P1131 Kolreena-Fall 09

Kolreena
Channels at the Reena Community Residence
by: Daniel Dickson, Channels Staff
M
ore exciting news for the
Channels program, as we are
settling into our new location
in the Reena Community Residence
(RCR) on the Lebovic Campus. The
majority of Channels participants live
in the building, and we are focused on
establishing strong roots in our new
community. We are encouraging our
participants to become active and
productive in their new surroundings
by exploring the benefits of
community involvement, with the aim
of spreading the Lebovic Campus'
model of inclusion. The community
has welcomed us with open arms, and
we have discovered plenty of exciting
vocational and recreational
opportunities for our participants.
We at the RCR share the Lebovic
Campus with a modern community
centre (the Schwartz Reisman Centre)
and a large education complex (Kimel
10 • Kolreena • December 2012
Family Education Centre). Some of the
building's residents have already
joined the fitness centre at Schwartz
Reisman, and are enjoying use of the
state of the art fitness equipment and
three salt-water pools. We have also
been able to secure vocational
placements for Channels participants
on campus, and they are working hard
to ensure that Reena develops and
maintains a sterling reputation in the
area. Along with the RCR Residential
team, we are in frequent contact with
others on campus to find new and
exciting ways to promote inclusion.
With the completion of the
Holocaust Remembrance Garden,
there has been great interest in the
beautiful new additions to our
building's facade. The Channels and
Pathways programs have been asked
to assist with interactive tours of the
garden, including information sessions
SIL Day Program Says Thank You
to Rabbi Sean Gorman and Larry Spring
by: Rebecca Freedlander
R
eena’s Supported .Independent Living (SIL) Day
Program expresses sincere appreciation to Rabbi
Sean Gorman and Ritual Director Larry Spring of
the Pride of Israel Synagogue. Over the past year we
have been enjoying a lunch and learn session on the last
Thursday of every month.
The group members have enjoyed learning more about
our Jewish identity and the special meaning behind each
of the holidays we celebrate. They take pride in all the
knowledge which has been acquired over time. Lessons
are always taught in a fun and friendly manner which
puts a smile on the faces of all involved in this wonderful
undertaking. Our S.I.L. group always feels very welcome
when we come through the doors of the Pride.
Each one of our participants wanted to express how
much they enjoy and benefit from this meaningful
program at the Shul.
using the touchscreen computers in
the Channels program room.
What's more, Channels has spread
its net beyond the campus and into the
surrounding area to find 'good fits' for
the individuals we support. At the
nearby Rutherford Plaza shopping
complex, you can find our participants
working in paid and volunteer
positions, just a short walk from their
apartments. In warmer months we
volunteered at the nearby Kavannah
Community Garden, helping to
harvest fresh fruits and vegetables to
be donated to charity.
With more exciting opportunities on
the horizon - including some Channels
entrepreneurial ventures - we have
only just begun to explore the exciting
opportunities that the Lebovic Campus
and surrounding neighbourhood have
to offer. Stay tuned!
MARTIN GOODMAN:
My favourite thing is finding out about the Truth.
CHERYL KELMAN:
I like all the songs - especially those we learn for the
holidays.
RACHEL BENCHETRIT:
I like to ask a lot of questions. I learn something new every
time we come.
HIRSH SILVERSTEIN:
I love to learn more about being Jewish and to share what I
know with others.
Hirsh is moving to a new location. We will miss his
enthusiastic participation in the S.I.L. group. We want to
thank the Rabbi and Larry for arranging a very special
farewell party for Hirsch. They have always gone out of
their way to make our time together fun and meaningful.
May all the good feelings continue for years to come.