P1131 Kolreena-Fall 09

Kolreena
Report of the
President & CEO
by Sandy Keshen
Recently I had the opportunity
to thank Mordechai Ben Dat,
Executive Editor for
publishing an interview I had given
to Carolyn Blackman, a reporter for
the Canadian Jewish News. I
wanted to thank him because in
todays rushed world, too often facts
are misunderstood and misprinted
by members of the press, and here
we had a very well written (and
accurate) account of the interview.
It was his response which struck a
chord within me. He said, and I quote:
“The CJN is a mirror, reflecting
back the light of the community to
the community.”
What a charming and menschlech
way to acknowledge Reena’s growth
and achievements over the years
Report of the Chair continued from page 2
families. In addition, the Foundation
enthusiastically undertook to raise
capital funds for the Reena
Community Residence and has
already been most successful in raising
most of its commitment to the Capital
Campaign. I am delighted to have this
opportunity on behalf of the Reena
Board and the many hundreds of
individuals with developmental
disabilities we support, to say a
heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Irving
and the very positive manner in which
we are viewed in the community.
As President and CEO of this vibrant
and successful agency, I, too, consider it
to be a light in the community and I
want to take this opportunity to thank
the diligent, loyal, and caring Reena
staff who have contributed so much to
the ‘glow’. Reena currently has 460 full
and part-time staff, some of whom
have been with us for over 30 years –
how’s that for job satisfaction? Each
one is a very valuable member of our
organization and contributes his/her
skills and energy with enthusiasm,
professionalism and commitment.
I am so proud of the high calibre
work ethic we have established
throughout our agency. In spite of the
many new programs which have been
introduced and the growing number of
individuals receiving support, Reena
staff members embrace added
responsibilities and tasks willingly and
with enthusiasm - in some cases taking
additional training courses if necessary,
to ensure the success of the project
and the well-being of the individuals
that Reena supports.
We work together as a large family
team with a common goal. I value their
contribution to the success of Reena
and look forward to continue working
together to support and integrate
individuals with developmental
disabilities into the community with
dignity and respect.
Feldman, to Tobie Bekhor co-chair on
the Capital Campaign Cabinet and to
every member of the Foundation Board
and Committees for years of tireless
but very much appreciated efforts.
As well as the many people I have
acknowledged, there are countless
others we are proud to call valued
friends of Reena. Their commitment,
loving care and generosity of spirit are
the backbone of our organization.
YMCA Award to Bill Fisch
Bill Fisch, CEO and Chairman of York Region
(l), and Police Chief Eric Jolliffe (r).
Kolreena • December 2012 • 3