Meet Rachel and Lori
Rachel and Lori, two vibrant women living in a Reena group home, recently turned their dreams into reality with a meaningful trip to Montreal.
This trip fulfilled deeply personal goals, supported by dedicated Reena staff.
For Rachel, the journey meant reconnecting with family she hadn’t seen in years: her sister, nieces and nephews. For Lori, it was about experiencing the thrill of train travel and exploring a new city. Both goals were woven into their Individual Support Plans, ensuring Reena’s support remained rooted in what mattered most to them.
The VIA Rail journey itself became unforgettable. Staff provided exceptional care to Rachel, attending to her accessibility needs and making her feel truly special as the scenic route through Ontario and Québec built anticipation for their arrival.
In Montreal, the experiences flowed: outdoor dining, music festivals, a hop-on hop-off bus tour exploring the city’s rich history. Rachel delighted in speaking in her preferred languages – French and Spanish – with locals, while Lori savoured subway rides, wandered Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and finally found her perfect souvenir: a Montreal-themed beaver she’d long hoped to own.
But the heart of the trip came when Rachel embraced her sister and extended family for the first time in many years. Filled with joyful tears and heartfelt hugs, she described the reunion as life-changing.
None of this would have been possible without Reena’s incredible staff: Bill H., Jullian S., Urowoli E., Hnan A., and Debbie. Their thoughtful planning and hands-on support made every moment safe, meaningful and joyful. A special thanks also to the wider team whose commitment to person-centred care continues to elevate lives.
With compassionate support and intentional planning, dreams don’t just exist. They become lived experiences that transform lives.