Year of Impact

Impact you can see, feel, and celebrate

For over 50 years, the incredible individuals we serve at Reena have experienced life-changing growth, confidence, and joyful moments. We’re proud to share their stories.

Share in the impact

Andrew’s Journey: A Brother’s Love, A Life Transformed

When Andrew Slabodnik got a placement at Reena in 2001, it changed more than his life. “Reena didn’t just support Andrew — they kept me in school,” says his sister Sarah. “They supported our entire family.”

Andrew was diagnosed with autism at SickKids in the early 1980s, at a time when services in Markham were sparse. Mostly non-verbal and struggling with eye contact, communication was a challenge—but never his spirit. “Andy’s always been a sweetheart,” Sarah recalls. “He just had a hard time getting his needs across.”

Over the years, Reena’s impact has been steady and profound. Andrew now lives at King High, where consistent, compassionate staffing has helped him flourish in ways his family once couldn’t have imagined. He wears suits to family events by his own insistence. He attends Mass weekly, participates in karaoke, volunteers and finds peace in music — a passion that goes back to the mixtapes he guarded like treasure growing up.

At a recent family gathering, Sarah watched her brother make a point of saying a personal goodbye to every single guest. “That wouldn’t have happened 10 years ago,” she says.

At 45, Andrew is no longer on behavioural medication, communicates in full phrases when he chooses and is deeply engaged in his life. For Sarah, the shift is simple to name. “Reena helped my brother step into the best version of himself. And in doing that, they gave me my brother back.”

Help make more dreams a reality

1,000+

Individuals supported by Reena

1,200+

Hours given by dedicated volunteers

860

Caring Employees

Unlimited

Impact

A Year of Impact

Every day we’re honoured to witness incredible transformations happening right in our community – and we couldn’t be more proud to spotlight these stories for you.

Our Year of Impact celebrates the real people behind our mission. From Paige building skills for independent living, to Matthew pursuing his career dreams, these stories showcase what happens when we believe in potential and provide the right support.

We’re proud of the life-changing moments we help create, of the confidence we help build, and the independence we help achieve. But most of all, we are proud of the incredible individuals we serve who inspire us every single day to keep creating possibilities. Thank you for the positive impact you leave on us.

How you can help make an impact

Donate

Your support helps us to continue making an impact for those we serve and in our community.

See Ways to Donate

Volunteer

By joining our volunteer team, you will directly contribute to the exceptional experiences and life-changing support we deliver every day.

Join Our Team

Share

Amplify the story of someone you know in our Reena community and share the life-changing impact of our programs.

Share Our Stories

We are proud to support Reena’s newest residential project that will help address the urgent need for specialized housing in our community. This project will be life changing for people with disabilities and their families and we are honoured to be involved.

— The Frankfort Family

We would like to thank you, Alanna, Joey for your support and help during Andrew’s first year of employment. He benefits and enjoys the work. He keeps telling us how great was the shift and how he likes to be at work. You helped him not only with developing skills but with confidence, sense of belonging and we are extremely thankful for your help!!!

I like living at Reena because my apartment here allows me to be independent. I also feel safe and supported by staff and individuals at my building. It’s a great place to live.

— J.B

I am a parent. It’s my heartfelt thanks to all of you who contribute to this wonderful program. It is such a blessing to our family to be able to join. I am short of words to describe how grateful it is to know you guys. It means a lot to our family. thanks all. I am so happy of the email I received. I got the job since I contacted you, you helped me with my resume and scheduling my interview. I wish one day I can see you face to face with my small gift. Thank you again and have a fantastic day.

…Reena has been an amazing source of respite to our family. After a few years of COVID and our struggles to care for our 20-year-old son with complex disabilities, we were really drained with such a burden…

— A.M

…Almost cried when an individual who is painfully shy got up and danced with me with such a smile on his face – he barely looked up for months that I had worked with him but I played his favourite song and this was such a special moment.

— P.L

Initially, I thought I would be giving as a volunteer, but ultimately, the relationship is mutual, as both the volunteers and the individuals with developmental disabilities give and receive at Reena. Reena is a great place to volunteer! Both the staff and individuals are so appreciative. I can’t count the number of times that someone shows their gratefulness. The programs are lots of fun, and modified to ensure participation from every individual! I would absolutely encourage others to volunteer with Reena.

I really enjoy my work at Reena, getting to know the individuals supported by Reena and building meaningful relationships with them. Reena has impacted my personality in a sense that I am now a more patient and compassionate individual. It has also made me aware to create inclusive environments not only during my time in Reena, but in my everyday life as well.

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to volunteer at Reena and for helping me along the way. The experience inspired me to become a staff member at Camp Reena and take on new responsibilities in order to enrich the lives of those living with developmental disabilities as best as I can. It also pushed me to discover a profession that I have gained great interest in and would like to pursue – that of a developmental pediatrician. I would like to assist children with disabilities in living healthy and enjoyable lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of support does Reena offer?

Reena supports over 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities through a variety of services:

Housing: 32 group homes and 60+ supported independent living apartments
Community Programs: Flexible day programs tailored to individual interests and schedules
Employment Support: Job coaching and career development services
Respite Services: Short-term relief and support for families
Specialized programs: Services for autism, mental health challenges and other developmental disabilities

For more information about the services we offer, reach out to 905.889.6484 or info@reena.org

How does my donation support the work at the organization?

Your support directly helps fund transformational housing projects and vital programs, including day programs, respite services and employment support.

Your impact helps:

Housing: Helps address the 12,000+ person waitlist for specialized housing in Ontario

Programs: Funds equipment, activities, and services beyond the scope of government funding

Employment: Supports job coaching and career development services

Individual growth: Enables more journeys to independence and community engagement, helping all individuals to thrive

How do I volunteer with Reena?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! We are always looking for dedicated and caring individuals to join our team.

For full information on our volunteer recruitment process, visit reena.org/volunteer

Andrew’s Journey: A Brother’s Love, A Life Transformed

When Andrew Slabodnik got a placement at Reena in 2001, it changed more than his life. “Reena didn’t just support Andrew — they kept me in school,” says his sister Sarah. “They supported our entire family.”

1,000+

1,200+