DECEMBER 20, 2016

Based on a request from Reena, with start-up funds provided by the Azrieli Foundation, the province announced additional funding for a group of 10 developmental services agencies known as the Intentional Community Consortium (ICC), to develop an inclusive, community-based housing strategy for adults with developmental disabilities.

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

Thousands of Canadians living with developmental disabilities received some truly life-changing news.

It was on that date that the federal government announced the launch of a multi-billion dollar National Housing Strategy, designed to ensure that individuals with diverse needs have access to safe and affordable housing.

Reena, along with the ICC, had extensively advocated for our sector, resulting in the federal government allocating a minimum of 2,400 specialized units for those with developmental disabilities.

The need for specialized housing is great. There are 12,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, waiting for housing in Ontario. With the opportunity to apply for federal assistance, Reena began planning for a new residential project, modeled on the success of the Reena Community Residence, which opened in 2012.

Batay Reena creatively pulled together a parcel of land adjacent to the Toby & Henry Battle Developmental Centre. They purchased land from Wycliffe Homes who is building on the adjacent property. They also negotiated the purchase of a right-of-way from the City of Vaughan. The goal was to create housing for 138 people with diverse needs along with urgently needed programming space. The cost (including land) was estimated at $36 million. In addition to federal support, the project would require assistance from the other levels of government, along with a major fundraising campaign to be spearheaded by Reena Foundation.

NOVEMBER 21, 2018

At Reena Foundation’s Exceptional Abilities Gala, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking to over 900 guests, announced the largest donation in Reena’s history – 5.4 MILLION DOLLARS from the family of the late Lou Fruitman.

Lou, who passed away in 2015, helped Rabbi Joseph Kelmanzt’l and other members of Beth Emeth Synagogue establish Reena in the early seventies. Lou generously supported Reena from its start, despite not having a family member in need of its services. A humble man who avoided the spotlight, he would go on to become Reena’s first Treasurer and President.

“My husband was a true mensch. Knowing that he was helping others was all he needed. He would have been embarrassed by this recognition, but would be thrilled that this building will help so many families,” said Lou’s loving wife Betsy.

The leadership gift from Betsy Fruitman was the catalyst needed to officially launch the campaign.

JANUARY 22, 2019

Reena received unanimous support for the building by Vaughan City Council. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, York Region Chair Wayne Emmerson and the entire City of Vaughan Council and staff worked tirelessly to assist with the approval process. In fact, Mayor Bevilacqua was so enthused, he stepped up to Co-Chair the capital campaign, alongside Robert Berger, Executive member of the Reena Foundation Board of Directors.

AUGUST 2019

Several other generous donors had joined Mrs. Fruitman to support the project and Reena was ready to begin construction. The official groundbreaking celebration took place on August 20, 2019. In addition to the usual photos, shovels, speeches and cake, the event included something to commemorate a long standing Lou Fruitman tradition. Lou was in the construction business and his practice was to bury four special items in the foundation of new homes as a blessing to those who would live there; sugar – for a sweet life; bread – so that there would be food on the table; candles – for joy and light; and salt – to add a little spice.

Individuals in Reena’s art programs created a special box to mark the occasion along with containers for sugar and salt. They made candles and even baked a fresh challah. Lou and Betsy’s grandsons, Jarod and Joshua, placed the box in the ground to continue their grandfather’s tradition on the site of the building that will bear his name. Other highlights included granddaughter Phoebe singing with the Reena choir and eldest granddaughter Amanda’s speech in tribute of both Lou and Betsy.