MISSION VALUES During the past year, and especially during the pandemic Reena is a non-profit organization Reena’s values are based on Judaic when our primary focus was keeping everyone safe, we which promotes dignity, individuality, principles. They govern all decisions worked diligently to adhere to our mission and values. independence, personal growth and made and encompass interactions community inclusion for people with with all of our stakeholders. developmental disabilities within a framework of Jewish culture Our values are CLEAR: and values. CARE Chesed Ve Tzedek Compassion and Justice LEADERSHIP Tikun Olam Repair The World EMPOWERMENT V’ahavta L’reacha Kamocha Value Others As You Value Yourself ACCESSIBILITY Lifnei Iver Lo Teeten Michshol Remove Barriers RESPECT Kvod Habriyot Honour Our Humanity 2 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 3 A SPECIAL LETTER 90+ With Gratitude... individuals participated in job readiness/career June 30th, 2020 skills-building training Happy Canada Day! To the ENTIRE Reena Team; During these turbulent times we realize that each one of you is sacrificing much to ensure 30+ all the individuals entrusted to your care are supported. The personal sacrifice of time and individuals secured talent that you are making also directly affects your own families. We thank them for paid employment generously sharing you, with the Reena family. in the competitive Reena’s hallmark has always been their professionally trained, competent, caring and labour market prior understanding Frontline Staff. You daily and even hourly provide the many services and to the outbreak of the pandemic supports required to accommodate the needs of each individual. We must also acknowledge the leadership and guidance of Bryan Keshen and Sandy Stemp. The vast knowledge and expertise they bring to their roles has guided the decisions they Over have made with wisdom, compassion and understanding. The talent of the Administrative Staff members that support them have also added great value to this effort. 1,000 With the coming of Canada Day, our thoughts turn to the many ways that our country honours their heroes. Our research indicated that the highest honour is the Order of individuals provided Canada. To be selected, one must demonstrate the following traits, “their grit and passion with housing, inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward.” They should exemplify the motto programs and DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIM. “They desire a better country.” respite services As we reflect on the effort that each one of you have put forward to support Reena while fighting this insidious disease, we realize you ALL have made the commitment required to be a true hero and thus you are entitled to receive the Order of Canada. Unfortunately, we do not possess either the power or ability to bestow this honour upon you. Over Our gift to you is simply our gratitude and thanks for your commitment to excellence to enhance the work of this wonderful organization. To this end, we do have the ability to 200 honour the Angels who for the last five months have laboured tirelessly to protect and bring volunteers comfort to all the individuals that Reena and you have so capably supported. We wish you a very happy Canada Day and may the knowledge of your accomplishment fill your hearts with pride. With gratitude and thanks, Over The Morrison Family Carolynn Morrison is a parent of an individual supported by Reena and a Past Board Chair 500 individuals received residential support 4 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 5 A UNITED REENA Leadership Includes Us All Message from the Executive Team Message from the Board Chairs As we head into the fall of 2020 As the Board Chairs of Reena, and look back at the last year, we Reena Foundation and Batay recognize how Reena’s culture of Reena, we would like to leadership, teamwork and shared recognize the resilience and values makes a difference in determination of our Board support of our mission. members and thank them for their continued guidance and As an executive team, we have governance over the last year. been blessed to be surrounded by leaders. Leaders who show up Despite the challenges created for work, ready to tackle the by COVID-19, the majority of challenges and opportunities projects and Board initiatives they face every day, from continued to move forward advocating for those they including: support to modelling proper safety protocols. The construction of the Lou Fruitman Reena Residence, As you will read, we have seen which is projected to be leadership in many forms: completed ahead of schedule, starting with creative use of our the purchase of two new transportation abilities; food locations, the by-laws and delivery for individuals; governance review process, L-R: Viji Hariharan, Bryan Keshen, Sandy Stemp, Sheila Lampert L-R: Jeff Bernstein, Steven Justein, Harold Seidel innovative care models; online the integration of Chai Tikvah services; and all the way to Foundation, the most successful Purposeful focus on our mission Sincerely, We are gratified to advise that as Sincerely, property improvements and fundraising year in Reena’s and values, coupled with the the COVID-19 pandemic began to expanded services. Bryan Keshen history, and the development of Jeff Bernstein ability to respond to changing REENA, PRESIDENT & CEO affect every area of the our new 5-year strategic plan, REENA environments are the ingredients Sheila Lampert organization, our Boards, Leadership does not only come “Beyond 2020”. that allow Reena to have REENA FOUNDATION, ED supported by our dedicated staff, Steven Justein top-down, but also from peer-to- REENA FOUNDATION effective leadership. We are Sandy Stemp continued to forge ahead. peer and at all levels of an There were many other proud of our level of trust in one REENA, COO Harold Seidel organization. It is expressed in important changes including an another; lending a helping hand Viji Hariharan We commend our strong and BATAY REENA the decision-making and REENA, CFO updated risk review process, the when needed, and holding each diverse leadership, our donors, autonomy that all staff have move to virtual meetings and other accountable for our our volunteers and our many within their roles. events, and the development of actions. other stakeholders in the new policies for service delivery extended Reena Family for Through our everyday decisions and donor engagement. This last year has tested our responding to the challenges we model leadership to our peers, collective and individual and for identifying and acting we inspire those we supervise and leadership skills and the upon new opportunities to we enable those we support to outcomes are a testament to strengthen our organization. live a better life. These are the our Reena team. actions of leadership. 6 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 7 BEYOND 2020 Reena Strategic Plan At Reena, we are charting the future with a five-year strategic plan informed by stakeholder engagement, reviews of our performance and capacity, and analyses of external contexts. Our Three Strategic Directions: 1. Driving Change 2. Leading Through 3. Exceptional to Meet Growing Operational Service Standards, Needs Excellence Exceptional We will grow strategically Sector-wide capacity, Outcomes to meet emerging needs in and being responsive to Through offering wrap- the sector, while continuing an ever-shifting service around services to to enhance awareness and delivery environment, individuals with diverse advocate for individuals with ensuring ongoing needs, we strive to diverse abilities. operational excellence will build capacity and offer secure the organization for Commitments meaningful support for the long term. them and their circles • Expand our Role in Housing Commitments of care. • Bolster our Expertise in Health Services • Invest in our Governance Commitments and Management • Foster Meaningful Social • Strengthen our Approach Inclusion and Engagement • Enhance Government to Service Relations, Advocacy, and • Effect Positive Change in Awareness the Labour Market With this new plan, we step boldly into the future with a clear vision of the opportunities for Reena in 2020 and beyond. Together, we will continue in our mission to promote dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values. 8 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 REENA ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 9 DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITY The Lou Fruitman Reena Residence Reena’s Response to the Community Housing Shortage JANUARY 22, 2019 Reena received unanimous support for the building by Vaughan City Council. Mayor DECEMBER 20, 2016 building on the adjacent property. They also Maurizio Bevilacqua, York Region Chair negotiated the purchase of a right-of-way Based on a request from Reena, with start-up Wayne Emmerson and the entire City of from the City of Vaughan. The goal was to funds provided by the Azrieli Foundation, the Vaughan Council and staff worked tirelessly create housing for 138 people with diverse province announced additional funding for a to assist with the approval process. In fact, needs along with urgently needed group of 10 developmental services agencies Mayor Bevilacqua was so enthused, he programming space. The cost (including known as the Intentional Community stepped up to Co-Chair the capital campaign, land) was estimated at $36 million. In Consortium (ICC), to develop an inclusive, alongside Robert Berger, Executive member addition to federal support, the project community-based housing strategy for adults of the Reena Foundation Board of Directors. would require assistance from the other with developmental disabilities. levels of government, along AUGUST 2019 with a major fundraising campaign to be AUGUST 2019 NOVEMBER 22, 2017 spearheaded by Reena Foundation. NOVEMBER 22, 2017 Several other generous donors had joined Thousands of Canadians living with Mrs. Fruitman to support the project and NOVEMBER 21, 2018 developmental disabilities received some NOVEMBER 21, 2018 Reena was ready to begin construction.