Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, as a practical alternative to institutions. Reena strives to create and maintain an environment that respects and promotes dignity, individuality, independence and freedom of choice within a framework of Jewish culture and values. In 1977, Reena began receiving funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services and, since that time, has grown rapidly.

Reena provides services to close to 1000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families through:

• Residential supports more than 300 individuals in 132 locations which include group homes, condominiums and rented apartments, two specially designed homes for seniors, the Al & Faye Mintz Reena ElderHome which accommodates 16 seniors with developmental disabilities and the David & Luba Smuschkowitz ElderHome for 10 seniors, two permanent homes for children and youths with autism and a respite program for children, youths and adults. The Yetta Berg Family Home for children with autism and the Martin and Heather Goose Home for young adults with autism. The Shore Family Home provides residential support for individuals during the week and respite for 18 families in the community on a rotational basis.
• Day programs: members participate in recreation and leisure activities, life and work skills development and job placement programs. In addition, various socialization, continuing education and special interest groups are held.
• Evening programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities enable Reena to reach out to the community to provide much-needed support to the individuals, as well as respite for their families. Programs focus on recreational, social, and support groups.
• Reena's Staff and Student Training Program provides over 3,500 training spaces annually for staff at Reena and other agencies. We also offer a Developmental Disabilities Counsellor Program to create staffing capacity for the DS sector.