June 20, 2018 – Thornhill, ON – Reena looks forward to working with the new Government of Ontario under the leadership of Premier-Designate Doug Ford to improve the lives of those with developmental disabilities across the Province.
We look forward to efforts that expand housing options and employment opportunities maximizing community engagement and creating effective and efficient supports for this vulnerable community.
We are pleased that the Premier-Designate has firsthand knowledge of Reena and the innovative work that we do, having participated in our fundraising events and having met those we assist.
We look forward to increased co-ordination between all Ministries involved in the care and support of those with developmental disabilities. Silos have been getting smaller and now it is our hope that they will be removed entirely.
Reena is looking forward to working with the new government to tackle major issues facing our sector, including a 40 year housing waitlist, service gaps for individuals once they turn 18 and an ageing population.
Reena would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kathleen Wynne and her government for their support over the years to those with developmental disabilities. A lot was done with respect to housing and employment, and those we assist are better off in many ways, but there is still much more to be done.
Reena will continue to work with the new Government to advocate for additional housing with supports and employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities, and we look forward to meeting with the Minister and Staff as soon as possible.
Reena would like to take this opportunity to formally invite the Premier-Designate and all members of the caucus to tour our existing innovative intentional community residence in the riding of King-Vaughan, represented by MPP-elect Stephen Lecce, who had this to say on his recent tour: “The Reena Community Residence is a testament to our shared commitment to give every single Canadian the opportunity to live up to their full potential.”
About Reena
Reena promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities 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 over 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
