Crisis doesn’t create character…it reveals it.

Last Update – July 31st , 2020
 
At Reena, we continue to work closely and diligently with Public Health officials, our Infectious Disease Specialist and other industry experts to develop the most comprehensive protocols – to keep every single individual and staff member safe.
 
The Toronto and Peel Region stage-three move has no impact on Reena’s operations and protocols at this point. All existing protocols and policies remain unchanged, in order to protect the safety of individuals and staff.
 
Having said that, we are actively seeking further clarifications from Public Health authorities and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services on the implications of the stage three on organizations such as Reena. We will communicate again once we have a better understanding.
 
We would like to thank all families, for their patience and understanding during the last few months. Your support allowed us to maintain a calm and nurturing environment in our residences, while keeping everyone safe.
 
On that note, we would like to thank and acknowledge the tremendous efforts and dedication of our staff. Their positive, can-do attitude, allows us to offer a high-level of care and compassion to our individuals and their families.  
 
We continue to learn from previous experiences, seek feedback from all stakeholders and strive to provide nothing but the utmost care for all our families and individuals.
 

 

 

Again Thank You!!

Words of appreciation from Reena’s COO, Sandy Stemp:

It has been such a pleasure to see many of you over the last couple of weeks with the infection, prevention and control visits. Although it is just your eyes I can see – they tell me so much. I can see your passion and your commitment. I can see your diligence and your incredible protection of the people we support. I also see your struggles (and perspiration!) – wearing a mask for an entire day, is very challenging along with everything else you are doing. All of you are rising to this incredible situation and doing everything you can – because that’s what truly dedicated people do.

During these challenging times, Direct Support Professional Appreciation week is so much more significant. When we were in the midst of outbreaks – I often said:

Years from now, we will look back on this time – as we have with other life changing events – our children, grandchildren will ask us – what did you do? You can stand tall and proud and say – I was there with the most vulnerable, I did not turn away – I faced the biggest challenge. It was hard, sometimes I was afraid – but I didn’t give up.

I am so proud of all of you – In times of crisis the people we support are absolutely in harms way. I am so thankful for your strength to stand in front of the most vulnerable – to protect, prevent and most of all to care.

On the occasion of Direct Support Professional Appreciation week, I thank you so very much and look forward to connecting with many more of you soon!

Sandy Stemp, COO
Reena

 
 
 
 
Thank you!
 

June 4th – Reena, we would like to thank City of Vaughan Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca for organizing the community-led event.

273 meals from the Kosherpickle were delivered to our front-line workers at the Reena Community Residence and other York Region (The Regional Municipality of York) Group Homes in City of Vaughan and City of Richmond Hill.

The support of Nav Bhatia Superfan Page and his Foundation made today possible. Since the start of the pandemic, Nav and his incredible team have delivered over 10,000 meals to front-line workers across the GTA.

A special thanks to everyone who donated to and sponsored this event, Kosherpickle, Jewish Youth Network, Longo’s, Allmart Distributing, CEO of United Car & Truck Rental & Ward 3 resident Roshan Navaratnam, Inter-Citi Logistics & CEO Kula Sellathurai, Allan and Tova (Kelman) Gutenberg and the BAYT Sisterhood.

Thanks to Minister Stephen Lecce and Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco for your time and support.

“While we will share a meal with those on the frontline and the people they support, it is actually just another act of friendship that reflects how truly blessed we are to live in such an amazing community.” Bryan Keshen, CEO Reena

Reena would like to recognize the leadership and generosity of the following corporations, especially during these difficult times, for donating goods and services to the benefit of our individuals, their families and the staff supporting them:
 

 

 

 

Shaun Chen, MP for Scarborough North offers his appreciation for the work Reena’s front line workers do.
 
 
 
Hon. Judy Sgro, MP for Humber River-Black Creek (Ontario) extends her wishes to Reena’s staff. 
 
 
Hon. Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, congratulated Reena for its recent efforts supporting individuals with developmental disabilities during these difficult times.
 
 
 
UPDATE – April 8
 
Family Visits During Pandemic Outbreak
We would like to ask all families to refrain from visiting family members these days.
 
As you can imagine, the health and safety of our individuals are out top priority, and while we encourage using technology to keep in touch with your family members, physical visits expose everyone to unnecessary risk.
Some of our most dedicated staff, who are working tirelessly to continue providing care and supports while putting their own health and safety on the line, should not fear coming to work worried about additional exposure to the individuals from their families.
We understand it is not easy for all of you. Nor it is for us. But this is not for long.

We will get through this – together.
 
We urge every family to check in with their Supervisor for the latest updates. We are in an emergency mode, where conditions change frequently. While we try to maintain constant communications with all of you, it is important you contact your Supervisor and protect the people we serve.

Update – March 23rd, 2020

Today, the Ontario Government ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. Full announcement HERE.
 
Reena and its programs are not subject to the closure above and will maintain its current services, under the limitations indicated in previous emails.
 
We maintain an ongoing conversation with the government, making sure the health and safety of our individuals are a top priority.
 
“Nothing Can Dim The Light Which Shines From Inside” (Maya Angelou)

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, Reena would like you to know that the health and well-being of our supported individuals, families, employees and volunteers has always been our primary focus. 

Reena is committed to doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our individuals, their families, our staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During these unprecedented times, we must be prepared to make many decisions very quickly, at all levels of the organization. To support this, we need to stay true to our values : 

Care: Compassion and Justice – Chesed Ve Tzedek
Leadership: Repair the World – Tikun Olam
Empowerment: Value Others as You Value Yourself – V’ahavta L’reacha Kamocha
Accessibility: Remove Barriers – Lifnei Iver Al Tasim Michshol
Respect: Honour Our Humanity – Kvod Habriyot

Therefore, all of our decisions will filter through the following lenses:

  1. Focus on those most at risk and move outward in widening circles.
  2. Take care of ourselves – practice self care for ourselves, our staff and those we support
  3. The way we support ourselves, and those in our care,  should add value and provide knowledge
  4. Be transparent and open to change
  5. Hold each other accountable, set up support and peer-initiated accountability
  6. Lead through action and compassion

Reena’s residential individuals will be supported in their homes and will not be attending day programs. We are committed to ensuring life within the homes carries on as close to normal as possible by keeping groceries and supplies in stock and offering creative programming to bring meaningful activities into the home, as well as safe activities outdoors, applying the principles of social distancing. This excludes our typical activities, like movies.

We continue to monitor all public health directives, and implemented our emergency health procedures in order to be ready. The information and direction are based on the data we have now and may change as new information is provided.

Our staff are continuing to be screened each day and are monitoring individuals for any signs of influenza-like symptoms.

We encourage everyone to visit trusted public health websites to ensure you get the most accurate and up to date information. 

For more information please visit: 

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/ 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus