Thornhill-based Reena receives $150K grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation

Funds will help organization improve HVAC systems in buildings that host its community participation programs for people with developmental disabilities

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 26, 2023

Nice 50th-anniversary present: $150,000.

Reena has received a $150,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.

The capital grant the non-profit received will help the organization improve its HVAC systems in buildings that host its community participation programs for people with developmental disabilities.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Thornhill MPP Laura Smith and King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce congratulated the team at Reena on the grant it received. The news of the grant came on the day that Reena marked its 50th anniversary in the community.

“Having a positive safe, healthy and fun environment allows our most vulnerable population to flourish and grow — which is what makes this grant announcement all the more pertinent,” said Smith. “Reena is an incredible organization, and I am grateful for their hard work, dedication, support for and positive impact on Thornhill. Our government is proud to invest in more fruitful lives for our seniors and individuals with disabilities.”

With this funding, Reena will replace three HVAC rooftop units that are 26 years old with new equipment operating in accordance with new building code provisions, which is especially important during and post-COVID for vulnerable individuals. “Our government continues to invest in Reena’s positive mission of delivering support and opportunity to Ontarians with developmental difficulties,” said Lecce.

“While our government continues to invest in new residential homes dedicated to adults living with developmental disability, we are also upgrading our existing homes with state-of-the-art ventilation to keep residents and staff safe.” Reena cannot expand its community-participation programs without improved air quality. Thanks to this grant, the life of the premises will be extended with more environmentally friendly HVAC systems leading to better air filtration and air quality, keeping the vulnerable individuals Reena support safer.

“We are very grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for investing in Reena,” said Bryan Keshen, CEO of Reena. “This grant provides us with the funds necessary to support the upgrades of HVAC units, including air purification systems and BAS upgrades in all new and existing units, ensuring excellent air quality and circulation in Reena’s community participation programs.”

Community participation programs boost participants’ mental and emotional well-being. Many vulnerable individuals with developmental disabilities want to continue spending time in their communities, but having a disability can impede this. However, with the support and resources provided by Reena, community involvement is made possible.

Reena promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. Since that time, Reena has grown to provide support for 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. The foundation celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities.