silver level; and Giancola
Foundation Holds An Evening at The
practical skills and confidence to go forward with their
Producers
career paths in the social service sector.
Three hundred patrons greatly enjoyed a pre-opening
Program graduate Lindsay Rayman spoke
performance of Mel Brooks’ The
eloquently on behalf of the students
Producers, at the Canon Theatre in
(see below)
Dec 2003, preceded by a “Taste of
New York” reception hosted by
A student’s appreciation
By Lindsay Rayman
Blaney McMurtry LLP. Managing
I stand here representing a group of
partner Ian Epstein welcomed the
people
who are so unique and wonderful.
guests and noted the firm’s long-time
Each and every one of us brought a
and renewed connection to Reena.
distinctive and insightful background to
Former Reena Chair Stan Kugelmass,
the program that made this course so
a senior partner with Blaney, was
incredible. Not only did we learn from the
acknowledged for his ongoing efforts
Blaney McMurtry Managing
instructors, but also we learned from one
on behalf of Reena.
Partner Ian Epstein (l) with Reena another.
Fay Rotman, Chair of Reena
Foundation Chair Murray Klein.
I came to this program looking to
presented the Tammy Gutstein
expand my knowledge and experience base because as I
Humanitarian Award to Susie and Murray Klein for
quickly learned after graduating from university, a degree
their staunch support of Reena’s work on behalf of
has very little credibility if you have no experience with
people with developmental disabilities.
which to back it up. This opportunity expanded my
understanding about people with developmental disabilities,
and has provided me with invaluable hands-on experiences
that I will take with me wherever I go. As well, I can also
proudly say that I have received formal medication and
pharmacology training, and I am certified in Standard First
Aid, CPR and CPI. Whereas with four years of university all
I got was a piece of paper with Latin on it.
I will never forget what I learned during these 16 weeks at
Reena. It has opened my eyes to what is truly important to
me. I think something that we will all take away from this
experience is that none of us are saints, none of us did this
The Klein Family (l to r) Jamie, Susan, Murray, Rob
because we want a great big pat on the back. We all did this
and David.
because we really love it, and no matter where we go or what
Reena congratulates first DDC graduates
we do with the rest of our lives, we will never forget it.
By Debra Waring, Learning and Development Specialist
On behalf of all of the students, I would like to thank
Graduation night for Reena’s first Developmental
everyone
Disabilities Counsellor (DDC) program was held on
who made
Jan. 26, 2004. A majority of the students braved a
this program
blizzard to attend the celebration and receive their
possible,
Developmental Disabilities Counsellor certificates from because
Reena Board member and Learning and Development
without their
Committee Chair, Ken Beck.
constant
Reena’s DDC program is a great jump-start to a
dedication
career in the social services field. This is a unique
and support
program that combines job-relevant training and
we would
certifications with hands-on work experience. At the
not be
end of the 16-week program, successful participants
celebrating
Graduates of the DDC program (front l to r)
are guaranteed an interview for a part-time position at
here, so
Lindsay Rayman, Alana Starr and Peggy
thank you
Reena.
Caniglia, (back) Andrew Wilton, Ahane
The hands-on experience alone gave all students, the very much. Tator and Sheila Maronga.
Equine barons back Reena
adults with developmental disabilities whose parents
Under the auspices of the Reena Foundation, Frank
are aging, those leaving the child welfare system, and
Stronach, Chair of Magna International, and Sydney
adults with changing and multiple special needs.
Cooper, well-known businessman and philanthropist,
Minister Pupatello announced that the McGuinty
recently teamed up to host a dinner in honour of
government is investing a total of $24 million in capital
Reena and the people it supports. Guests enjoyed a
and operating funding for 44 projects in 27
gourmet dinner at the Magna
communities across the
Golf Club. The master of
province. This investment will
ceremonies and entertainer was
improve the quality of life for
world-renowned Irish tenor,
adults while helping families to
John McDermott.
access more community services.
This was the second Magna
Reena will direct its share of the
Dinner held in support of Reena.
grant to help build the David
The goal of the evening was to
and Luba Smuschkowitz
help Reena kick off its
ElderHome, which will provide
fundraising campaign to build
accommodation for individuals
the David and Luba
who require a higher level of
Smuschkowitz ElderHome,
(l to r) Lorne Weiss, Event Co-Chair, with
support as they grow older. This
Reena’s second home for seniors
Frank Stronach and Sydney Cooper, Cowith developmental disabilities. Hosts, and Gary Sim, President Reena Fdn. move will free up much-needed
spaces in Reena’s other group
The outpouring of support at
homes.
Mario
Racco,
MPP
for Thornhill, was also
the Magna Dinner gave a tremendous financial boost
present for the important announcement.
to the campaign.
“This is a real, positive change that will help make
Event Co-Chairs, Tobie Bekhor and Lorne Weiss,
Ontario strong, healthy and prosperous,” he said. “Everyexpressed their appreciation for the support and
body wants to live in a safe place they can call home.”
generosity shown by old and new friends alike. “It is
When he thanked Minister Pupatello for making the
very obvious that these two community leaders are
announcement, Reena Board Vice-Chair Harold Seidel
well known, well-loved and well respected for their
involvement in humanitarian activities that enrich our
expressed appreciation to the Ontario government for
communities,” said Lorne. “Reena is honoured that Syd the New Places to Live funding and added that Reena
and Frank – who support so many causes – teamed up looks forward to continuing to work with the ministry
and chose to do it for Reena.”
to develop innovative and
efficient solutions to the ever
May 2004 - Minister Sandra
present challenges facing our
Pupatello at Reena
sector.
In her message to Reena
supporters, Sandy Keshen,
Announcement of further
Executive Director, reported that
government support
The Honourable Sandra
Later in 2004, Minister Sandra
Pupatello, Minister of
Pupatello, Minister of
Community and Social Services
Community and Social Services,
had visited Reena’s Toby and
announced that the Ontario
Danny Propper was very happy to present government is strengthening
Henry Battle Developmental
flowers to The Honourable Sandra
Centre in May of 2004. The
supports for Ontarians with
Pupatello when she visited the Toby and
Minister had a very welcome
developmental disabilities by
Henry Battle Developmental Centre.
announcement to deliver – that
investing in community services
Dalton McGuinty’s recently elected Liberal
and launching a major review of the province’s
government is delivering real, positive change for
developmental services system to make sure it is fair,
adults with developmental disabilities, by delivering 23 accessible and sustainable. This investment of $110
much-needed living spaces in Toronto (of which Reena million will work to transform the developmental
received six). The new spaces will address the needs of services system to better meet the needs of the next
generation of adults with developmental disabilities, to
One of the happy outcomes of the move is that
create new places to live for adults who will be leaving
many of the clients who previously would only see
provincially operated institutions and to phase out, by
family infrequently, have already had several visits
Mar. 31, 2009, the three remaining residential
due to their close proximity to Northdale. The
institutions for people with developmental disabilities.
feedback from the families has been extremely
The developmental services community shares the
positive. They love the bright, comfortable new
goal of developing a longsurroundings their family
term plan for the sector and a
members are now enjoying..
Joint Ministry/Developmental
The clients at Northdale
Services Sector Partnership
have been engaging in lots
Table has been formed to
of community activities – the
ensure co-ordination and
things we all take for
provide direction in the
granted -- such as grocery
development of the plan for
shopping, trips to the mall
developmental services in
and the Battle Centre and
Ontario. The Partnership
meeting neighbours. These
Table has representatives
initial steps may seem small
Enjoying a laugh at Mardi Gras are (l to r) Toronto
from self-advocate family,
to many but to those of us
Councillor, Norm Gardner, Reena Foundation
and service provider
who have grown to know
Chair Ira Sack, Mardi Gras Co-Chairs Stephen
associations and the Ministry Gardner and Toba Rich.
the clients realize that these
of Communication and
steps are immense given
Social Services. Together we have identified the need
their background. In the coming months they will
for change in five key areas: Model for Funding
be taking larger and larger steps to fully integrate
Allocations; Supports and Services; Roles and
into the community at large. If the past five weeks
Responsibilities; Attracting and Retaining Staff; and
is any indication, they have a wondrous journey
Legislation.
ahead.
Stan Kugelmass, Past Chair of the Reena Board,
The success of the reopening of Northdale is a
represents the Faith Communities at the Partnership
testament to the never-ending driving force of
table. He stated, “Reena fully supports the concept of
Reena to provide the best community based living
partnership. Families must realize that a partnership
that is available. Along with this motivation and the
approach is the way of the
dedication and support of all
future in planning for
those involved in the planning
developmental services in this
and execution of this project I
province. Only then can we
want to offer my heartfelt
achieve the Partnership Table
thanks! I must however send
vision.”
out special thanks to all the
staff at Northdale. Through
Reena opens house on
their dedication and caring
Northdale
they have truly made
By Rob Scott, Resource Supervisor
Northdale into a home for five
We spent the end of summer
special individuals. They have
Brad
Tapley
(r)
staff,
helps
Paul
Drew
blow
2005 busily putting the
truly made a difference!
out his birthday candles.
finishing touches to Reena’s
I will be resuming my
house on Northdale Road in eager anticipation of
responsibilities at the Battle Centre but know that
five gentlemen coming from the institution in
Northdale will be in the very capable hands of
Huronia. They moved into their new home in late
Sigrun Grosman who has officially taken over at
September and after just a few days, all the clients
this location.
and staff were settling well into their new
surroundings and routines.
Dedication to de-institutionalization
Reena opens new home on Elm Ridge
– Failure is a concept not a person!
By Sigrun Grosman, Resource Supervisor
By James Sejjengo, Reena Resource Manager
It is an awesome responsibility to work in a group
As Reena embarks on another exciting project, the
home. There are definitely times it is challenging and
question of “why the change?” plays loud and clear
you’re liable to wonder if you are making any
difference at all. If you have experienced it, you know amongst all players particularly those who are
directly involved in a given
it is a journey of self-discovery
project. Elm Ridge, Reena’s
to be charged with the welfare
latest proactive project to
of a disabled person. In few
respond to clients’ changing
other jobs do you have to trust
needs is no exception. Change
your judgment and values so
causes anxieties and therefore
often. We can all identify with
can be viewed in many
experiences that made us feel
different ways including
we had reached the limit of our
negative and positive ways. It
problem solving skills, but we
sometimes however, appears
tend to forget to cherish the
handsomely handy to resist
positives.
Linda
Usher
(r)
makes
a
presentation
to
change citing all the possible
I am proud and somewhat in
negative things that may lead
awe, to be experiencing Reena’s Councillor Joseph Mihevic with Helen Vale.
to failure. Quite often then, the person expected to
mandate in such a fundamentally positive way. We
have all heard the stories of when Reena started, how benefit from a new change is believed to be headed
for failure even before the change occurs!
many of our clients moved into the community from
In part however, Reena’s mission, philosophy and
the institutions, and how many lives were affected by
mandate suggest that individuals with a
the agency. But no story can convey the feeling of
developmental disability can maximize their potential
actually seeing it happen right before your eyes - it
when accorded dignified, inclusive, sensitive,
truly is magical!
supportive and responsive environments. Elm Ridge,
What an honour and sheer pleasure it has been for
me to take over the beautiful house and talented team which opened its doors to fourteen individuals with
various developmental needs at the beginning of
at 74 Northdale Road. Every shift is filled with
November, is poised to provide just that, as well as
contagious enthusiasm to re-define a new standard
adding a favourable ambience
for a higher quality of life for
to the community while
each of our residents. Resources
responding to the long-term
are shared among team
planning needs for these
members and there is
individuals as they traverse the
eagerness, not to be better than
somewhat complicated life
your colleague, but to be the
cycle. The first few weeks at
best worker you can be! The
Elm Ridge have proved to
success of a shift is measured in
clients, their families and staff
the number of smiles and
that this was a well-conceived
positive feedback one can elicit
project which will go a long
from the clients, and every day
(r
to
l)
Harold
Bewslov,
Alan
Wanglinsky
way in positively enhancing
is full of new and exciting
help Rabbi Flanzreicht affix the mezuzah.
the lives of its residents.
experiences for everyone. So far
Change, can therefore be positive even during times
it seems the possibilities are endless. What fun it is to
of uncertainty.
be a part of it all!
Ostensibly Elm Ridge is very spacious and consists
My thanks to Reena for giving me the opportunity
of fourteen single elegant bedrooms, grouped in
of having this experience. My thanks to all my coquads around several semi-private kitchenettes,
workers who set it up so nicely and to my team I say:
plenty of bathrooms, an elevator, a common living
“Keep that fire burning”.
Our heartfelt thanks to Joseph Kostman
room, a common dining room and a number of small
“I feel privileged to make this gift to Reena,” was
lounges to be enjoyed by the residents as they so wish.
Joseph Kostman’s comment when he presented a
The home is situated in a quiet residential area in close
proximity to synagogues, TTC, churches, coffee houses, Toyota Sienna van to the clients living at Reena’s
group home on Luverne Ave. The use of this van will
restaurants, stores, the Lawrence shopping mall and a
make it much easier for staff and clients to get to
library. To augment and facilitate conducive living
medical appointments,
environments, Fine
shopping, recreational
Touch Catering caters
activities, etc., and of
main meals, while
course, it will be shared
opportunities for
with other Reena homes
residents to prepare their
in the vicinity.
favourite snacks exist for
This very welcome gift
those wishing to do so.
came about with the
Finally, I would be
help of Carol Kassel,
remiss not to mention
Director, Jewish
with thanks, the efficient
Foundation, UJA
advance and post
(l
to
r)
Carol
Kassel,
Joseph
Kostman
and
Lucia
Federation, and Lucia
preparations that went
Stephenson braved icy winds to pose with the generous gift. Stephenson, Director of
into ensuring that the
the Tomorrow Fund of the United Way.
fourteen individuals’ packing, mailing address and or
We thank them sincerely for their efforts on Reena’s
service changes/notifications and final moves to Elm
behalf.
Ridge were orderly and flawless amid challenges and
competing priorities. These advance and post
Birthright Israel – a life-changing experience
preparations are thankfully attributed to a team of
A letter from a parent.
diligent staff, who’s excellent work ethics and belief in
Dear Sandy and Arlene:
their clients’ potential abilities, speak to and elevate
I have no words to express the depth of our gratitude to
Reena’s work within our communities.
everyone at Reena for enabling our son to go to Israel on the
The home was officially opened on December 15th
Birthright Israel trip. I especially want to thank the Reena staff
2005. Despite blizzard conditions, specially invited
person who ensured that our son had a successful and
board members, local dignitaries, family members,
meaningful experience that far
friends and staff attended and
exceeded what we ever thought
were warmly welcomed by the
possible.
residents of the beautiful home.
For our son, the trip to Israel was a
Rabbi Aaron Flanzreicht of Beth
life-transforming experience. He
Sholom congregation gave a
wanted to go to Israel for a long time,
blessing before affixing a
but without a chaperone from Reena,
mezzuzah to the main door. He
and the generous donor who enabled
was ably assisted by two of the
a chaperone to go, this would have
residents Alan Wanglisky and
never been possible. With the staff
Harold Breslove who assured
person’s skillful support, enthusiasm
the Rabbi that they would
Enjoying
sunset
at
Masada.
and gentle manner, our son was able
accept his offer to visit his
to fully participate in all aspects of the tour, form friendships
congregation. Councillor Joseph Mihevic brought
and feel comfortable in the group of 40 young adults his own
greetngs from the Municipal Government and
age. He climbed, hiked, spent New Year in a Bedouin tent,
expressed his personal delight in welcoming Reena
went to the Kotel, celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem, met with
clients to his neighbourhood. Linda Usher had
family friends and shared a room with two soldiers from the
rehearsed her speech all day. Her task was to thank
‘mifgash’ who slept with guns under their beds (Our son has
Councillor Mihevic and she was word perfect as she
always been afraid of guns!).
presented him with a Reena pin.
For the first time in his life, he was in a group of his Jewish
peers, most of whom are attending post-secondary institutions,
and none of whom had ‘special needs’. And, with the staff
person’s help, and the excellent facilitation of the Hillel
chaperones, our son became a respected member of the group.
Birthright enabled him to blossom – he is walking taller, and is
more confident and social than ever before. He loves Israel and
is so proud that he was able to go to the Jewish homeland. He
has kept in contact with people on the trip, has attended one reunion, and will attend another soon. He is very interested in
news about Israel, and looks forward to returning.
I really cannot praise his Reena companion highly enough.
In all my years as a special education teacher, and mother of a
special needs child, he is one of the most caring professionals I
have ever met. His quiet, gentle and unassuming manner made
him a perfect choice. He went above and beyond what we
expected in terms of spending time with Joshua before and after
the trip, and learning about Israel to help enhance our son’s
understanding.
Kol Hakavod to Reena for having the vision and
commitment to send young people with special needs on
Birthright. We hope this program can continue so that
everyone, regardless of their abilities, can have the chance to
connect with the Jewish homeland, and feel connected to the
larger Jewish community.
Sincerely, A very grateful parent.
Joseph Kostman
– driven by a
strong desire to
help Reena
Our great friend
Joseph Kostman is
driven by a strong
desire – to ensure
that no participant
Sol Fleising (l) presents a gold in Reena’s Outreach
pin to Joseph Kostman.
Program is left
behind when the group takes part in community
activities.
In less than two years, Mr. Kostman has donated
major funding for three vans for Reena. He accepted
our invitation to come to the Toby and Henry Battle
Developmental Centre to give us an opportunity to
thank him for the latest van – a magnificent 12passenger vehicle. According to our Outreach
Activities Co-ordinator Tom Petersen, this vehicle will
accommodate our group and staff in one van, which
is more economical, practical and safe. Thank you,
Joseph from all at Reena.
Carolynn Morrison
elected Chair of the
Board 2004-2006
In her first report as
Chair of the Reena
Board, Carolynn spoke
about the need to help
families know how best
to approach government,
education boards and
community-based
agencies to access
Carolynn Morrison, Chair
funding or programs for
of the Board 2004-2006.
their family members
with developmental disabilities. To help families focus
their efforts and address these issues, Reena invited
parents and siblings of our Outreach Program clients
to attend a series of information evenings. Our goal
was to assist families to tell their story. Several
knowledgeable speakers from within and outside
government clarified the procedures and helped
families strategize ways to best accomplish these tasks.
The response to this event was extremely positive,
and the result is the creation of the Reena Family
Involvement Committee, co-chaired by Wilfred Teper,
a member of the Reena board, and Richard Lewin, a
member of the Reena Foundation board. Both men are
also fathers of Reena clients. Other committee
members are educational and community consultants
and family members of Reena clients.
Members of the Family Involvement Committee are:
Wilfred Teper and Richard Lewin (Co-Chairs),
Carolynn Morrison, Sandy Keshen, Angela
Iannuzziello, Bob Esplin, Eileen Cole, Elaine Norris,
Howard Weinroth, Tali Nizic, Wendy Yudell, Larry
Berdugo, Sheila Libfeld and Michelle Richter, and
staff members Brenda Rothenberg, Elaine Goldbach
and Minnie Ross.
This fall, the Family Involvement Committee will be
hosting several workshops addressing a variety of
informative topics. Carolynn said “We believe the
information and knowledge shared will better equip
us to understand the changes that are occurring which
will directly impact our community.” She urged
families to attend the sessions. “I know you will find
them helpful as you seek to provide a life of meaning
and fulfillment for your family member.”
Mazal Tov to Lori
By Eileen Cole and Howard Weinroth Communications
Committee Members
Between Purim and Pesach, Beth Radom Synagogue
was the scene of a much anticipated Bat Mitzvah.
Reena client Lori Steidman, now 40 years old, had
waited 28 years to be called up to the Bimah. Finally,
her opportunity came
to fruition at a twilight
service on Sat. Apr. 24,
2004. In preparation
for this momentous
occasion, Lori met
with Rabbi Shonblum
and spent countless
hours practicing the
melody, blessings and
text by listening
Lori Steidman.
carefully to the tape
she was given. Although Lori has few family
members, many friends including her housemates at
Elway Group Home, her Reena family and especially
the Nagillah Chapter of Jewish Women
International (which sponsored her Bat Mitzvah),
worked together to be sure that everything was just
right on that Shabbat for Lori.
The moment Lori heard her Hebrew name
announced by Rabbi Shonblum, inviting her to the
bimah, her heart began thumping in her ears with
anticipation and excitement. What was she thinking
as she approached the bimah? Well, she may have
reminisced about the early planning stages which
included picking out her gorgeous dress (a gift from
her sponsors) or she may have daydreamed about
the party later, where she was able to continue
celebrating this wonderful simcha with cherished
friends. But most likely she was concentrating on the
trops that she had practiced so painstakingly, hoping
to ‘get it right.’
Lori knows that it is only in recent years that
women have begun to have the opportunity to
experience this spiritual moment. It is a moment
between the participant and God that can never
really be explained in words, but will stay with Lori
for the rest of her life. Everyone who knows Lori is
extremely proud of her accomplishment, and they
wish her a hearty mazel tov.
December 2004 – Reena marks 30th
Anniversary in Honour of Volunteers
Reena volunteers are undaunted. They show up for
their commitment at all times and in all weather – so
they certainly weren’t going to let more than 9,000
Toronto Marathon runners crossing their route stop
them from
attending Reena’s
30th anniversary
celebration in their
honour. On Sunday,
Oct. 17, 2004, the
Sephardic Kehilla
Centre was packed
with people of all
ages as Reena paid
tribute to three
Bert Raphael, (r) presents an
decades of
award to the Honourable Justice volunteers who
Douglas Carruthers.
have played such
an important role in Reena’s growth and the
betterment of life for our clients.
Carolynn Morrison, Chair of Reena, welcomed
everyone and thanked UJA Federation for making the
event possible through a generous grant to Reena.
Carolynn then introduced David Zimmer, MPP for
Willowdale, who brought greetings from the Province
(l to r) Carolynn Morrison presents awards to Heather
and Martin Goose, and Judith and Allen Berg.
of Ontario and expressed his admiration for the work
that Reena is doing in the community. Susan Kadis
MP for Vaughan and a long-time supporter of Reena,
spoke of her relationship to Reena and pledged her
continuing support. The Deputy Mayor for Toronto,
Councillor Mike Feldman, was present as a long-time
volunteer for Reena and to bring greetings on behalf
of former Mayor Mel Lastman, and Councillor David
Cohen represented the Town of Richmond Hill.
Reena choir members, Rafael Abisira, Kenny
Freeman and Jonathan Bingham, together with
volunteers Kira Katz, Bryna Gelman, Bob Ferguson
and David Worth performed their favourite song
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.
They were accompanied by Fern Dworkin, who
played and sang much-loved melodies throughout
the morning.
Everyone attending the celebration received a
framed certificate from Reena’s clients, as an
Event Chair Helen Vale (centre) presents Good
Samaritan awards to (l to r) Else Droege, Larry
Reinsilber, Michael Hartman and Jason Hartman.
expression of thanks for their friendship and caring.
While some volunteers were singled out to receive
special awards, they represented the hundreds of
individuals who have given their time and energy to
bring joy and a
sense of achievement to the lives of
individuals with
developmental
disabilities.
The enormous
success of our
Anniversary
Celebration was
due to the
Elsa Chandler and Marilyn
Raphael.
dedication and
commitment of Helen Vale, Chair of the event, and
to committee members Heather Goose, Ron
Jamieson, Sandy Keshen, Susan Klein, Millie
Korzinstone, Sheila Libfield, Arlene Margolese,
Shelley Rabie, Marilyn Raphael, Elaine Ross,
Minnie Ross, Fay Rotman, Maxine Sugar, Susa Taub
and Judith Wilson. And a special thank you to Lorne
Simon (of Michael Communications) a long-time
volunteer and supporter of Reena, who brought all
his marketing skills and talents as a radio broadcaster
to the task of Master of Ceremonies.
Volunteering at Reena
By Arlene Margolese, Manager, Volunteer Services &
Judaic Programming
Reena is very proud of the many wonderful
volunteers who add to our success daily, and we
are truly grateful for their generous gift of time,
energy and enthusiasm. Our clients benefit both
directly and indirectly from their help through
the many programs listed below:
ADMINISTRATION:
- Assist in Reena’s offices
DAY PROGRAM:
- Volunteer at the Battle Centre Day Program
HOME-BUDDY:
- Group Home Volunteer
FAMILY FRIENDS:
- Share Holidays and Family Festivities
GIFT SHOP:
- Assist in the Running of the Reena Gift Shop
OUTREACH:
- Assist in a variety of afternoon, Evening and
Sunday Programs for Children, Teens and Adults
PALUNTEER:
- Direct Service Volunteer
SPECIAL EVENTS:
- Assist in Planning and Implementing
Fundraising Events
SUMMER/WINTER/MARCH BREAK:
- Help with Day Camp Programs
Although volunteers are always needed in the
above-mentioned programs, currently there is a
greater need for volunteers in the following
areas:
ADMINISTRATION: Administrative volunteer
with office skills
VOLREENA EDITOR: To edit the volunteer
newsletter
SUNDAY FRIENDS CLUB: Recreational
volunteer Sunday afternoons at the Miles Nadel
JCC
Pl eas e cal l (905) 889-2690 ext. 2111 i f you can
b e come one of R eena’s s pe ci al vol unteers .
David Zimmer, MPP, visits Reena
Outreach program visits Niagara Falls
David Zimmer, MPP, Willowdale, paid his first visit
By Tom Petersen, Activity Co-ordinator
to Reena in July 2004. Mr. Zimmer visited the Toby
In July , 2004 the Outreach program journeyed into
and Henry Battle Developmental Centre and the Al
unknown waters. The ‘waters’ in this case were the
and Faye Mintz ElderHome. He was deeply
Niagara Falls! Now that we
interested in the Older Adults’
have Hwy. 407 and extended
program, the Snoezelen Room,
program hours the Falls have
the Greenhouse and the
become our latest goal.
Learning and Development
When we arrived many of
department and especially
our participants were quite
impressed by the children
overwhelmed at how much
attending the summer program.
there is to see in Niagara Falls.
“What a great community you
They were most impressed
have here,” Mr. Zimmer
with the majesty of the Falls
remarked. “It’s wonderful to see
themselves, but it was the
these kids having fun and
carnival-like atmosphere of
Samson Lee and Aaron Waldman pose for
learning to socialize. No doubt
Clifton Hill that had everyone
the camera with David Zimmer.
it’s wonderful for their parents
truly awestruck. Tommy Chan
as well, to have some respite and know that their
nearly jumped out of his skin when he came face to
child is in a safe environment.”
face with an animatronic crocodile. It didn’t matter
Mr. Zimmer pledged to work with Reena to
what staff said to Tommy – he was convinced that
champion our issues at Queen’s
the crocodile was real.
Park and to deliver results for
The afternoon was
people with developmental
highlighted by first visiting the
disabilities.
Guiness Hall of Records, where
Alan Gornopolsky could not
Gala Tribute Dinner June
stop laughing at his own image
2004 Completes Funding
in the hall of distorted mirrors.
for 2nd Reena ElderHome
Participants were also impressed
For many months Alex Eisen,
at seeing such rare sights such
Chair of the ElderHome
as the largest amount of navel
Fundraising Campaign, and
lint ever collected from one
Harry Kichler, Dinner Chair,
person. As Kathy Varnai said,
David and Luba Smuschkowitz.
worked closely with the Reena
“That’s gross.”
Foundation to raise funds in support of a Tribute
The afternoon was capped off by a visit to Marvel
Gala Dinner to enable Reena to build its second
Comics Adventure City, a comic-book-themed
ElderHome. The home will be named in honour of
amusement park and arcade. While the Falls
David and Luba Smuschkowitz, who are deeply
provided the splendor, it was all the sights and
committed to the community
sounds of comic books brought
and recognize the importance
to life that truly left an impact
of Reena in creating a stronger,
on everyone!
more caring society,
Our trip to Niagara Falls
The Gala took place in June
shows the willingness of staff
2004
at the Sheraton Centre,
and participants to try new
Toronto. David and Luba were
things. This adventurous spirit
surrounded by their children,
helps Reena’s Outreach
Dora and Harry Kichler, Allan
program to get better and better
and Ellen Smuschkowitz,
each year. Thanks for
Howard Smuschkowitz, and
everyone’s hard work and coThe Smuschkowitz family.
Michael and Shirley
operation on this awesome day.
Smuschkowitz, seven grandchildren also attended
the festivities as well as hundreds of friends and loyal
supporters of Reena.
The dinner paid tribute to the achievements of the
honourees as successful business people, respected
philanthropic leaders and as a loving and nurturing
family matriarch and patriarch. The David and Luba
Smuschkowitz ElderHome will be home to a number
of Reena’s more senior and fragile clients.
Dinner Chair Harry Kichler thanked everyone for
making the effort to put Reena on their social
calendar and philanthropic agendas. He also
graciously thanked Heather Goose and Ruth Berger
for their year-long efforts as co-chairs of the Gala
Arrangements Committee.
Gord Martineau of City-TV was Master of
Ceremonies for the event and the legendary Michael
Burgess performed for the delighted guests.
Transforming relationships
The shift in focus to the whole person, his or her
aspirations, capacities and positive vision of
community living, will require a transformation in
the relationship between individuals with
developmental disabilities and their families, and
between the families and service-providing agencies.
Families will need to be actively involved as supports
to their members with special needs in planning a
vision of community life that is consistent with their
developmental stage. Families will need to look for
ways to support them by complementing publicly
funded professional services with other community
Resources. Families will need to develop new kings
of partnerships with agencies where the agency
becomes one of a number of potential resources, and
where families retain responsibility for their family
members and remain active in their lives.
Transforming developmental services:
a Reena perspective
In the fall of 2004, the Minister of Community and
Social Services, The Honourable Sandra Pupatello,
announced her intention to “work to transform the
developmental services system to better meet the
needs of the next generation of adults with a
developmental disability.” In the March 2005 issue of
Kolreena, Sandy Keshen, President and CEO,
responded to the proposed transformation of
services, and suggested that the challenge will be to
bring about real change, rather than the equivalent of
merely adding wings to caterpillars.
Transforming capacity to mobilize
resources
This approach – described in “Connections: A
Flexible Resource Program for Frail Elderly Persons”
(Shields, 1988) is available on Reena’s website
www.reena.org lists four categories of resources that
might be necessary to support an individual’s vision
of community life: Informal resources which includes
the kinds of supports typically provided by family
members, friends, neighbours and volunteers;
Formal resources which refers to those services and
supports provided by people or organizations, often
of a professional nature; Adaptive resources which
includes a variety of aids, devices, etc. that promote
the independence, safety and well-being of the
person with a developmental disability; and
Financial Resources which refers to the dollars
required to provide an individualized package of
resources to support the person with a
developmental disability to achieve his/her vision of
community living.
A transformation of developmental services along
these lines would support individuals with
developmental disabilities in more fully achieving
their aspirations for community life. By working with
families and building on their contribut8ions to the
well-being of their family member, this approach
would promote greater continuity of family
involvement, commitment and contribution.
Adding wings to caterpillars does
not create butterflies – it creates
awkward and dysfunctional
caterpillars. Butterflies are
created through transformation.
Stephanie Pace Marshall
Transforming attitudes
Parents need to treat their unique family members in
a way that is consistent with the treatment of their
other family family members. The fact of a
developmental disability should not disquality an
individual from the kinds of supports and resources
available to other family members, nor should the
person with a disability be viewed as somehow the
responsibility of the state.
Family Involvement Committee
In anticipation of the concerns that were expressed
about the proposed transformation of our sector,
Reena established a Family Involvement Committee
to work with families to secure their children’s
future. Co-Chairs Richard Lewin and Wilf Teper,
and a small group of parents held a number of
meetings and created sub-committees to draw up a
contract for parents and to educate outreach families
on how to plan for and obtain support services.
developing a join JVS Toronto/Reena social purpose
enterprise. Part of this research involved conducting
separate focus groups with clients, family members
and service providers. We learned that the following
components should be interwoven into the design of
any business model for persons with developmental
disabilities: 1) a good fit between the type of business
and an individual’s interests/skills; and 2) the
appropriate level of coaching and support.
While the Task Force is still in the process of
investigating venture models and business ideas worth
pursuing, several JVS Toronto and Reena clients are
already gaining first-hand experience in terms of what
it is like to work in a social-purpose enterprise. In
September 2004, Common Ground Cooperative – a
pioneer in fostering small business partnerships
owned by persons with developmental disabilities –
opened its third coffee
kiosk at JVS Toronto
headquarters office. The
new enterprise, which
includes clients from JVS
and Reena, has created
employment opportunities
for an additional 10
individuals.
JVS Toronto partners with Reena
Jobs Toronto (Jobs/Vision/Success) and Reena share a
mutual goal: creating meaningful employment
opportunities for persons with developmental
disabilities.
Towards this end, an interagency Joint task Force on
Employment Supports was
struck at end of 2003.
Membership includes staff,
volunteers and family members
from both agencies. The task
force identified a systemic gap in
the delivery of employment
support programs for persons
older than 21 years of age with
developmental disabilities.
Whereas younger individuals
On Feb. 3rd, 2005
can attend specialized education
National Council of
programs, there is limited
(l to r) Patsy Hogan (seated) looks on as David Jewish Women say
opportunity for community
Happy Birthday Patsy
Rosen cuts the birthday cake. Behind them
are: Sheila Mestyn, Bettie Raibmon, Rebecca
involvement in meaningful
and David
Ganzi, Paula Frisch and Shirlee Aronson.
activities – whether paid or
The National Council of
volunteer work – for those graduating from school.
Jewish Women – Toronto Section, who employ four
Furthermore, persons with developmental
volunteers from Reena’s Day Program, celebrated
disabilities face a host of employment-related barriers.
birthday wishes for client volunteers Patsy Hogan and
Individuals often require adapted job situations, such
David Rosen. Our volunteers help with custodial
as reduced shifts and job coaches, to make tasks more
duties and set-up for various weekly meetings
manageable. Finding a stable job that meets these
events, the Passover Food drive, and much more.
conditions is difficult in today’s competitive
Council House goes beyond just being an
workplace. Realizing these challenges, the Task Force
employer to help our volunteers reach their goal
became interested in exploring alternative approaches
“towards a better future.”
to mainstream job creation. Committee members were
Special thanks to Rebecca Ganzi for arranging the
aware of small businesses being established with the
birthday party and thanks to Shirley Aronson,
purpose of creating jobs or training opportunities for
Adreas Terrimini and the entire Council House
very low-icoe individuals living on the margins –
family for providing a warm and welcoming
coined “social purpose enterprizes: - and were
environment for Reena volunteers.
interested to learn more about how this concept might
On behalf of the staff and participants at the Reena
apply to persons with developmental disabilities.
Day Program, many thanks for your patience, gifts
With this goal in mind, the committee retained a
and respect for the Reena volunteers.
consultant to help evaluate the feasibility of
Not Just Another Saturday Night
home in which clients can live in independence.” She
By Stephen J. Adler, Senior Development Office, Reena
paid tribute to Rabbi Joseph Kelman, Reena’s founder,
Foundation
“for having the vision to care for a community of
Saturday, March 19, 2005 promises to be “Not Just
people that needed caring.”
Another Saturday Night,” as more than 300 young
Monte Kwinter, MPP for York Centre and Minister of
adults have signed up to help raise more than $10,000
Community Safety and Correctional Services, said that
to support Reena’s respite and enrichment programs.
through his 20 years as a politician, his life has been
This exciting fundraising event, co-chaired by Robert
intertwined with Reena.” David Suschkowitz, who was
Klein and Mira Schwartz of Reena’s New Leadership
a partisan in Poland, came to Canada and became a
Division, will bring together people for an evening of
model of what immigrants can do,” he said, “there
poker, good friends and fun at the Eglinton Grand
could not be a greater remembrance than to name this
Theatre.
home after him.”
A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, including
In a written statement read by the Smuschkowitz’s
WestJet, Iceberg Vodka Symcha Wines, Steam Whistle
son-in-law Harry Kichler, David Smuschkowitz said
Brewery, Starbucks Coffee, Leeward Hedge Funds,
that “Alex Eisen would not give up, and got me
Condor Security, Hart Entertainment, Royal Bank,
involved in raising money for the home. Although it is
Shape and Vibe Dance Studio Fitness.
dedicated in our names, it honours all of us.”
A sincere thank you to Magan
Boys Entertainment, which is
Creating greater
providing the evening’s
understanding with
entertainment, and to Adam
Toronto Police
Snellings for donating his
Reena’s Learning and
artistic skills.
Development and Core
Thank you, also, to committee
Residential departments
members Jason Friedman,
designed a presentation
Adam Henchowicz and Melissa
which was made to Toronto
Kelman, and to Lauren
Police 32 Division in March
Barmash, Danielle Goose,
and April, 2005. James
Darryl Margau and Sara Werb,
Sejjengo, Resource
who volunteered to make the
Manager, and Sandy Toben,
(l to r) Rabbi Joseph Kelman, David and Luba
evening an outstanding success. Smuschkowitz and Alex Eisen, break ground
Resource Supervisor, took
at the second Reena ElderHome.
the lead in presenting
April 2005, Reena breaks
information specific to
ground for second ElderHome
Reena’s services and clientele, as well as generic
By Carolyn Blackman, Staff Reporter, Canadian Jewish News
information about developmental services.
Reena held a groundbreaking ceremony on Weldrick
There were five weekly sessions and each session
Road in Richmond Hill on Sun. Apr. 17, for its second
was attended by a different ‘platoon’ of 25 officers.
ElderHome for seniors with developmental disabilities.
James and Sandy reported that there was great
The David and Luba Smuschkowitz Reena
interest in the form of questions and discussions from
ElderHome named after the couple because of their
the officers who attended. They felt that the goal of
generosity and leadership in raising the funds to build
increasing police knowledge, awareness and
the home, will accommodate 14 people and will be
sensitivity regarding our clients and our sector at large
fully equipped to meet their increasing needs as they
will go a long way to building positive relationships
age. Campaign Co-chairs for the new home, who were
and better communication, especially during times
responsible for raising $2.3 of the $2.5-million goal,
where police involvement is requested or needed.
were Alex Eisen and Saul and Toby Feldberg.
While the program was initiated by Reena, the
At the ceremony, attended by federal, provincial and
members of the police force wholeheartedly
municipal politicians, as well as Reena families and
welcomed Reena and agreed that the information
board members, Reena Chair Carolynn Morrison said
shared has given them a greater understanding of
the agency is building much more than a house. “Reena people with developmental disabilities. We thank
has reached into the community and is building a
them for their interest and support.
Wicked-ly good
April 20, 2005 was the date of the Reena Foundation’s
presentation of Wicked, one of Broadway’s biggest
musicals. The event raised almost $40,000 for Reena’s
Respite and Enrichment programs. The event which
began with an elegant pre-theatre reception at the
offices of Blaney McMurtry LLP was organized by
Theatre Night Chair Susan Klein. This was the second
theatre event in two years and was built on the
success of The Producers shown last year. Plans are
already underway for Lord of the Rings in 2006.
A very special thank you to: Blaney McMurtry for
again sponsoring the pre-show reception, our Gold
sponsor Bank of Montreal for their continued support
of this event and Gift Bag sponsors Apollo Health
and Beauty Care, Classic Creations, Universal Lamp
and HMV.
A silent nod
By Rudy Barell, Cottage Reena Coordinator
The excitement and clamour of the cottage program’s
first session for 2005 culminated with a boisterous and
attention-grabbing group enjoying each other’s
affection for a final dinner out in Collingwood. To the
staff and the cottagers the meal out has become a
tradition and a non-verbal ‘thank you’ to all involved
in creating a wonderful social experience.
Often amongst the population of the Reena Cottage
Program emotions and appreciations are expressed in
gestures or shared events. While enjoying our dinner,
a member of the Collingwood community in the
dining room expressed his admiration of the Reena
Cottage Program by donating half the cost of the bill
for our end-of-session dinner. At the discovery of this
sensitive and benevolent act, one of the supervisory
staff was immediately reduced to tears, while all the
other staff were in awe of the occurrence.
An act such as this demonstrates that there are
generous and caring people who want to give for
giving sake, giving to those who need. But even more
so, the donation indicates the recognition the staff
deserve for their dedication, happiness, heart, and
friendship that is unmistakable to passers-by.
This is a ‘thank you’ to a silent nod that helped the
Reena Cottage Program recognize the importance of
the job that the staff accomplishes, and the
responsibility that everybody has to acknowledge
their unequalled involvement.
Reena staff – our valuable commodity
(An excerpt of a report by Sandy Keshen, Reena President &
CEO Sept. 2005)
At the end of Summer 2005, one of the students in
Reena’s Summer Student Work program placed a box
of chocolates in the lunch-room with a card that read
”You are all so lucky to be working here! I will have
many fond memories of working with each and every
one of you. Have a terrific year, and keep up the
excellent work!”
Nicole had obviously caught the Reena spirit – a
spirit that runs through the organization and inspires
the staff to give of their best to enhance the lives of
the people for whom they care. This little note caused
me to think specifically about the competence, caring
and loyalty of the Reena staff.
I spoke with our Human Resources Manager, who
confirmed my understanding that a very large
proportion of the staff have been with us for many
years. Of our senior support workers, 33.3% have
been with Reena from 10-17 years, and 23.5% of our
support workers have been with Reena from 10-18
years. Some of our overnight support workers have
been with us for more than 20 years, while 25% of
part-time workers have been on the job for more than
5 years (some up to 16 years.) This stability of Reena’s
workforce is very reassuring and creates a sense of
security in the clients we support.
We are proud of our record of staff retention and
consider that our extensive training programs are an
incentive to people in the social service sector. Reena
has a deep commitment to learning and development
for our staff and for the sector at large.
I believe that our commitment to training and
development is appreciated by our staff and is repaid
by their long-term dedication to Reena.
There are no Hallmark cards available to thank staff
for their hard work and caring and so I take this
opportunity to say a heartfelt Thank You to them on
behalf of the Board of Directors for making Reena a
great place in which to work and for using their
talents and caring to enrich the lives of the Reena
clients.
Rabbi Kelman (l) founder of Kadima and Rabbi
Emeritus of Beth Emeth Synagogue and Mark Elbaum
were on hand to present the award to Judy Teper.
September 2005
FORE! Another successful golf tournament
tees off for Reena
The 6th Annual Sheryl Latinsky Memorial Golf
Tournament was held Aug. 25 at Cedar Brea Golf and
Country Club. Proceeds from this year’s tournament
will support Reena’s Respite and Enrichment
Programs which serve the dual purpose of ensuring
that individuals with a developmental disability
receive the best possible enrichment and recreational
opportunities while their families receive the respite
needed to stay out of crisis. Proceeds will also support
the Aphasia Institute’s ongoing communicative access
to participation in social and community life for
people with aphasia and their families.
Key attendees were Gary Sim, Reena Foundation
President and Stephen Adler, Senior Development
Officer with committee members: Dr. David Sugar
(with son Kyle), Dr. Larry Podolsky, Lynda Adler, Dr.
Saul Quint, Elaine Pritchard, Alan Dessau and
Cheryl Perera, Karen Bealieu and Mark Ber.)
Reena client receives prestigious award
In Sept. 2005, Judy Teper received the Simon Elbaum
Award in recognition of her achievements as a
member of Kadima. The award was presented to Judy
by the Sons of Jacob Shalom Lodge. Judy’s family,
Elway staff and housemates were all present as she
proudly accepted the award. It was a wonderful
ceremony and to top it off, Rabbi Morrison of Beth
Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue spoke in honour of
Judy and blew the shofar.
Sandy Keshen
appointed to board
of Ontario’s LHIN
The appointment of
Sandy Keshen, Reena
President and CEO, to
the board of Ontario’s
Local Health Integration
Networks (LHINs) means
Reena is being
recognized for its impact
on the community. This
was announced by Mr.
Sandy Keshen, Reena
Charles Beer, a former
President and CEO
Minister of Community
and Social Services at Reena’s annual general meeting
in June 2005. The 14 networks, recently created by the
McGuinty government are responsible for planning,
integrating and funding local health services to make
it easier for patients to access the care they need.
“This means that Sandy will be involved in the
broad range of health services in the area. Her voice
will be there to speak on behalf of the Agency,” Beer
said. “These networks will become critical players in
the delivery of health services.”
Enjoying the Together We Belong gala on March 23rd
are: seated (l to r) Fay Rotman, Meredith Morrison,
Helen Vale, Elise Pulver and Regional Councillor Linda
Jackson. Standing (l to r) Dale Morrison, Dr. James
Perry, Carolynn Morrison and Mario Campese.
2006
Together We Belong gala benefits Reena
and Alternatives
On March 23rd 2006, Michael Di Biase, Mayor of
Vaughan held a gala dinner to raise funds and
awareness of Reena and Alternatives, another
organization that also supports people with
developmental disabilities. The dinner was a success
on many levels thanks to dinner co-chairs Peter
Cipriano and Mitchell Goldhar.
Mayor Di Biase is a long-time friend of Reena and
has visited the Toby and Henry Battle Developmental
Centre on many occasions speaking about this
admiration for the work Reena is doing in his city. We
thank him for his commitment and ongoing support.
Mayor Di Biase said that he takes much pride in the
Together We Belong gala “because two very worthy
non-profit organizations brought their staff and
volunteers together in a spirit of co-operation to share
some of their history and some of the selflessness of
their work. These organizations have clearly
benefitted from new friendships, new alliances and
new relationships. Reena and Alternatives are now
sharing notes and programming ideas which will
further benefit children and young people”.
We thank Mayor Di Biase, the Council of Vaughan,
the Presenting Sponsor First Pro Shopping Centres
and Gold Sponsor, Gold Park Homes for championing
and supporting people with developmental disabilities
through the Together We Belong gala.
The Annual Report for the year 2005-6
included a message from Sandy Keshen, Reena’s
President & CEO in which she told readers how
Reena has been working with diverse groups to build
partnerships and to create innovative initiatives that
will open new opportunities for people with
developmental disabilities to live, work and socialize
in the community.
The following articles illustrate the successes we
have achieved thus far.
Camp Northland, Haliburton
By Tom Petersen, Resource Supervisor, Outreach and
Respite Services.
The much anticipated camping experience for
children with special needs was a resounding
achievement. With support from generous donors in
the community, Reena sent a group of kids to B’nai
Brith Camp Northlands, in the heart of the Muskokas.
The Reena youngsters participated in all the exciting
camp activities integrating smoothly with over 550
other campers.
The program consisted of three “long weekends”
Our group went up on Thursday morning and
returned to the city Monday morning. Overall the
Reena ready for the challenges ahead
Reena is ready to face the challenges ahead because of
months, and even years, of planning, consultation and
education. An Innovation Grant from MCSS (Toronto
and York regions) has allowed us to take the step from
the planning stages to the implementation of Passport
to The Community, an exciting program which provides
a full spectrum of opportunities to individuals leaving
the school system. Through innovative partnerships
with the community Reena opens the door to greater
options and choices. Our York region program is
located in the Toby and Henry Battle Developmental
Centre and the Toronto program is in partnership
with Hillel Jewish campus centre on the U of T
campus in downtown Toronto. What an amazing
opportunity for inclusion with the university and the
community at large.
Miles Nadal Centre
The first season of Sunday Friends Club South held at
the Miles Nadal Centre proved to be a great success.
(Our sincere thanks to the Howard and Donna Winik
Philanthropic Fund at the Jewish Foundation of
Greater Toronto which sponsored this pilot program.)
This initiative now continues with ever increasing
enrollment.
Respite for Families
Reena has created more respite for families by
expanding the number of after school and Sunday
activities, as well as short-term residential respite
opportunities for children and adults. Parents can now
enjoy longer periods of time attending to other family
members, or even plan a short vacation
“Northland Experience” as it was dubbed by staff, was
successful on many levels. Our participants enjoyed
activities such as archery, canoeing, kayaking, arts and
crafts, rock climbing, water sports and even wild
Saturday night dances! They proved to be fearless
when it came to “tubing”. Our more noted “tubist”
was Jesse Grunzweig, who not only loved it, but was
able to maintain perfect hair the entire time. Noah
Wolansky, while being an accomplished “tubist”
preferred the raw power of the speedboat and elected
to be a spotter in the speed boat. Noah’s job was fairly
easy as none of our kids even came close to falling out
of the tube. The biggest surprise probably was the
climbing wall. There was not a dry eye around as
Daniel Poberezkin and Ryan Wizenberg climbed their
way to the top of the wall. Make no mistake this was
not an easy task and both boys showed how
determined and gritty they were by refusing to quit
until they got to the top! Tristan Latoche also thrilled
(and terrified) staff as he rocketed down a thirty foot
zip line!
It has often been said that you don’t truly know
someone until you live with them. This was especially
true at camp Northlands as it allowed our staff and
the kids to see each other in a different light.
The Northlands experience proved to be a very
rewarding and enriching experience for everyone
involved. A great deal of credit must go to Northlands
Director Ellen Nash, Assistant Director Steve Polevoy,
the Northlands staff, and most notably the specialists.
They were so patient with our kids when introducing
an activity. They did everything possible to ensure
that all of our kids would be able to participate in the
various activities. Enough cannot be said of the Reena
Outreach staff. They (as usual) approached their jobs
with dedication, commitment, creativity, and an
unbridled enthusiasm that is contagious.
They were truly sharing in the experience and had
just as much fun as the kids! I would like to extend
heartfelt thanks to the following staff: Lauryn
Barmash, Liat Josovits, Nicole Resnick, Sari Shanoff,
Elisa Fisher, Leah Tator, Marissa Gladstone, Ashley
Orrett, Leora Kaizer, Mathias Maclean, Brian
Diamond, Jermey Ng, and last but not least, Michael
Goldberg.
SIL’s Sunsational Summer
By Rebecca Freedlander, Support Worker
It’s been a busy few months for the Reena Supported
Independent Living (SIL) Group. We’ve been having a
lot of fun, as well as helping out in the community.
Here is a sampling of our summer activities.
We are continuing our work with the North York
Harvest Food Bank and some of us were on hand to
celebrate the 30th anniversary of this wonderful
organization. Hirsch Silverstein even made a poster
to commemorate this event and was happy to be
recognized as one of the valued volunteers helping to
keep things running smoothly over the years.
In addition to our work at the Food Bank, we are
now proud to be assisting Fran Chodak and her staff
at the Family Resource Centre. It is a pure pleasure to
work on behalf of the children and their families.
Cheryl Kelman is especially happy to be able to see
the children with the arts and crafts that our group
has helped to prepare. We clean and sanitize the toys
so that the children can play in a healthy
environment, as well as helping out with community
information mail outs. The Resource Centre is quickly
becoming one of our favourite ways to show what
productive citizens we are.
Some recent outings have included a tour of York
Region Fire Station that incorporated lots of useful
safety information for home and away. We also
participated in an animal education day at P.J.s Pets in
the Promenade Mall. Many thanks to Francesca
Augello and her assistant Karen for arranging an
informative and fun day learning about dogs, cats,
gerbils, snakes and even chameleons!
Lest we not forget our Jewish heritage, on Shavuot
we enjoyed a delightful dairy dinner and prepared
mitzvah baskets for family and friends. Mike Rubin,
the Ritual Director of Beth David, Bnai Israel, Beth Am
Synagogue gave us a guided tour of the building and
played the Jewish Festival Game with us. We are
pleased to report that we know our holidays and Mike
failed to stump the group.
Everyone appreciated our Bake Sale Days at the Al
Green Resource Centre (Atlaz) and at the Toby &
Henry Battle Developmental Centre. Many thanks to
Amazing Donuts and Richman’s Bakery for
providing us with such delicious kosher pastries. With
the proceeds of the sale we were able to enjoy a day at
Harbourfront, including a one-hour boat tour of the
harbour. Harold Sadoway said that he especially liked
the boat ride and ice cream treats. We look forward to
more fun fundraisers throughout the year.
Stay tuned and we will keep you updated about our
adventures. Leaving you with happy thoughts of the
good times to come. So long for now…THE SIL GANG!
Continuous Quality Improvement
Committee
Report of Tali Nizic, Chair, June 2006
The Continuous Quality Improvement Committee of
the Board (CQI) has a very important objective: to
ensure that the quality of care and services provided
by Reena are reviewed on a proactive and progressive
basis to best serve client needs. To make certain that
this objective is met, the committee’s composition is
very important. It is chaired by a board member and
the committee is comprised of four staff members,
four board members, seven family members, two
clients and five community members. The CQI
committee meets every six weeks and here are some
of the highlights for the year ended March 31, 2006:
Review of Agency Serious Occurrences:
The committee reviewed all serious occurrences that
were reported to the Ministry. The committee’s
membership now includes Constable William Stead, a
Liaison Officer from 32 police division. Constable
Stead’s involvement on this committee has enabled
members to understand and appreciate police
involvement in areas that affect our clients.
Review of Restraints Order Protocols:
The committee regularly reviews all restraint
protocols in Reena to
ensure that such
restraints are necessary,
ethical and that they meet
Ministry standards. There
are currently three
restraint order protocols,
which CQI reviews every
three months and one
restraint protocol, which
is reviewed every six
months.
$100,000 for Ungerman Sports Complex
Irving Ungerman, long-time supporter of Reena and
its sports and recreational programs, announced the
launch of a $100,000 campaign in support of the Irving
and Sylvia Ungerman Sports Complex at Reena’s Toby
and Henry Battle Developmental Centre.
“Recreational and sports programs for these
youngsters are so important in keeping them active, fit
and healthy…it all leads to a better quality of life for
them. The Ugerman Sports complex is vital in giving
them a place where they can feel safe and supported
in trying new activities under Reena’s supervision,”
says Ungerman. “We need to raise funds in order to
purchase new equipment, undertake some important
renovations and endow
important respite programs
for Reena.” Mr. Ungerman
is chairing this campaign
and vows to complete the
campaign by the end of the
year…for Reena’s aspiring
athletes!
The Launch of
Sonshine Day
By Joe Persaud, Manager,
Learning & Development
Under an almost cloudless
Reena’s Responsive
Members of the Learning and Development Committee sky, on Wed. June 28th ,
Survey Feedback:
(standing l to r) Howard Weinroth, Ken Beck (chair and
2006, Paula Sonshine
The committee reviewed Reena Board member), Devika Persaud, Dean
hosted the inaugural
responses from family
Johnson (New Leaf training Manager,) Debbie
Sonshine Day Luncheon in
members gathered during Gladstone. (seated l to r) Paula Sonshine, (hostess)
her spectacular garden.
and Sandy Stemp,( Reena Program Director.)
or after their family
Paula is a very special
member’s Annual Life Plan meeting. Overall
hostess and a dedicated supporter of Reena. She told
impressions were summed up as follows: 65.5%
her guests ”I wanted to organize an event to express
exceeded expectations while 29.5% were satisfactory.
appreciation to others who support Reena through
Those who were somewhat satisfactory accounted for
volunteerism on boards and committees. Sonshine Day
4.5%.
is an acknowledgement of the value of their time spent
The areas that are important for the questionnaire,
and expertise shared to improve the quality of life of
speak to the need for Reena to reinforce its mission
Reena clients. I look forward to this becoming an
and values; to strengthen the relationship between
annual event.”
the individuals (client), their family, Reena staff,
In recent years Paula has devoted her energies to the
significant others and other agencies and to
Leaning and Development Committee and, in
continuously improve the delivery of services and
particular, to the Developmental Disabilities Counsellor
supports. Families are encouraged to complete these
(DDC) program. “I cannot overemphasize the
surveys each time as this will help improve Reena’s
importance of the training and development program
services.
for staff which gives them the tools to enhance the
lives of the individuals whom Reena supports. The
DDC program which Reena developed in 2003 is a
(OPADD) in the provision of services for people with
most successful means of attracting and training future developmental disabilities as they age.
staff in this field”.
“We also note Reena’s
Rabbi Joseph Kelman and
innovative thinking and
Rabbi Philip Sheim each
commitment to staff training,
thanked Paula for her
recruitment and retention via
commitment to Reena and spoke
the Developmental Disabilities
of their high regard for Reena’s
Counsellor Program. Agencies
work in the community.
like Reena are critical in
Carolynn Morrison added the
ensuring quality supports are
appreciation of the Reena board
delivered by teams of well
and of everyone present to Paula
trained, dedicated staff.”
who has dedicated June 28th to
Carolynn Morrison, Chair of
Jeff and Rita Rayman.
be Reena’s annual Sonshine Day.
Reena, spoke of meetings with
government officials where
Annual Meeting Report, June 2006
families, staff and board members had the opportunity
Changes in delivery of services by the Ministry of
to help shape the services and funding that the
Community and Social Services (MCSS), the shortage
government provides. “Reena,” she said, “appreciated
of trained professional staff in the field of
meeting with Mr. Ernie Parsons, MPP, and we were
developmental disabilities, and
encouraged that he understood
Reena’s leadership role with
our concerns and agreed that
OPADD – the Ontario
agencies should continue to be
Partnership on Aging and
supported by the government.”
Developmental Disabilities –
She, too, noted the difficulties of
were the key topics addressed by
attracting and retaining staff
guest speaker Kevin Costante,
and reported that Reena’s
Deputy Minister of MCSS and
Learning and Development
Carolynn Morrison, Chair of the
department had launched a
Reena Board at the annual
very successful Developmental
meeting held on June 28, 2006.
Disabilities Counsellor program
Speaking about Challenges and
with George Brown College.
Heather Goose and Ruth Berger.
Opportunities, a document
The first graduating class of 12
released by his ministry in May, 2006, Costante stated
successful candidates received their certificates from
“we’re not just tinkering with the system, we’re doing
George Brown College and Reena and each one is now
major re-thinking of what can be done to provide
employed at Reena.
supports and services for people who have a
2006 Reena Foundation
developmental disability. We’ll
Gala Dinner
be offering more choice and
The 2006 Reena Gala was an
flexibility for individuals and
exciting evening attended by
families and we’ll be making the
over 850 people. Thanks to the
system less complex and easier
efforts and hard work of Gala
to access.”
Chair, Jeff Rayman, and
Costante went on to speak of
Fundraising Committee Chair
the critical need for collaboration
Frank Wilson, the evening
across sectors, and expressed
raised over $300,000 to support
how much his ministry valued
the integrated apartment
Reena’s leadership role with the
Ontario Partnership on Aging
Frank A. Wilson presents flowers of thanks project. The 2006 Gala was in
honour of Norm Bacal,
and Developmental Disabilities to David Steinberg.
National Co-Managing Partner at Heenan Blaikie and
a long-time staunch supporter of Reena.
Thanks to Ruth Berger and Heather Goose, cochairs of the Arrangements Committee, guests were
enthralled with the beautiful venue and décor in the
historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Many Silent Auction items were on view including a
Hollywood themed section, and guests had the
opportunity to bid on movie premiers, art, show
tickets and many other entertaining items. Special
thanks are due to Julie Rose and the Auction
Committee for all their hard work in gathering over
100 auction items which raised over $20,000. David
Steinberg stepped in at the last minute to serve as MC
of the event when Dr. Marla Shapiro was
unexpectedly detained. We thank him for the ‘great
job’ he did.
A new feature of the Gala was the Tribute Book,
which showed both Norm and Reena just how much
their contributions are appreciated the community.
We would like to thank Judy Bronfman and her
committee for organizing the Tribute Book.
Community and Social Services and we appreciate the
good working relationship which we have established
with the ministry. “
On a more immediate note, Reena is pleased to
welcome to its building the Beit Rayim Synagogue
who will join the Russian Community Centre in its
Shabbat programs and it is my personal hope that we
have opportunities to create Bar and Bat Mitzvah
celebrations in partnership with synagogues in the
community for the people we support.
Helen Vale, Elected
Chair of Reena
Board of Directors
2006-2008
In her first report as
Chair of the Reena Board,
Helen Vale announced
that Reena, together with
Batay Reena and the
Reena Foundation, was
committed to creating
more housing options,
Helen Vale, Chair of Reena such as the Integrated
Board, 2006-2008
Apartment Building
which is the next major project on the Reena drawing
board. This exciting undertaking will be on the Joe
and Wolf Lebovic Campus in York Region and has the
potential for a warm, embracing and accepting
community. “I am looking forward to Reena’s role in
providing innovative housing with a management
component on the Lebovic Campus” she said. “This is
a housing initiative led by Kehillah with partners
Jewish Family and Child Service, Chai Tikvah, Senior
Care and ourselves.” She continued “Our most
important partner in this venture in the Ministry of
DASD Contracting Golf Tournament.
Rain or Shine Golfers Enjoy a Great Round
John and Claudia Catalano and DASD Contracting
have, once again, gone above and beyond the call.
On June 29 the annual John and Claudia Catalano
Charity Golf Tournament took place at Kings Riding
Golf Club. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate but our wonderful supporters and die-hard
golfers showed up to play in the rain. The event
raised over $5,000 for Reena’s Respite Programs and
the John and Claudia Catalano Endowment Fund.
John is the manager at Filippo’s Gourmet Pizza on
St. Clair and organizes the annual event for Reena.
Thanks again to John and Claudia for another
successful year.
The following week, the annual DASD Contracting
Golf Tournament took place at the Richmond Hill Golf
Club. The course was full of DASD’s suppliers and
customers and they enjoyed a sunny afternoon of golf
and fun all in the name of charity. At the end of the
day company principals, Sam Tsangis and Doug
Lowe, presented Sol Fleising and Gary Sim a cheque
for over $19,000.
Thank you Sam and Doug.
Letter of thanks—
The following letter was written in November 2006 by
the brother of a new client who had spent over thirty
years in an institution before moving to Reena this
year. The letter was sent to Terri Ripley, a Resource
Supervisor and her team at one of Reena’s homes in
the community.
also help to inform the community about the work of
Reena. Young leaders have been planning our annual
Not Just Another Saturday Night for the past two years.
The New Leadership Division will continue this sellout event, watch for it next March. This group will
also be spearheading the Guys Night Out event this
fall and has plans for an additional event in November.
Dear Terri:
Yesterday when I spoke to Lionel to wish him a Happy and
Healthy 49th birthday, tears welled up after I hung up the
phone. He sounded more cogent and lucid than he has since
the age of sixteen (about thirty-three years ago.) His
functional capacity (physical and phychological) is
extraordinarily greater than it was when he was accepted by
Reena. I was overwhelmed with emotion.
You may be accustomed to receiving compliments in your
field but this is not overstated adulation. It seemed that
Lionel had “awakened” from a three decade ”somnolence.”
The motion picture “Schindler’s list" came to mind. I seem
to recall his epitaph, “If you have saved one person, you have
saved the world.” Terri, you have. You should always know
that even at your most frustrating moment at work, I know
that both you and your organization have helped Lionel
more than any other in my lifetime. You, and your team do
exemplary work every day.
When my will is rewritten I will not forget the efforts of
Reena. On a more immediate time frame, I will encourage
my father to do the same.
Please be so kind as to determine if Lionel could travel to
Florida to stay with us for approximately four days in the
spring of 2007. I would like to travel with him to Disney
World.
With much gratitude, PAUL
Transformation process must be heard
By Sandy Keshen, December 2006
Sandy Keshen, Reena President & CEO reported in
December 2006, that over the past while, Reena has
been working with provincial and local agencies to
ensure that the Ministry of Community and Social
Services’ Transformation process is heard by our
elected officials. She continued….”We believe that the
needs of people with disabilities and their families
have changed over the years. Children with
disabilities are integrated in their own communities.
Reena, along with parent groups and partner
agencies, support the Transformation of the
Developmental Service Sector which the current
government committed to in its 2004 Budget.
Transformation of our sector is vital to reflect the new
realities of people with disabilities.
A transformed system must take into account the
need for financial accountability to the taxpayers of
Ontario. This has been very difficult due to not having
the tools to complete assessments that can be tied to
funding. In a transformed system this will change, as
will such things as eligibility for funding. The
transformation plan will only be achievable with the
assistance of the Ministry of Finance providing the
funding resources and making them more flexible to
people with disabilities, families and agencies utilizing
them.
Making funding available to families, as well as notfor-profit agencies will empower agencies to support
people in ways that are compatible with their needs.
In particular, when families are empowered through
funding, this will reduce the stress on community
agencies for added services and will also enable
agencies to concentrate on transformation reforms.
Transformation will create a culture of change, which
is essential with the Developmental Service Sector as
we seek to continue to provide high quality services
and keep them cost effective and sustainable.
While non-traditional options may not suit
everyone, clearly our current approaches need to be
September 2006
The New Leadership Division securing the
future!
On September 27th the Reena Board Room was abuzz
with potential. Over 25 young professionals between
the ages of 25-45 met as a group for the first time.
This network of young leaders is helping to secure the
philanthropic future of Reena Foundation. Steven
Weisz will serve as Chair of the group and the
following are members of the executive: Stephen
Adler, Adam Henechowicz, Dayna Henechowicz,
Melissa Kelman, and Mira Schwartz.
The New Leadership Division has set several goals
including raising funds through annual events that
transformed and must reflect the new reality of the
integration of people with developmental disabilities
in our communities.”
A Bold New DirectionThe Transformation Agenda
To address both current and future challenges in the
sector, a transformational approach is needed that
allocates funding that is portable, directly to
individuals and their families while ensuring a strong
responsive and stable non-profit service system.
The Developmental Services sector is at a crucial
juncture. Service providers, families and staff of the
Ministry of Community and Social Services have
joined together to plan for a transformation of how
services are provided and are ready to move forward.
The status quo is not an option. The system must be
stabilized and new initiatives launched. Ontario must
invest now to transform supports for its most
vulnerable citizens.
We echo Premier Dalton McGuinty’s stated desire
“to make sure that everyone gets a fair shot at success.”
2007— Reena announces creation of new
How-to document
Connections is a how-to document which has been
developed to help parents of children in Toronto and
York Region plan as their child makes the transition
from school life to adulthood. It provides information
on transition planning and identifies some of the
issues parents need
to think about. It
also contains
information on
accessing services in
Toronto and York
Region.
It’s never too early to begin making life plans for
your special child’s future. That was the message
stressed by Rae Roebuck, consultant and facilitator for
the Connections document. Rae was the guest speaker
at an information evening held on Feb. 27, 2007 at
Reena’s Toby and Henry Battle Developmental
Centre. Parents of Reena’s outreach program
participants were invited to attend and they filled
every seat in the hall.
Parents attending the meeting were unanimous in
their appreciation to Reena for giving them the
opportunity to hear Rae’s presentation. Over 120
pages long, the connections document can appear to
be daunting, but Rae took the audience through some
of the key areas in the publication which is written in
a clear and easy to read style, defines steps to be taken
along the way, and includes helpful ‘tips.’
A note of caution - The connections document
contains a paragraph of caution: Having a transition
plan in place however, is no guarantee that all the
supports and services you have identified in your plan
will be available to you in the adult system. The reality is,
that your child is moving from a system of entitlement,
(the public education system) to a system of limited and
finite resources (adult developmental services).
The meeting was
arranged by Reena’s Family
Involvement Committee
Chair Wilfred Teper, and is
part of a series of lectures,
seminars, work-shops etc.,
which Reena holds
throughout the year to
share information with
families
A copy of Connections is
posted on Reena’s website:
www.reena.org/publications Danni Lunsky.
Congratulations Danni
By Heda Mitchell, Support Worker
On Nov. 16, 2006, Danni Lunsky completed an eightweek Public Safety Group at Surrey Place Centre. To
be selected for this group Danni went through an
interview process without any assistance from staff.
The group met every Thursday for eight weeks and
was mediated by staff at Surrey Place Centre.
Accompanied by her primary worker, Danni
embarked on the TTC subway filled with anticipation
and questions. The group dealt with topics such as
relationship circles which teaches about different
types of relationships; safety when home alone; safety
in public places such as the TTC, or just walking down
the street; and many other matters. Danni participated
well and it became evident that Danni possesses good
pedestrian skills.
At the end of the eight-week course, each
participant received a certificate of completion. The
goal now is for Danni to continue to practice what she
has learned. Staff will encourage and assist her to
incorporate these skills into her daily commute in the
community. Danni’s family and staff are very proud of
her. Keep up the good work, Danni.
Reena Volunteer a Thornhill Local Hero
Reprinted with permission from The Thornhill Post
I’ve spent all of these years learning from
staff and clients, and I think I get so much
more back than I put in.”
For some the path to volunteerism is difficult, but for
Risa Feldman, it was just a simple matter of walking
out her back door.
Feldman, who lives in the Bathurst Street and
Steeles Avenue area, has become one of the most
dedicated volunteers at Reena, the non-profit agency
located directly behind her house. Reena provides
programs and services to people with developmental
disabilities in order to help them better integrate into
society.
Feldman recalls how she first
became nvolved with reena
eight years ago. “I watched as
the home was being built,”
recalls Feldman, “and I
thought maybe one day I
would just pop in or give them
a call.” When she took time
off from her work as a medical
office assistant, Feldman at last
got the chance to see what
Reena was all about.
“I was basically there, at first, Risa Feldman reads to
Outreach Program.
just to assist in the programs
and help the staff, and I only intended to volunteer
for six months,” Feldman says.
Having had very little experience dealing with
special needs people, she initially found herself
intimidated by the different ways in which clients
interacted with staff and volunteers. “When people
came up to me right away and didn’t follow the social
rules I was used to, I thought, “I’m not so sure about
this!” says Feldman. Yet she quickly became
comfortable with the clients at Reena, and cultivated a
niche for herself as the Reena storyteller. “I started
reading them books because I love to read, and what I
found was that they loved it too,” she says.
Feldman began to stop by the library across the
street before each of her shifts, grabbing four or five
books to read to the clients. “Initially, I read to the
young adults, but when I continued with the older
adult groups, I saw that everyone loves to be read to.”
When Feldman is reading, staff at Reena get to take a
break from their busy, action-filled days, and listen
along with the clients. And during the story sessions,
clients are certainly not just passive listeners. In fact,
Feldman’s readings usually inspire a great deal of
discussion among clients and staff alike. “It is about
much more than story time,” says Feldman. “We talk
about current events the weather, the highs and lows
of our lives – anything that comes up.”
Contrary to what many would expect, Feldman is
reading to a discerning audience. “It’s easy to think
you can read anything and people with special needs
will just sit back and listen, but I’ve found there’s a
difference between finding material that engages
them, and reading something that is not relevant,” she
says. Occasionally,
when she’s in a hurry,
Feldman has picked up
the first library book
she sees, only to then be
told she’s selected a
dud. “I really do have
some critics on those
days,” she says,
laughing. The
challenges of the role
Feldman has chosen for
herself extend beyond
a participant in Reena’s
making an appropriate
literary selection. “Some
days it can be challenging to get everyone to listen,”
Feldman says. “But I’ve learned to use teaching
strategies to try to get them to settle down.”
Still, on days when story time fails, Feldman has
learned not to take it personally. “I try not to be hard
on myself now, and the more time I spend at Reena,
the easier my work gets.” She says. I’ve spent all of
these years learning from staff and clients and I think
I get so much more back than I put in.”
Letter of thanks—
The following letter was received recently by Leora
Kaizer, Co-ordinator of Reena’s Outreach Program.
March 2007
Dear Ms. Kaizer
I've just dropped Stephanie off at Reena's Sunday Program
at the JCC. On my way home I could not stop thinking
about how wonderful Reena's program is. So I decided to
send an e-mail to you. I hope you don't mind.
Thank you very much for providing the wonderful
program and staff to help us. It's been 24 days since
Stephanie stopped her constant repetitive tortuous
movements / blowings (exhaling her breath)that had
tormented Stephanie and us from morning to night for one
and a half years. It started suddenly in the summer of 2005
and she stopped suddenly on Jan.18 this year when I picked
her up at Reena after the last session. Your staff at the
Sunday and Tuesday programs endured and supported
Stephanie with great thoughtfulness and cheerful smiles.
We are not exactly sure what made Steph to be able to stop
these movements / blows, but I truly think Reena's programs
made her, and pushed her to be able to stop those
movements/ blows. Her school has been so wonderful and
supportive of her all through the years and she joined other
occasional programs last Fall also. But Reena really gave
Stephanie lots of joy and more positiveness in her life.
Stephanie has been really looking forward to attending
Reena's programs each time.
Reena helped her feel happy.
There probably will be other ups and downs but we
appreciate her present condition every single day. We truly
appreciate Reena from the bottom of our heart. Could you
kindly extend our best regards to Mr.Tom Petersen, and the
staff, Michell, Michael, Shane, Tina, and all the other
wonderful young ladies and gentlemen at the Sunday
Program (I 'm sorry I cannot recall the names of the other
wonderful staff) and Fari, Nicole and other wonderful young
ladies and gentlemen at the After School Program?
Thank you very much for having and helping Stephanie
and us.
Sincerely, Harumi Metcalfe
Ground Inc., and as partner with Coffee Shed, he has
been awesome. Mike is now diligently working to
participate in leadership training at JVS to supervise
his own Coffee Shed. The team at Coffee Shed has
nothing but positive praises for Mike.
In addition to all his previous commitments, Mike
finds time to volunteer at a Reena group home. We all
wish him continued success. What a humanitarian!
What a humanitarian!
By Horace Emanuel,
Support Worker
Being diagnosed with
Asperger’s syndrome (a
form of autism) as a toddler,
didn’t curtail Michael
Disenhouse’s development.
Mike always persevered and
continued to make strides.
He was motivated to
complete his high school
Michael Disenhouse.
OSSD diploma program in
1999 when others doubted him.
Mike has also recently begun working at Jewish
Vocational Services (JVS) in association with Common
Fred Thornhill presents Minister Meilleur with a gift
which he helped to make in Reena’s creative arts
program.
Report of President & CEO
By Sandy Keshen
In January, 2007, Reena was invited to make a
presentation at a pre-budget meeting of the Provincial
Government’s Standing Committee on Finance, in
Barrie, Ontario. Sandy Keshen, Reena President &
CEO had the opportunity to speak about current and
future challenges facing families of people with a
developmental disability, the need for additional
funding and the critical need to recruit, train and
sustain a strong work force for our sector.
The Hon. Madam Meilleur announces
funding
On May 7th, Reena board members, clients and staff
welcomed The Hon. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of
Community and Social Services to the Toby and
Henry Battle Developmental Centre. The Minister was
present to reinforce the Ontario Government’s
support of the developmental services sector as
announced in the 2007 budget.
“With the commitment of more than $200 million in
additional funding over four years, our transformation
of developmental services takes another giant step
forward.” said Minister Meilleur. “For the first time,
developmental services agencies will get more than
$22 million for base funding, which will compound
annually over four years. In addition, agencies will get
$20 million for targeted wage gap funding to address
the lowest-paid employees in this sector.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s
investment of $7 million in the Passport mentoring
initiative, $3 million in special services at home and $6
million in residential supports and added … “with this
budget, our government’s total investment in
developmental services climbs to more than half a
billion dollars since 2003. We have made great strides
and we still have a long way to go. This budget
expresses our ongoing
commitment to working
with our partners to build
stronger, more inclusive
communities, not only for
people with developmental
disabilities, but for all
Ontarians.”
not an RDSP is the best option. In some cases, it may
be more effective to use a trust to secure the child’s
future.
Legislation was passed at the end of 2007, making
RDSPs available as of Jan. 1, 2008. For more details,
search the Canada Revenue Agency website
(www.cra-arc-gc.ca) for RDSP.
Financial Planning for Your Child’s Future
Report by Wilfred Teper, Chair, Reena’s Family Involvement
Committee
To satisfy the need and demand by families of
disabled persons for information on how to provide
financially for their loved
ones in the future, Reena’s
Family Involvement
Committee, and staff,
organized a second
information evening for
families featuring three
eminently qualified
speakers to explain existing
and new developments as
New Government
well as opportunities that
Registered Disability
have recently been
Savings Plan helps
announced by the federal
dependents with
John Stapleton, Rachel Blumenfeld, Wilfred Teper
and Larry Berdugo listen to a question from the
government.
disabilities
audience.
About 40 people
If you have a child with
attended the event at
severe disabilities in your
Reena’s Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre
family, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
on the evening of April 17, 2007.
provides a new way to secure money for his or her
Rachel Blumenfeld, a well-known lawyer
future care.
specializing in estate planning, presented an overview
The RDSP works much like a Registered Education
of what is now available to enable families to
Savings Plan (RESP). Contributions are not taxfinancially protect their family member when they
deductible, but investment earnings compound taxthemselves are no longer here. Keen interest was
free. Anyone can contribute, whether family or not.
The beneficiary must begin withdrawals by the end of shown in the Registered Disability Savings Plan
announced in the last federal budget. This RDSP will
the year in which he or she turns 60, and will be
enable one to set aside money annually in a fund
subject to tax only on earnings, not on the capital.
similar to existing RESP, that allows accumulation of
The lifetime contribution limit is $200,000 and
interest free of tax; that received government grants in
Ottawa offers a generous matching grant. Families
certain circumstances; with contributions up to age 59,
with net incomes up to $74,357 (in 2007 dollars) will
and where the funds were of course to be used by the
get three times the first $500 contributed each year
disabled beneficiary for a variety of purposes.
and double the next $1,000, for up to $3,500 in grants.
John Stapleton, a social policy consultant and
Higher-income families get a 100% match on just the
former provincial social services policy analyst and
first $1,000 contributed each year. Lower-income
manager spoke on the origin, need and requirements
families may receive Canada Disability Savings Bonds
for a Henson Trust that enable the continuation of
of up to $1,000 a year.
ODSP payments to disabled adult sons and daughters.
Professional advice can help determine whether or
Schwartz, CEO of ONEX introduced and paid tribute
to Ellis before Ellis was presented with the first Reena
Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance, Ellis
announced that the evening netted $1 million for Reena.
We extend thanks to a number of people who made
this evening’s success a
reality. A very special thank
you to event Chair, Jeff
Rayman for his work over
the past year which
solidified the event and its
success, and also to his
Honourary Co-Chairs Barry
Avrich and Robert Lantos.
Thanks to Frank Wilson,
2007 Reena Gala
Chair of the Fundraising
Surpasses All
Committee and his entire
On May 28 over 1200
Honouree
Ellis
Jacob
with
his
wife
Sharyn,
Fran
team for all their efforts in
people gathered at the
Sonshine and Ed Sonshine, Chairman of RioCan,
achieving their goal of 100
Sheraton Centre in Toronto
a Diamond Sponsor of the evening.
corporate tables. Also to Judy
for one of the best galas
Bronfman, Chair of the Tribute Book Committee and
Toronto will see this year. The room was abuzz with
her entire team for having surpassed last year’s results
excitement amongst long-time friends and the many,
by over 80%.
many film houses and studios that came out to pay
And to our sponsors who ensured the financial
tribute to this year’s honouree, Ellis Jacob. Mr. Jacob is
success of the evening: Presenting Sponsor, ONEX,
CEO of Cineplex Entertainment, the largest theatre
Platinum Sponsors, Alliance Atlantis and Scotiabank,
chain in the country. Our most heartfelt thank you to
Diamond Sponsors, RioCan and Tribute Communities,
Ellis for having worked so passionately on this gala for
and to all our gold, silver, and bronze sponsors as well
Reena!
as everyone who contribute in any way – THANK YOU.
This year’s Gala was a showstopper. Attendees of
the event enjoyed the ambience of
Reena receives go ahead for
the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton
exciting new project
which was elegantly draped in true
In her President & CEO’s report for
Hollywood style. From the initial
Reena’s 2007 Annual Report, Sandy
gasp at the beautifully bedecked
Keshen wrote “I am thrilled to
room, through the dinner and the
announce that Reena has been
heartfelt speeches paying tribute to
approved to proceed with acquiring
both Reena and our Honouree, to
the funds necessary to build a new
the final musical performance by
$19 million dollar Community
The Fab Four, the evening was a
Residence and Learning Centre. As
flawless production. Our thanks to
the demographics of the Toronto
Ruth Berger and Mona Sherkin for
Jewish population is moving north of
all their efforts as Co-Chairs of the
the city, so, too will Reena clients
Arrangements Committee and to
Master of Ceremonies, Edward
have the opportunity to move closer
Barry Avrich for orchestrating a
Greenspan.
to their families and to Jewish
perfect evening. Thanks also to
Tomorrow, the exciting new Joseph and Wilf Lebovic
Heather Goose and Sheila Libfeld for heading the
Campus in York Region.”
Menu Selection Committee.
The building will have 60 supported housing units,
Eddie Greenspan, who flew in from Chicago for the
for 82 persons and will also house an innovative
evening, was our MC for the evening. Gerry
training centre for families and staff.
Larry Berdugo, an investment firm president and
financial adviser specializing in insurance, spoke on
the use of insurance to enable one to “still have their
cake and eat it” utilizing insurance to ensure a legacy
to heirs AND donating to charity by a well thought
out estate plan
implemented to minimize
tax claw backs to the heirs.
Participants in the forum
who wanted further
information were noted
and sent summaries of the
speakers’ presentations.
The location of the building has been approved;
zoning is in place and we are currently working with
architects to design the space.
An opportunity not to be missed
With a sod turning planned as early as Fall, 2007,
Reena is offering grantors and donors an
opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the
building of a new inclusive community (one that
expressly includes those with limited incomes, and
disabilities) which does not happen often. This
partnership opportunity is unique and will provide
significant long term benefits to people with
developmental disabilities and their families living in
York Region and to individuals moving from
institutions to the region.
To acquire a grant of $3.6 million
Reena is working with the Ministry of Community &
Social Services (MCSS) to acquire a grant of
$3.6million towards the project and we have received
a $1.6million grant from the Federal Housing through
York region. Reena is making submissions to a
number of other grantors both local and south of the
border. We are fortunate to have the full support of
the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto as partners to
build.
Reena Clients Triumph!
Reena’s proposed supportive housing building is
Reena SIL Program - A Great Place to Live
part of a much larger community initiative to ensure
Submitted by Katharina Killens, Support Worker
that the residents will be part of a vibrant community
Two clients of 262 Ridley Boulvard hosted a luncheon
all within walking distance.
for their parents on
The Lebovic Campus will
Dec. 04, 2006. Mia
provide a much needed
Brodt and Lisa Pallotto
community hub in York
wanted to thank their
Region. The Campus includes
parents for having faith
community centres offering
in them to be able to
sports, recreation, arts, and
live on their own. Mia
cultural, religious and social
and Lisa wanted to
opportunities, an on-site
show off their cooking
ambulatory health facility,
skills. They both wrote
schools, stores and services.
out invitations and
An accessible transportation
service will link the Campus
mailed them to their
and the rest of the region.
parents. They waited
Back row (l to r) Symcha Brodt, Mia Brodt, Lisa
The Campus is designed to
for their parents to
draw together residents living Pallotto and Vince Pallotto. Front row (l to r) Fran
confirm their
Brodt (seated) and Maria Pallotto.
in the region and also, very
attendance before they
importantly, to provide a welcoming local community
cooked all the food. Lisa wrote a speech with Mia’s
with all the amenities that elderly and disabled people help, thanking their parents for their patience, love
need while simultaneously enhancing their ability to
and hard work.
travel to and participate in the many communities of
The event went off just great and both sets of
York Region. The plan is to build an inclusive
parents had a wonderful time.
community that will allow for full participation of
Thank you Reena for the SIL (Supported
people with limited incomes and mobility – the
Independent Living) Program. – A Great Place to Live.
elderly and people with disabilities – with accessible
and affordable housing.
SIL clients enjoy a variety of programs.
SIL clients, with the help of staff and families, have come up with a long list of activities they all enjoy on
their regular Sunday outings. Movies, the Science Centre, visits to the Zoo, restaurant meals, are just some
of the events they like to do together. They also look forward to planning the Passover Seder and annual
picnic in the park – two events that get maximum attendance.
Faith and Cultural Services
By Arlene Margolese, Manager, Faith and Cultural Services
and Volunteer Services
The magic word for anyone with special needs is
“inclusion”, which is important in every aspect of our
lives. With respect to inclusion within the Jewish
community, Reena understands that in order for our
clients to reach a comfort level as participating,
contributing members of the Jewish community, we
must provide our clients with a solid base of Jewish
knowledge through programming and environment.
We must also provide knowledge through education
to the rest of the community, to promote respect and
acceptance for our clients.
A good example of this was demonstrated recently
through Reena’s Outreach Program on “mitzvah
day” which was held by a B’nai Brith Lodge, Temple
Sinai, and One Cool Day an event held by
UJA/Federation. Families of Reena clients watched as
volunteers from these other organizations came to
Reena to perform good deeds and acts of kindness.
They took clients out to movies and bowling, and
participated in programs with them. Many family
members who are not Jewish questioned why these
people were doing this, and when told they were
doing a “mitzvah” (good deed), they wanted an
explanation as to just what a “mitzvah” is. This
provided tremendous opportunities for healthy
dialogue and education.
Another great opportunity for dialogue presented
itself when clients were involved in the “Walk for
Israel”. Parents who are not Jewish questioned why
their children were marching, thus opening the door
for creating awareness.
We not only learn by example, but teach by example
as well. We stress to our clients that if we want
respect and acceptance, then we must give it.
Towards this end, we help our clients to nurture
sensitivity, tolerance and acceptance towards people
of all faiths and cultural groups, by stressing the
uniqueness and commonalities of different religions.
We teach our clients that Jewish people understand
what discrimination and intolerance brings and that
we must fight against this for all.
Reena Welcomes New Residential Clients –
moving from Institutional Living to the
Community
Deborah Dearman moved to 12 Luverne on March
20, 2006 from the Huronia Regional Centre. Since that
time we have seen a remarkable change in her quality
of life. She has developed a personality that draws
attention of those around her through her wonderful
sense of humour. She is quite the dancer in our home
and loves being the centre of attention – don’t we all?
Deborah had had the opportunity to be involved in
quite a number of community outings. Along with
being extremely helpful around the house, she takes
an active role in assisting to carry in the groceries and
putting out the garbage.
DEBORAH MAKES HER T.V. DEBUT
Just recently Deborah was involved in becoming
Reena’s newest commercial T.V. star. The commercial
is being launched by OPSEU as a way of enlightening
the community about the lives of people living with
developmental disabilities and the important role
played by staff in their care. Deborah was at her best
and enjoyed showing off her many skills to the
photographers. I believe she’ll be up for the next
Academy Awards!
Deborah is looking forward to a fun-filled summer
with lots of exciting day excursions. She’s also waiting
for a response from Wheel Trans so that she can be on
her way to enjoy Toronto
Deborah is one of 14 men and women who moved
from institutions to Reena homes in the fiscal year in
review. We are delighted to report that their
transition has been most successful. They are thriving
in their new environments and enjoying all the
opportunities to take part in programs which take
them into the community. They also can now visit
with family members from whom they had been
separated for many years.
Moving from family homes
Friendly neighbours
Shore Family Respite Home at 241 Crestwood
Reena’s newest family members are attracting
Avenue. The house was crammed with guests,
positive attention from their neighbours. In the case
clients, their families and staff. The speeches were
of our Garthdale home, the neighbours have invited
few and short, but everyone was touched when
the residents to use their pool and have offered them
Zachary Cohen, thanked Mrs. Shore on behalf of all
swimming lessons. All the men in the Garthdale
the residents and Kenny Freeman presented her with
home came to Reena from the Huronia Institution
a bouquet of flowers.
(two had lived there for
Later in the year 2007,
more than 45 years) and
Helen Vale, Chair of the
the strides they have
Reena Board, was
made since living in the
delighted to report that
cosy, and warm family
despite the pressures and
atmosphere of their new
rush attached to a rapidly
home is almost
growing agency, the
unbelievable.
atmosphere at Reena is
The assimilation and
exhilarating and charged
growth of all those who
with a sense of
have become new
achievement. Much has
members of the Reena
been happening in recent
Rabbi
Kelman
places
the
mezuzah
on
the
door
of
the
family is due to the care
months she stated, that
ElderHome with Helen Vale (l) and Luba and David
and attention of Reena’s
has been very positive.
Smuschkowitz.
well-trained staff and we
thank them for their caring and compassion.
Opening of Silkwood
A group of young adults moving from children’s
Reena opens two new homes
homes were greatly in need of a home. Reena
Within the last six weeks, Reena has been privileged
responded to the emergency crisis by reopening a
to officially ‘open’ not one, but TWO new homes for
home on Silkwood Crescent on September 12th. We
clients ranging from early teens to senior citizens.
were happy to be able to reach out to these young
On Sept. 30, 2007 we officially opened the David &
individuals. More young adults will be moving in
Luba Smuschkowitz
over the next few weeks
Reena ElderHome on
and the home will be fully
Weldrick Road in
occupied at the end of the
Richmond Hill. Many
year.
MPs, Mayors and local
Councillors were very
Facility Initiative
impressed with the home
Reena has been at the
as were the members of
forefront for
the Smuschkowitz family.
accommodating
They had an opportunity
individuals from
to tour the home and
institutions as part of the
meet some of the seniors
Provincial Government’s
Rose
Shore
(third
from
right),
unveils
the
plaque
of
who have already taken
plan . Since the fall of
Reena’s latest home.
up residence.
2005, Reena has
Neighbours, too, were invited and they expressed a
responded greatly in bringing in 24 individuals from
keen interest in Reena and its role in their
the provincial facilities. The province wide ministry
community. We look forward to a long and pleasant
target for closing facilities is March 2009. Individuals
relationship with them.
are coming into Reena with very complex needs;
And then, on Oct. 28, 2007, Mrs. Rose Shore and her
however, Reena is very confident in being able to
family unveiled a plaque to open the Rose and Philip
provide for these individuals. Reena has unique
November 2007 - Reena Clients Cruise the
Bahamas
Submitted by: Kim Skelly, Resource Supervisor
After five months of intensive planning by staff,
families and clients, we were ready to embark on a
fantastic vacation. At first, some of the families had
misgivings, but we persuaded them that their
daughters/siblings would benefit greatly from the
experience and would be
well taken care of. Clients
and their families paid for
the trip and in many cases,
the families added
something ‘extra for
spending.’
So on Nov. 19th, all
nineteen of us (clients and
staff) flew to Miami where
we embarked on a cruise
to Nassau, Half Moon Cay,
Miami.
and Turks/Caicos in the
Bahamas. What excitement! One of our group is in
Reena’s Supported Independent Living program, but
the rest of the clients had high medical and physical
needs. However, that didn’t deter us. We were
overcome by the kindness and support we received
from the other cruise passengers. They were very
helpful, interested in our group and were fascinated
Residential Vacancies
in the creative ways we managed to integrate our
It should be noted that Reena is part of the
ladies into all the activities on board.
centralized access systems for
And some of the ways were very
residential vacancies in Central
imaginative indeed. When Sally
East and Toronto. As vacancies
Cheung had to receive her food by gbecome available, Reena is
tube, we hung the tube over an open
obligated to declare them to the
porthole, draped a towel over it, and
central access mechanism. There is
nobody knew that while we were
a process for putting names
soaking up the sun, Sally was receiving
forward.
her sustenance! Another innovation
Reena facility spaces do not take
was fixing a large blue ribbon marker
up community spaces. Reena’s
on the cabin doors occupied by our
commitment to the provincial
group which was a great aid for staff
facility initiative does not take
Sally
in
her
special
chair.
and clients.
away from our commitment to
The special equipment we needed to move from
community; Reena continues to offer community
programs such as our Pathways program which offers place to place on board didn’t hamper us in any way,
and certainly we didn’t miss out on any of the fun. I
extensive programming for people with
would like here to express our sincere thanks to Tony
developmental disabilities living at home and also
at HME (Home, Medical Essentials) who loaned us a
provides much needed respite to their families. In
special travelling chair for Sally. She could not have
addition Reena offers a wide variety of residential
managed the trip without it.
respite for families in the community.
resources that allow us to do this, such as our two
ElderHomes. The caliber of our front line staff and
supervisors is also a major factor in the successful
moves. For many individuals, once they move into
the community, their personality blossoms.
The transition of facility individuals has been smooth
and exciting. Transition planning for these
individuals is done over many months with many
partners including
families, facility staff and
Reena staff. Individuals
are beginning a new life
and we are pleasantly
surprised at how quickly
they are exploring new
opportunities in the
community. Many of the
clients attend and enjoy
the Reena day programs.
As can be appreciated,
Enjoying time at the pool in
the growth in the
number of clients at Reena has affected all
departments, including the increase of staff in our
homes, as well as accounting and administration but
our Human Resources department is rising to the
challenge.
During the day, the pool and hot tub were great
attractions and, of course, we went to the Casino
every evening. Sally took to the Casino like a fish to
water!! She had a great time spending the money her
brother had given to her for the trip. The Casino was
also a hit with Thelma Hatchard. She was fascinated
by the slot machines. She would put her face up to
the machine to feel the vibrations which brought a
huge smile to her face. Thelma came to Reena just a
year ago after living in an institution for 40 years.
Since coming into Reena, she has reconnected with
her mum who is now very involved in her daughter’s
life. We called Thelma’s mum in Winnipeg from the
boat just to tell her that we had arrived safely and
Thelma was able to convey how happy she was. You
should have seen Thelma dressed up to the nines for
the Formal Night! We all had fun dressing up, most
especially Kathy Varnai who performed at the
Karaoke at every opportunity.
Overall the trip was most successful. Travelling had
its difficulties, but the many kindnesses we received
from the other passengers compensated for
shortcomings on the part of the crew. With lots of
planning, dedicated staff and lots of enthusiasm, we
found that NOTHING is impossible. We arrived back
in Toronto extremely tired but very happy after a
fabulous trip.
Would we do it again? You betcha. We are already
making plans and saving our dollars for 2009.
Sandy Keshen, Reena President, commented
“While the above article focuses on how the
clients enjoyed every moment of the cruise, the
message that comes through loud and clear is the
dedication and care of the staff that accompanied
them. They meticulously planned all the details
of the trip and worked hard to ensure that the
people in their care had every opportunity for
enjoyment. ‘Nothing is impossible’ was their
motto and this very positive attitude allowed the
clients to participate in new and exciting
activities. It also gave other travelers the
opportunity to meet and socialize with the Reena
clients. They served as good ambassadors for
Reena and I would like to thank them all on
behalf of the Board.
March 2008, Rabbi Joseph Kelman
honoured by UJA Federation
Reena celebrated when Rabbi Joseph Kelman was
presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for
his outstanding work in the community on behalf of
individuals with
developmental
disabilities . The
ceremony took
place on Tuesday,
Feb. 26, 2008 at the
Joseph E. and
Minnie Wagman
Centre. The firsttime awards, the
Community
Inclusion Awards
of Excellence, are
part of the UJA’s
broader
Rabbi Joseph Kelman receives
Community
Lifetime achiement award.
Inclusion Initiative.
Rabbi Joseph Kelman was being honoured by UJA
Federation of Greater Toronto for almost five decades
of work on behalf of people with special needs.
A pioneer in the field, Rabbi Kelman developed a
conviction early in his career that a person with a
disability is entitled to the same Jewish experience ¬
or a similar one ¬as anyone else. He went on to cofound Ezra, a program for students with learning
disabilities; the Dr. Abraham Shore She¹arim
Hebrew Day School, to educate children with
learning disabilities; and Reena, an organization that
integrates adults with developmental disabilities into
the community.
He chaired the North America-wide committee on
special education under the auspices of the United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for more than 30
years, and he was instrumental in having
developmentally disabled children accepted into
Ramah camps as part of a program now called
Tikvah.
Helen Vale, Chair of the Reena Board
presented three special awards at the AGM
held on June 27th 2007
Lifetime
Achievement
Award to Harley
Mintz; the Spiritual
Inclusion in the
Community Award
to Rabbi Philip
Scheim; the Rabbi
Kelman
Humanitarian
Award to Dr.
Robert Heyding.
Helen Vale and Harley Mintz.
Louis Leung, Javier Negrette and Carles Dykstein
are the greenhouse team who assist with every aspect
of plant care to create this wonderful oasis. They
assist in picking up
plants from the
Garden Centre and
bringing them to
Reena’s
greenhouse in the
Toby and Henry
Battle Developmental Centre.
Furthermore, they
assist with
watering the
Helen Vale and Dr. Heyding.
plants, removing
A Garden Oasis
dead leaves, fertilizing, transplanting and keeping the
Submitted by Ese Osoria, Support Worker
room clean. In addition, the greenhouse team is
From the moment you step into the
involved in projects such as painting
Reena greenhouse there is a sense of
pots with the Reena logo, filling the
peace and calm in the air; you are
pots with plants and delivering them
surrounded by the vivid colours and
to organizations that have requested
the exquisite scent of the varied
them. Every year Reena’s
plants in the room. Say goodbye to
greenhouse supplies flowerpots to
winter and have a seat in one of the
the Beth Shalom Synagogue for their
many chairs located in every corner
fundraising dinner. We also supply
of the room. The therapeutic
plants to decorate rooms for Reena
sunlight, aromatic leaves and the
meetings.
tranquil sounds of nature create the
The team is working very hard to
relaxing atmosphere.
keep the plants healthy and looking
Helen Vale and Rabbi Philip
Sammy Soberano, Lionel Gotkin,
good. As a result, the plants are
Scheim.
Jeffrey Green, Andrew Marshall,
blooming and the atmosphere is
very peaceful and filled with sensory music. The next
time you are in the Battle Centre, don’t forget to visit
the greenhouse, and enjoy our garden paradise.
Many of the plants are for sale and the price is right!
(l to r) Sammy Soberano, Staff Ese Osoria, Lionel
Gotkin, Javier Negrette, Staff Omon Kamanga, Staff
Rick Punni and Volunteer Wilfred Otobo put the
finishing touch to a consignment of flower pots for
Beth Sholom Synagogue.
July 2008
Report of the Chair of the Reena Board
By Helen Vale
There is great excitement as I write this report. Reena
is currently welcoming many guests from across
Canada and the US who are attending the KINUS
2008 Conference, which this year is hosted by Reena
and Tamir of Ottawa.
The theme of the conference is INCLUSION – not
just opening the door – but how to welcome the
person with a disability (developmental or otherwise)
to fully participate with a level of comfort. It is not
enough to have an accessible building – ramps are
necessary- but it is essential to welcome participants
with a disability into our congregations, camps, youth
groups and community activities. Inclusion means
WITH not just IN. Inclusion is not just a disability
issue. It is about living full lives, increasing diversity,
and building community.
Since its inception, Reena has initiated some
excellent programming that serves people with
special needs. For example, Reena’s Pathways
program provides our clients with a variety of
integrative opportunities, including job-readiness,
life-skills, social skills and much more. It is now up to
the community to accept, welcome, encourage and
promote further opportunities for people with a
disability to come in from the periphery of society
and take their place as contributing and valued
members of the community. When someone with a
disability is included and involved in meaningful
ways, society is blessed with their gifts.
Kinus 2008 Conference
The Kinus 2008 Conference took almost two years of
meticulous planning by a committee of keen,
knowledgeable and energetic people in Toronto and
Ottawa. The conference was more than everything
we had hoped for. It brought together Jewish
developmental services providers from across Canada
and the U.S. Front-line staff, family members and
clients also took part in the three-day event which
exemplified the meaning of Kinus – to gather
together.
Focus of the conference was inclusion in all aspects
of living of people with developmental disabilities.
There were opportunities to learn new skills and
strengthen abilities, to share best practices, discuss
some welcome changes in to-day’s society, and above
A person who hears less may see more
A person who sees less may perceive more
One who speaks slowly may have more to say
A person who moves with difficulty may have a
learer sense of direction.
Thornburgh G. (2000)
Working with other agencies under the auspices of
the Inclusion Committee recently established by the
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, we can develop
the necessary tools and strategies to help alleviate the
discomfort and fears that many have in the presence
of individuals with disabilities. The KINUS 2008
Conference brings the best practices and
recommendations from professionals in the field of
social services, lay people, family members and staff
across Canada and the US.
Many of these ideas can be incorporated into
Reena’s vision of inclusion to “Welcome
Everyone…With Joy”, Pirke Avot 1:15
The Kinus 2008 Committee (l to r) Arnold Foss (Circle
of Care), Co-Chair Marilyn Raphael (Reena), CoChair Myra Wiener, Mark Palmer (Tamir, Ottawa),
Arlene Margolese (Reena), Cantor Daniel Benlolo
(Tamir, Ottawa).
all, there was encouragement to staff in the field of
developmental disabilities to carry on their much
appreciated efforts on behalf of clients and their
families.
The keynote speaker was Ian Brown, Feature Writer
for the Globe and Mail and CBC Radio Host, as well
as author of "I am Walker Brown". Shelly
Christensen, from Minneapolis, author of the “Jewish
Community Guide to Inclusion of People with
Disabilities” was our guest speaker Monday morning,
and Elaine Hall, from Los Angeles California,
Founder, Producer and Director of "The Miracle
Project", a musical theatre project for children of all
abilities who made a presentation Monday evening..
The conference included workshops, lectures and
panel discussions centering around "Creating an
Inclusive Jewish Community" and "Living a Jewish
Life". Also included was a choice to tour one of
Toronto's innovative programs, either "The JVS
Innovative Path 2 Work Program", "Reena's Senior
Home at Weldrick", or "Zareinu Educational Centre".
The conference opening ceremonies included
musical entertainment featuring Shoshana Telner,
Concert Pianist, The Halleluja Drummers, Michael,
Moon, Musician, and the Reena and Tamir Choirs,
and Reena Dancers.
(l to r) Tali Nizic, Chair Elect Reena Board,
Rabbi Joseph Kelman, Founder of Reena, and
Mrs. Kelman, Lily and Jerry Penso (Founders of
Tamir, Ottawa).
Jerry and I are still on a high after having attended the
excellent Kinus conference 2008 in Toronto. It
provided us with the opportunity of meeting others and
learning and sharing mutual experiences. All the
speakers, workshops and seminars were of the highest
content and the entertainment, and even the yoga, gave
us a welcome change of pace. We especially enjoyed the
tours of Reena facilities and marvelled at all the
progress which has been made.
Thank you for the warm hospitality and the
opportunity to participate in a conference we will long
remember.
—Jerry and Lily Penso, Ottawa
A Proud Mother Thanks Reena
By Michelle Richter
On the evening of Sunday June 15, our daughter
Karen performed with her dance group at Beth
Tzedec Synagogue as part of the entertainment
portion of the Kinus Conference. Karen and her
friend Ruth had been happily attending the “Move
and Mingle” folk dance and pizza evenings at the
BJJC.
Suddenly, I was asked to sign a permission form for
Karen to perform with her dance group. I had to
laugh since Karen tends to be anxious in large
groups, and sometimes has screaming upsets.
However, the Reena staff wanted to give it a try, and
so, with some trepidation, I signed the form.
We had made an arrangement with the Reena staff,
that Karen would attend the dress rehearsal, and that
if she was at all agitated, they should return her to
her home. The dress rehearsal was at 4pm at Beth
Tzedec. We agreed to keep in touch by cell phone.
At 6pm, we were told that Karen had enjoyed the
evening and that they still planned to have her
perform. Excitedly, we hopped in the car and made
our way to Beth Tzedec.
The conference festivities were running late. The
Reena Choir performed and at 9:30, Karen’s dance
group of 16 developmentally challenged adults, filed
to the front. My husband and I took refuge behind a
bar at the back of the room, so that Karen would not
see us and disrupt her ability to perform. Reena had
graciously supplied one-on-one support for Ruth and
Karen. When the music began, Karen moved and
danced with the others with a smile on her face. She
was really enjoying the experience!
Karen and friends dancing at the Kinus Conference.
My husband and I were so proud of our daughter
that evening, and the memory of Karen’s success is
something we will always remember. Thank you
Reena, for making our daighter shine! A heartfelt
thanks to Carolyn Falle, Michelle Pearce, Sandy
Bartholomew and Margaret Maduka.
If time flies when you’re having fun…
well so does space. Reena’s growth and
achievements in the last decade of its history
were too great to condense. So look for the
December issue of Kolreena for Reena in the
years 2009-2014. Shana Tova – good health –
peace and happiness from Minnie Ross.
Kolreena
Report of the Chair
of the Reena
Foundation Board
by Mike Nethercott
I
n the past few months, Reena has
asked Reena Foundation to help
meet the growing needs of the
community we serve.
In response, Reena Foundation will
be launching a major campaign
focused on increasing the capacity of
Reena to meet these needs. Over the
coming months you will hear about
the details of the $8.3 million
“Minding Our Future” campaign. Our
success for this 3 Year initiative will
depend largely on our ability to
engage the community in its ability to
financially support such a campaign. I
am asking the leadership of our
community to get involved and help
actively ensure the campaign is a
success.
We need talented, engaged and
passionate volunteers to help in this
bold venture.
The first component of the
campaign will be an effort to
significantly grow our endowment
fund in support of key, vulnerable
programs. Programs like Reena’s
Respite & Enrichment programs
depend entirely on the community for
their financial viability. These
programs are vital to the health and
stability of the families Reena supports.
Our focus on Endowment funds are
our way of ensuring that these “lifelines” are secured in perpetuity and
never again at risk.
Other vital programs have been
identified as needing long-term
community funding. The details of
these programs will be laid out in
future communications. For now I ask
you to get involved in helping make
sure the future is bright for the people
we serve. Call our offices and let us
know you will be a part of the solution
for Reena, either through volunteering
your time or through a generous gift
to the campaign.
In the meantime I would like to
extend to all families involved with
Reena the very best for a happy and
healthy new year.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 53
Kolreena
Report of the
President
by Gary E. Sim
I
t has been another busy
summer, full of fundraising events
and activities as well as being an
active time of planning for a
productive fall and winter fundraising
season. Throughout this issue we will
detail those events which I will only
overview here in order to express my
heartfelt thanks to those that have put
in so much time, effort and passion in
order to provide a better quality of life
for the people Reena serves.
The summer began with our Annual
General Meeting held on June 27 at
the Henry & Toby Battle
Developmental Centre. At that time
we acknowledged the fact that for
three of our Directors, their term was
up and they will be leaving the Board.
From all of us at the Foundation we
extend our sincere thanks to Tobie
Bekhor, Marshall Gottlieb and Arnie
Unger for all the good they have
achieved for Reena during their terms
over the last number of years. We
know you are leaving the Board but
you will always be members of the
Reena family.
Shortly after our AGM, the Fourth
Annual Swinging For Reena Golf
Tournament was held at Wooden
Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge. The
day was beautiful and the support
was amazing. Thanks again to Steven
Help Reena Become Greener!
Libfeld for putting so much of himself
into making the event a success for
Reena. Thanks also to Lalita Panday,
who made sure every detail was
perfect. The entire team at Tribute
Communities did an amazing job in
making this a first class event and
fundraiser for Reena. Over the past
four years, Steven and his team have
raised over $400,000!
In August; the Annual Catalano Golf
Tournament was held at Copper Creek
Golf Club. John Catalano has
organized this golf tournament
amongst a small group of friends for
the past 16 years. This year, Sergio
Sotille and Mark Wagner joined John
and helped grow the event, securing
the support of Teknion.
Also in August, we staged the first
annual Ride for Reena – a motorcycle
ride from Thornhill to Collingwood.
Thanks to Reena employees Haydn
Liburd and Debra Waring for all their
efforts in making this inaugural event
a success. The day was perfect and the
riders enjoyed the ride immensely.
Next year, bigger, better and a new
route!
Thank you to everyone who has
helped, is helping and will help in our
fundraising efforts in the future. And
may I wish each and every one of you
a Happy and Healthy New Year.
The cost of sending a piece of mail today is rising dramatically. You
can help us direct this money to clients by providing us with an email
address where we can reach and update you. Help Reena save money
by emailing your contact information to info@reenafoundation.org
because every penny counts!
54 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Kolreena
Events
The Reena Foundation’s Annual General Meeting
R
eena Foundation congratulates recipients of this
year’s special awards.
Board member of Distinction Award
This award is presented annually to the Foundation Board
Member who has gone above and beyond in his/her
commitment to
the business of
Reena
Foundation. This
year’s recipient,
Steven Justein, is
certainly most
deserving. Over
the past year
Steven has been
an incredibly busy
board member –
Mike Nethercott presents the Board Member of an inspiration to
Distinction Award to Steve Justein.
us all. To begin, he
has served as head of our Finance Committee as well as the
organization’s Treasurer. He chaired our signature event –
the first Exceptional Abilities speaker’s event featuring
David Axelrod. He recently, along with his two sisters,
chaired the amazingly successful Striking for Reena
bowling event, for the third year.
And of course, because he had
some time on his hands he
organized a hockey team for the
Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey
Tournament.
The Family Philanthropy Award
This award is presented
annually to a family, who
demonstrates a truly familial
philanthropic commitment to
Reena. This year’s recipient is
Mike Nethercott presents the the Schwartz Family. Larry and
Family Philanthropy Award to
Julie set the example and clearly
Julie Schwartz.
Jon followed. Julie has served
with passion in a volunteer capacity for many years, which
is why she ended up on both the Reena Board as well as
the Reena Foundation Board. Their contributions have
been countless. And of course Jon, not wanting to be
shown up, gathered a few of his colleagues, and decided to
put on a small fundraiser for Reena. Well that was four
plus years ago and today they can proudly talk about
having raised in excess of $600,000 from that small
fundraiser AND are taking an active role in the
management of the funds raised. They set the example and
the bar is set very, very high.
The New Leadership Award, is presented annually to
young people who have demonstrated leadership in
philanthropy. This year’s recipient is Jesse Abrams.
Jesse came to Reena Foundation four short years ago, as
one of the founding members of the Joel Schwartz
Memorial Hockey Tournament. He, Zack Belzberg and Jon
Schwartz came to us and timidly asked if they could run a
small fundraiser, which, as you have heard, grew into an
annual event that now raises over $200,000 per year,
attracts over 300 young hockey players and has an active
organizing committee of over 20 engaged and invested
volunteers (all 20-something). Two years ago Jesse took that
commitment a little bit further and joined our Board – last
year upping that commitment to also join the Executive
Committee. And if that was not enough Jesse joined the
Marketing Committee and was very instrumental in
securing the widespread exposure Reena received for last
year’s Exceptional Abilities Event featuring David Axelrod.
The Murray and Susie Klein Award for Excellence in
Volunteer Philanthropy
This year’s recipient is not one, not two, but an entire
committee of under 30’s (except their token old guy) – the
organizing committee of the annual Joel Schwartz
Memorial Hockey Tournament.
As stated, this is a highly talented, highly energized,
highly passionate group of young people who we are
proud to have associated with Reena. Over the past four
years they have raised in excess of $600,000 and we love
them!
And stay tuned because these guys aren’t through. Next
year’s event will be bigger and better and we hope to see
you all there in March. If you can play, sign up. If you
can’t, sponsor someone. Whatever you do, PLEASE
support these young leaders in their determination to
provide a better quality of life for people with
developmental disabilities.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 55
Kolreena
Endowment Funds - Securing Reena’s Future
September 2014 Endowment Fund List
Establishing a family endowment fund is a wonderful way of creating your own legacy at Reena and a wonderful way of
encouraging future generations to follow in your philanthropic footsteps. The whole family can donate to your fund and
watch it grow over the years and generations. We would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of our fund
holders to growing their fund and thank them for helping secure the future of Reena. Go to www.reenafoundation.org for
regular updates of our donor lists. A heartfelt Thank You to the family of the Benjamin J. (Ben) and Rose Katz Endowment
Fund for creating an endowment fund to honour the lives of your beloved parents and to bring meaning to their loss.
Congratulations to the family of the Helen Levin Endowment Fund for moving up a category as a result of their support.
Champion - $100,000+
Morris & Beverly Baker Foundation
Endowment Fund
David Esplin Endowment Fund
Jenny Hammond Endowment Fund
Magna Dinner Endowment
New Leadership Endowment Fund
Peake Family Endowment Fund
Reena General Endowment Fund
Joel Schwartz Endowment Fund
Helen Unger Endowment Fund
Frank and Judy Wilson Endowment Fund
Wilson Family Endowment Fund
Patron - $10,000+
Abramowitz Family Endowment Fund
Fern Aronoff Endowment Fund
Bacal Family Endowment Fund
Norman & Fay Bacher Endowment Fund
Barrington Family Endowment Fund
Mayda & Max Beck Endowment Fund
Partner - $50,000+
Leanne Begley Endowment Fund
Rebecca Farb Endowment Fund
Tamara Benjamin Endowment Fund
Stevie Gottlieb Endowment Fund
Robert Berdugo Endowment Fund
Binder-Peckman Education Endowment Fund
Bernice Guziker Endowment Fund
Michael and Tillie Blidner Endowment Fund
Susan Harris and David Kassie
Jolene and Morris Carrady Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund
Roslyn & Norman Climans Endowment Fund
Benjamin J. (Ben) and Rose Katz
Laura Cohen Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund
Ethel & Hirsch Erdle Endowment Fund
Helen Levin Endowment Fund
Sybil Goldberg Endowment Fund
Morrison Family Endowment Fund
Rose & Max Goldenberg Endowment Fund
Jon Sherkin Endowment Fund
Irving and Sylvia Ungerman Endowment Fund Hanigsberg/Sossin Endowment Fund
Diane Harris Endowment Fund
Builder - $25,000+
Leslie Hartman Endowment Fund
Joe and Helen Berman Endowment Fund
Morris Henechowicz Endowment Fund
Paul Cantlie Endowment Fund
Angela Iannuzziello Endowment Fund
Catalano Family Endowment Fund
Justein Family Endowment Fund
Harry Edelstein Endowment Fund
Melvin Yale Katz Family Endowment Fund
E.B. Esplin Endowment Fund
David and Molly Kelman Memorial
Phyllis & Irving Feldman Family
Endowment Fund
Aaron Murray Keshen Music Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund
Syrma and Harold Kochberg Family
Rienne Fleischmann Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund
Kenny Freeman Endowment Fund
Donald Lipman Endowment Fund
Martin Goodman Endowment Fund
The Anne & Joe Jaffe Literacy Endowment Fund Jack & Pearl Mandel Endowment Fund
Sam and Mona Juravsky Endowment Fund
Irving and Anita Marcus Endowment Fund
Kieselstein Family Endowment Fund
Mayers Family Endowment Fund
Al & Sheila Libfeld Endowment Fund
Michaels Family Endowment Fund
Rose and Manny Lipman Endowment Fund Nethercott Family Endowment Fund
Liss Family Endowment Fund
David J. Nizic Endowment Fund
Bert and Marilyn Raphael Advocacy
Frances O’Leary Family Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund
Ed Richmond Endowment Fund
Rayman Family Endowment Fund
Ross Family Endowment Fund
Trevor Rosenberg Endowment Fund
Schwartz Family Endowment Fund
Fred Samuels Endowment Fund
Husky Sherkin Endowment Fund
Jordan & Sandi Soll & Family Endowment Fund Teper Family Endowment Fund
56 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Morris & Faye Vanek Endowment Fund
Wachsberg Family Endowment Fund
Weisman Family Endowment Fund
Whyne/Karp Family Endowment Fund
Morris and Mary Yuchtman Family
Endowment Fund
Leader - $5,000+
Les Agasee Endowment Fund
Aronovitch Family Endowment Fund
Allen and Judy Berg Endowment Fund
David and Deborah Breslove Endowment Fund
Harold Breslove Endowment Fund
Sandy & Jerry Brooks Endowment Fund
Les & Gertie Bulkin Endowment Fund
Ted B. Chester Family Endowment Fund
Eiley Family Endowment Fund
Alex, Olga and Marvin Eisen Endowment Fund
Epelbaum Family Endowment Fund
Fred & Sugie Feldman Family Endowment Fund
Lipa Fleising Endowment Fund
Alex Flomen Memorial Endowment Fund
Joan Glick Gold and Family Endowment Fund
Pearl Goldstein Continuing Education
Endowment Fund
Goose Family Endowment Fund
Jesion Family Endowment Fund
Kazman Family Endowment Fund
Rabbi Joseph E. Kelman Endowment Fund
Joshua, Zachary & Catherine Machado
Endowment Fund
Patricia McKellar Family Endowment Fund
Rajzman/Wagschal Family Endowment Fund
Stu & Fay Rotman Endowment Fund
Frank & Elaine Simkevitz Family Fund
Jack Arthur Swift Endowment Fund
Ernie Weiss Endowment Fund
Weizenberg Family Endowment Fund
Developing Funds
Durigon Family Endowment Fund
Danny Dymond Family Endowment Fund
Erin Hopkins Family Endowment Fund
Orit & Ellis Orlan Endowment Fund
Joan Warren Endowment Fund
Carl Zynoberg Family Endowment Fund
Kolreena
Planned Giving for a Solid Future
Alex Eisen Society
Alex Eisen has always believed in solid financial planning for a strong Reena. Alex was the
first to give a planned gift to Reena in the form of an insurance policy. Join the Alex Eisen
Society today and help secure Reena’s future by gifting a life insurance policy, leaving Reena
in your will or making a multiyear pledge to support Reena’s programs.
Alex Eisen
Go to www.reenafoundation.org for regular updates of our donor lists.
Eileen and Shoel Silver
Meyer and Edith Abramczyk
George Maclaren and Shelagh Barrington
Larry Berdugo
Alex and Olga Eisen
Susan Feldman
Charles Hopkins
Leon and Fran Kieselstein
Judith Knelman
Tom and Irene Mihalik
Stephen O'Leary
Malcolm and Frances Peake
Freda Rubenstein
Norman and Honey Schipper
Paula Schonberger (Ed, Terry, Allyson
and Andrew)
Mitchell Shnier and Cordine Partnoy
Joe Weisman
Alex Eisen Society Sustaining Fund
We acknowledge our donors who have committed to a 5 year pledge of $1,000 per year to support Respite and
Enrichment Programs.
Ganz Family Foundation
Steeles Memorial Chapel
Barry & Nelly Zagdanski, Ian & Sara
Zagdanski, Felicia & David Posluns,
and Families
Ken and Madeleine Bodenstein
Allan and Lisa Brown
Mira Cameron
Alex and Olga Eisen
David and Sara Farajun
Saul and Toby Feldberg and Family
Gary and Synthia Goldfarb
Stan and Sarah Goldfarb
Harry and Sara Gorman
Rosalie and Marshall Gottlieb
and Family
Ron and Heather Hoffman
Agi and Jack Mandel
Israel Mida and Laura Walsh
Eli and Renée Rubinstein
Eva and Les Saperia
Michael and Julia Sax
David and Luba Smuschkowitz
Ralph and Nancy Soberano
Barry and Paula Sonshine
Edward and Fran Sonshine
Harry and Edith Sporer
Marvin and Pamela Tarek
Shelley and Jerry Werger
1 Anonymous donor
Reena Foundation’s Monthly Donor Club
By committing to a monthly gift, which can automatically be charged to your credit card, you are helping Reena
Foundation in our planning. For many donors, monthly giving is also a preferred way of budgetting their own
donations. Why not commit to a gift of $10, $18 or even $36 a month? To become a member of Reena Foundation's
Monthly Donor Club, call Michelle Primus at 905-764-1081 ext. 33. Go to www.reenafoundation.org for regular
updates of our donor lists.
Act II Fine Jewellery - Sol Unger
Reverend Eleanor Barrington
Mike and Karen Barrington
Mischa Levine and Marcia Beck
Robert Eisen
Bernard and Barbara Feinstein
David and Ruth Halperin
Melissa S. Kelman
Leon and Fran Kieselstein
Syrma Kochberg
Norman F. Martin
Stephen O'Leary
Ely and Rose Ravinsky
Carolynn and Alen Schiller
Mike Scott
Rena Spring
Gary and Paula Vader
Sally Wasserman
Donn and Lillian Wilson
Donna and Howard Winick
Stephen Farb and Esther Yermus
Arnold and Wendy Yudell
3 Anonymous donors
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 57
Kolreena
President’s Circle of Donors
We acknowledge all those donors who have joined the President’s Circle of Donors in making a gift of $1,000 or more since
January 1, 2014. While space does not allow us to recognize every gift to Reena Foundation, we are extremely grateful to
ALL donors of ALL amounts and of both time and money – you are the lifeblood of our organization.
Champion - $100,000+
Estate of Toby Danchig
Partner - $50,000+
Estate of Earl Mandell
Estate of Rose Katz
Builder - $25,000+
Apotex Foundation
Dynamic Tire Corp.
Patron - $10,000+
CIBC
Deloitte LLP Foundation of Canada
Marshall W. Gottlieb
Kenneth L. Hammond
Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Geoffrey Joseph
Labour Zionist Alliance
Mid-West Quilting Company LTD
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Leader - $5,000+
Eagle Professional Resources Inc.
Centric Health Corporation
Albert Israel
David Kassie and Susan Harris
The Maxwell and Ruth Leroy Foundation
MDC Partners Inc.
Tom Mihalik
Miller Bernstein Greenwood LLP
Larry P. Schwartz
Trinity Development Foundation
Friend - $1,000+
A & L Carpentry Corp.
Accord Plastics Corp
Aqueduct Foundation
Arriscraft International Inc.
Sheldon Barris
Morley Beallor
Behaviorprise Consulting Inc.
Brent Belzberg
Gary Bensky
Biosolgreen
BMO Nesbitt Burns
Boa-Franc
Brampton Brick Limited
Jonathan Jacob Bronfman
Jean Byers
C. Valley Paving Limited
Cantech Services
Cartier Kitchens
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Cassidy & Co. Architectural Technologists Inc.
Century 21 New Concept Ltd.
58 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
CFO Group
Chastell Foundation
Chelseahill Developments Inc.
Chouinard Bros. Roofing
Cineplex Entertainment
Clarkway Construction Limited
Cole Engineering Group Ltd.
Stephen Cole
Columbia Building Maintenance Co.
Core Architects
David & Luba Smuschkowitz Family
Charitable Foundation
DC Granite & Marble Inc.
Donald Bennett
Duke of Richmond Development Inc.
A. Christopher Dymond
Eagle Bricklayers Construction Ltd.
Eden Engineering, Design & Construction
Alex Eisen
Estate of Faye Vanek
Fabricland Distributors Inc.
Gloria Farb
Irving Feldman
Ferris + Associates Inc.
Foremont Drywall
George Frankfort
Frastell Property Management Inc.
Frieberg Family Charitable Foundation
Gary Bluestein Charitable Foundation
Geranium Homes
Giancola Aluminum Contractors Ltd.
Stan Goldfarb
Goodmans LLP
Graziani and Corazza Architects Inc.
Greenwall Forming Limited
Greybrook Realty Partners Inc.
Guidelines Advertising Limited
HealthSource Plus
Ideal Railings Limited
Imperial Coffee & Services Inc.
Interwide Investments Limited
Israel Koschitzky Family Charitable
Foundation
Jeld-Wen Windows & Door
Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management Inc.
Kubik Inc.
Lagover Mutual Benefit Society
Leader Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Lee Rocca Forming Limited
Henry Liss
Mel Little
Lizzies Old Timers Association
Maranello BMW
Marciano Doors & Trim Co.
Maxims Limited Partnership
McCarthy Tetrault LLP
Medi Group Incorporated
Menkes Developments
Miller Thomson LLP
MMM Group
Moen Inc.
Morris Justein Family Charitable Foundation
Newmar Window Manufacturing Limited
Nortrax
Theresa O'Leary
Ellis Orlan
Paradise Homes
Paragon Drywall Contractors
Pelican Wood Cliff
Penegal Trim & Supply Limited
Allan Rakowsky
RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Reliable Painters & Decorators
Rexdale Disposal
Roman Building Materials Ltd.
Larry Rosen
Jennifer Ross
Royal Taxi
Anne H. Schwartz
Michael Schwartz
SEI Investments Canada Company
Jeffrey P. Shankman
Sharon / Express Printing
Morris Shohet
St. Mary's Cement Incorporate
Sterling Tile & Carpet
Marvin Tarek
TD Bank
TD Waterhouse
Terrapave Constructions
The Benjamin Foundation
The Henry and Zelda Korenblum Family
Charitable Foundation
The Jewish Legacy Charitable Foundation
The MBTW Group
The Penny and Gordon Echenberg
Family Foundation
The Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation
The Shadigee Investments Corporation
The Taligent Group
Torx Investments Ltd.
Travelers Insurance Company of Canada
Turner Fleischer Architects Inc
Arnie J. Unger
Renee J. Unger
Allan Weisberg
Welded Tube Of Canada
Gilda Ann Whyne
Aaron Yermus
1 Anonymous
Kolreena
Answering Reena’s Needs
Reena Has Needs
L
ast issue we highlighted three capital programs for
In late August, Cliff and his wife Arwen joined me for a
which Reena needs support from the community. In
tour of three Reena houses. The tour reinforced the
particular, I would like to highlight in this issue the
importance of this effort. Staff and residents talked about the
Appliance Replacement Campaign which we are currently
high volume use of dryers, washing machines as well as the
running. I had the opportunity to meet with Danny
constant use of refrigerators stoves and dishwashers. It was
Iannuzziello in early August to outline the
clear in many cases that some of these needed
campaign and the urgent need for funds.
immediate replacement with reliable
Danny has been involved with Reena for
apppliances. These major appliances are critical
the past two decades in various capacities,
to the ongoing smooth operation of a home.
most recently as a member of the Batay
When we kicked off the campaign, we were
Reena Board of Directors.
targeting to replace one major appliance per
Danny listened carefully to my overview
year in each of the 38 homes Reena owns.
of the need and when I was through and
Because budgets have been frozen for the past
without hesitation, he said he would Chair
four years, the immediate need is even greater
the campaign and that his firm would help
so we hope that we can surpass this year’s
in the marketing of the campaign. His firm,
target of $38,000.
Skyview Realty Ltd., specializes in sales of
If you would like to support this campaign,
Danny Iannuzziello and Cliff Ford.
apartment buildings. Danny understands
please visit our website at
the ongoing need to maintain and replace major appliances
www.reenafoundation.org and click on the “How to Give”
that are used heavily. Danny introduced me to his Director
and then the “Reena Has Needs” icons. Your support is both
of Sales & Marketing, Cliff Ford, who immediately began
needed and appreciated. You could also give through the
creating a web page and donation page on their website to
Skyview Realty website at www.skyviewrealty.com and visit
support their efforts on behalf of Reena.
their “Skyview in the Community” page.
Swinging for Reena funds New Wheelchair Accessible Van
T
his July, the 3rd Annual Swinging for Reena Golf
Tournament raised $120,000 for Reena Foundation.
When speaking about how to best utilize these funds
to benefit the most individuals supported by Reena, Tribute
Communities’ Steven Libfeld asked Gary Sim what is the
most urgent need. Gary explained that the Battle Centre
wheelchair accessible van, which is the most heavily used of
the three Reena owns, needs to be replaced.
All programs rely on the wheelchair accessible van when an
individual with mobility issues is participating. The van is
essential for taking individuals on outings and to their medical
appointments and is extensively used for Battle Centre
programs so that all individuals may access the community.
Reena’s outreach programs and residences also make use of
the van after hours and on weekends, as does Meals on
Wheels, serving the community.
Steven heartily agreed that this is an important way to make
a real difference in the quality of life of individuals Reena
supports. “I think life is defined by amazing experiences,” he
remarked. “Donating some of the funds to the van made
sense to me. The van will give access to the many amazing
experiences and programs Reena offers to its clients.”
The Battle Centre cannot be without a wheelchair accessible
van, but over the past more than half a year, the van has
needed four repairs, each time burdening Reena staff with
needing to share just two wheelchair accessible vans, or rent a
replacement. Not to mention the cost of the repairs. It has
not only taxed the staff, it has also added an exorbitant
expense to the budget and, most importantly, has made it a
challenge to provide the best quality of care and support for
the individuals Reena supports who rely on the wheelchair
accessible van in their daily lives. Now, after already spending
thousands of dollars to repair their well-used, falling-apart
van, it has finally broken down for the last time.
Reena Foundation is able to replace it in a very timely
manner through the Van Replacement Campaign because of
the commitment of Steven Libfeld and Tribute Communities,
who support Reena through their annual Swinging for Reena
golf tournament.
The Van Replacement Campaign is annually committed to
raising $100,000 per year in order to replace two vans – one
standard and one wheelchair accessible. Reena has a fleet of
20 vans required everyday to transport our 400 clients from
their homes to their programs, places of employment and on
outings, as well as to keep appointments for individuals with
their doctors, dentists and therapists. This requires a fleet of
vehicles that is kept busy 12+ hours per day. To maintain a
safe fleet, we replace these vehicles every 8 to 10 years.
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 59
Kolreena
Events
Tribute Communities’ Swinging for Reena continued from cover page
supporter donated an LG TV he won. The TV will be well
is truly a labour of love. Reena Foundation thanks Steven
used for educational and entertainment purposes in the
Libfeld and Lalita Panday of Tribute Communities with
Reena Community Residence. On behalf of the staff and
heartfelt appreciation for their devotion and dedication to
individuals who will benefit from the gift, thank you to
organizing this event!
Babak Eslahjou of Core Architects!
“We’re very grateful to Steven and the entire Tribute
A big thank you to all the golfers and sponsors of
Communities team for everything they did to make this a
Swinging for Reena. We look forward to welcoming you
success for Reena,” said Gary Sim, President of Reena
back next year at the 5th Annual Swinging for Reena!
Foundation. “Our special thanks to Lalita Panday, for all her
efforts in ensuring the day was
as absolutely perfect as possible
for every participant.”
No details were overlooked
for the Swinging golfers, who
were welcomed with a Wooden
Sticks gift and breakfast in the
clubhouse prior to tee off, lunch
and ice cream truck on the
course, and a dinner reception
to end the event. As raffle prizes
were drawn during the dinner,
we were surprised and
Gary Sim presents a plaque to Steven Libfeld.
delighted as a generous
60 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Kolreena
Events
Ride for Reena has a Great 1st Year!
R
eena supporters took to their motorcycles on
Sunday, August 10, 2014, for a scenic ride out to
Cranberry Golf Resort in Collingwood under sunny
skies. “We couldn’t have chosen a better day for this
event;” Reena residence supervisor and event chair Haydn
Liburd said, “The weather is perfect for a ride.” The 140 km
ride raised money to improve the quality of life of the
individuals with developmental disabilities living in
Reena’s residences.
The event came together under the leadership of Haydn,
whose dedication and persistence, as well as his joie to
vivre and ebullience made this event the success that it
was. If not for his drive and enthusiasm, Reena Residential
Resource Manager and Ride committee member Debra
Waring explained, “Ride for Reena would still only be an
Gary presents Debra Waring and Haydn Liburd with Ride for Reena
plaques.
idea scribbled on paper!” Speaking about the Ride, the
humble event chair remarked, “It is nice to receive the
overwhelming support we did.”
Debra Waring and Greg Shears’s contributions to the
planning and execution of the event were invaluable. As
Haydn said, “To our “Trail Boss” Greg Shears, I want to
convey many thanks for his enthusiasm and insight.” Greg’s
route was adventurous, and everyone enjoyed the hilly twists
and turns through the countryside of Southern Ontario.
Our photographers Genero and Dorothy Dulay donated
their time and their expertise to shoot the event, and
created an amazing video of the ride, which you can see by
Getting ready to head out on the ride.
visiting the Ride for Reena website,
http://reenafoundation.akaraisin.com/Ride.
Once at Cranberry Golf Resort, the participants enjoyed
a plentiful barbecue with camaraderie. As the event closed,
conversation turned to next year’s event, with anticipation
for an even bigger ride: “I predict next year’s turn out to at
least double now that he word is out,” said Debra, “and
Ride for Reena to be an event that riders look forward to
for years to come!”
To inquire about next year’s Ride for Reena, to join us,
sponsor the event or join the committee, please contact
Rachel at 905-764-1081 ext. 31 or email
riskov@reenafoundation.org.
Don’t let Gail (Gary’s wife) see this one!
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 61
Kolreena
Events
A Gorgeous Day for a Round of Golf for Reena
T
he John and Claudia Catalano Charity Golf
Tournament took place on Monday, August 11,
2014, at Copper Creek Golf Club, rated one of
the top golf courses in Ontario. It was a great day on
the course, as friends and associates of long-time
supporter Giancarlo Catalano and Teknion.
Giancarlo Catalano has run this event for 15 years
now. We are truly blessed to have his unending
support through this tournament.
Sergio Sottile, Vice President and General Manager,
TFS Manufacturing Group at Teknion, has participated
in the event in past years, and approached Reena
Foundation President Gary Sim last year to express his
The 15th Annual John and Claudia Catalano Charity Golf Tournament golfers.
interest in getting
come.
more involved. He
A special thank you as well to our dedicated events
brought Mark Wagner,
volunteer Peggi Milgram, who, generously and reliably
Vice President,
gave her time and energy to help make this a smooth and
Materials, Purchasing
flawless event.
and Facilities, to the
The proceeds of the Catalano Charity Golf Tournament
table, and the two
go to Reena’s Respite and Enrichment Programs. These
invited professional
programs receive no government funding and rely on
contacts to join them
community support to provide a “life-line” to over 600
for a day of golf,
families trying to cope with the 24/7 demands of caring for
introducing new
a child with a developmental disability at home. These
Mark Wagner, Giancarlo Catalano and
supporters to Reena
Sergio Sottile.
programs also offer enrichment to the loved one with the
Foundation. We are
grateful for this exceptional contribution, and look forward special need, helping more children reach their maximum
to continuing to work together with Teknion in the years to potential.
Race Night for Reena a Galloping Success
T
he annual Race Night for Reena event took place on
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Woodbine
Racetrack. The crowd pleaser benefits Reena’s
Respite and Enrichment Programs, and has raised over
$450,000 in the past ten years.
The sold out event was a terrific evening, as 180 people
enjoyed fantastic food and drinks, races from track level,
team building competitions for top winning tables, silent
auction and a raffle. A highlight of the evening was the
meet and greet with Argos cheerleaders, who sold raffle
tickets with flair!
Stay tuned for pictures in the next issue of Kolreena. If
you simply can’t wait, please visit the event website at
reenafoundation.akaraisin.com/RaceNight2014 or the
Reena Foundation website at reenafoundation.org to see
event pictures today.
62 • Kolreena • Fall 2014
Kolreena
Upcoming Events
Reena Foundation presents an Information
Evening:
“Financial Planning Strategies
for People with a Developmental
Disability”
Many Families of a loved one with a developmental
disability are not aware of the financial tools available
to them to ease their economic challenges. Join us —
October 22, 2014, 7-9pm
Reenaʼs Toby & Henry Battle
Developmental Centre
927 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill
Learn more about: ODSP (How to safeguard), RDSP’s
(How to maximize), Discretionary (Henson) &
Inheritance Trusts, Relevant Estate Planning Strategies
Consent, Capacity and Decision-making Issues
Space is limited so register early—
Call Donna at 905-764-1081 ext. 30
A minimum $18 donation is required to reserve a space.
With panelists:
Larry Berdugo, Chartered Financial Consultant
Ron Malis, Wealth Advisor
Brendon Pooran, Lawyer
Tickets and Tables are Now On Sale for Reena’s Annual VIP Event!
R
eena Foundation’s Young Professionals Committee
will be hosting Reena’s Annual VIP Event on
Saturday, October 25, 2014 at The Bram and Bluma
Appel Salon. The event will feature a poker tournament
with rebuys for the first hour, casino tables, raffle prizes
and more surprises.
We are expecting 300 young professionals to attend our
VIP Event. This is an opportunity to help a worthwhile
cause and to advertise to a lucrative professional market.
The event is a terrific setting to bring clients for an
exciting and memorable evening. For more information
about table and event sponsorships, please visit the event
website, http://reenafoundation.akaraisin.com/VIPevent
and click on Sponsorship Opportunities.
Take advantage of our advance ticket prices until
September 25, 2014:
 Poker Tournament tickets are discounted to just $90;
$120 in the final month before the event
 Casino tickets are discounted to $45; $60 in the final
month before the event.
Tickets are available on the VIP Event website:
http://reenafoundation.akaraisin.com/VIPevent.
To purchase tickets offline, for sponsorship opportunities,
to join the committee or volunteer at the event, please
contact Rachel at 905-764-1081 ext. 31 or
riskov@reenafoundation.org
Kolreena • Fall 2014 • 63
Take out your calendar
•
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Exhibition Place
•
Financial Planning Seminar
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Reena’s Toby & Henry Battle Developmental Centre
•
Reena’s Annual VIP Event
Saturday, October 25, 2014
The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon
•
5th Annual Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Chesswood Arena
•
Striking for Reena
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Woodbridge Bowl
•
For information on any event contact:
Rachel Iskov at Reena Foundation
905-764-1081 ext. 31
riskov@reenafoundaion.org
Exceptional Abilities Dinner
Special Guest Speaker Ridy Giuliani
Monday, June 3, 2015
Like us on Facebook and visit us often for updates on events
and links to stories that may be of interest to you.
www.facebook.com/ReenaFoundation
Follow us on Twitter for updates on events, news articles,
and stories that may be of interest to you.
www.twitter.com/ReenaFoundation
Reena
927 Clark Avenue West
Thornhill, ON L4J 8G6
Kolreena:
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ABOUT
REENA ACTIVITIES PUBLISHED FOR THE FAMILIES,
FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF REENA
Reena Chair Helen Vale. Vice-Chairs Paula Sonshine, Lorne
Sossin, Esther Yermus Secretary Linda Gruson. Treasurer Jeff
Bernstein. Founding Chair Rabbi Joseph Kelman* Founding
President Sandy Keshen. Immediate Past Chair Joan Glick Gold.
Past Chairs Sam Handler* Syrma Kochberg, Harvey Adelman,
Eleanor London, Marilyn Raphael, Harley Mintz, Harold
Wodinsky, Hy Eiley, Robert H. Berkovitz, Angela Iannuzziello,
Stanley Kugelmass, Howard Ugerman, Fay Rotman, Carolynn
Morrison, Helen Vale, Tali Nizic, Laurine Schmelzle Life Director
Joe Berman* Hon. Legal Counsel Bert Raphael, Q.C., L.S.M., Hon.
Treasurer Donald Bennett, C. A., Directors Carly Bardikoff, David
L. Cohen, Gerald Hartman, Amanda Kushnir, Sid Laufer,
Carolynn Morrison, Tali Nizic, Marilyn Raphael, Lipa Roth,
William Steed, Gary Thompson, Howard Weinroth, Ruth Zive.
Associate Directors Howard Latchman, Phil Lepofsky.
* Deceased
President and CEO Bryan Keshen
Reena Foundation Chair Mike Nethercott. Vice-chairs Ellis
Orlan, Jeff Shankman. Treasurer Steven Justein. Secretary Mike
Scott. Directors Jesse Abrams, Irving Feldman, Daniel Ger,
Leon Kieselstein, Sue-Ann Levy, Julie Schwartz, Mona
Sherkin, Tom Ungar. Hon. Legal Counsel Allan Rakowsky. Past
Chairs Hy Eiley, Irving Feldman, Gerald Hartman, Ronald
Hoffman, Leon Kieselstein, Murray Klein, Ira Sack, Frank
Simkevitz, Frank A. Wilson.
President Gary E. Sim, CFRE
Batay Reena Chair Howard Ungerman. Secretary/Treasurer
Harold Seidel. Immediate Past Chair Murray Klein. Directors
Danny Iannuzziello, Paul Minz, David L. Cohen, Carolynn
Morrison.
Design and Production: Pure Design Marketing Ltd.
Print: Print Three, Downsview
Hon. Editor for Reena pages: Laurine Schmelzle
Photography: Barry Shainbaum Productions
and Systems 4 Productions Inc.
Reena is affiliated with George Brown College
Printed on recycled paper, using vegetable-based inks
Head Office: Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre
927 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill, ON L4J 8G6
Tel (905) 889-6484, (905) 889-2690 (Direct line)
Fax (905) 889-3827
Donations: (905) 764-1081 Ext. 34
Toll Free: 1-866-667-3362
E-mail: info@reena.org
Web site: www.reena.org
Reena Foundation
1 Promenade Circle, Suite 308, Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8
Tel: (905) 764-1081 Fax (905) 764-0595
E-mail: info@reenafoundation.org
Web Site: www.reenafoundation.org
Charitable No. 89795-3719-RR0001
Reena is funded by:
Ministry of Community and Social Services
and generous supporters in the community
Publications Mail Agreement
#41498519