New Electronic Health Record
Strengthens Client Connection

In a calm voice, Melissa Abbey reassures the person on the phone that everything they discuss is confidential. Melissa has completed hundreds of client intakes and assessments as an Addictions Counsellor at Renascent’s Client Care and Access Centre (Access Centre). She compassionately leads potential clients through a series of standardized questions aimed at helping her determine which level of care is best suited to their needs. And while these conversations may seem like a routine endeavour, they are not to Melissa and her team members.

Every interaction with a member of the public is a chance for the team to connect with the person in a meaningful way. While the end result may vary – the person may become a client or be referred to other services – the goal is always to ensure that people who reach out for help are able to receive the care they need.

This past year, as Renascent implemented a new electronic health record called EMHware, the Access Centre team played an integral role in ensuring the new system meets the needs of clients and staff. For months, members of the team joined other staff who worked tirelessly on the project’s implementation committee to co-design the new system which is accessed by members of the care team, and plays
an integral role in Renascent’s information quality and data collection.

“The information we collect and enter into this system provides the basis for the care clients will receive once they join us for treatment,” shares Melissa. “Our new system provides functionality that enables us to better serve the client along their care journey.”

The Access Centre is the first point of contact for anyone who is seeking treatment at Renascent. This year, Renascent’s Client Care and Access Centre team handled over 27,000 telephone calls and emails with people and their loved ones, assessing treatment needs, coordinating care and providing information about Renascent’s life-changing programs.

Addictions Counsellor, Melissa Abbey speaks with a member of the public who is interested in receiving care at Renascent.

Strengthening Clinical Care & Communication Through Information Systems

Renascent’s clinical teams huddle every morning to discuss details associated with each client in their census. These Case Conferences are important points of connection where teams work together to assess each client’s specific needs. Everything from referrals to external resources, to notable changes in client disposition can be discussed; all with the goal of identifying how best to support each person.

Renascent’s new electronic health record (EMHware) helps make these conferences more efficient. The teams are moving towards being paperless as part of the transition to using EMHware, and being digital-forward has allowed staff to spend more therapeutic time with clients. The new platform has also streamlined communication among the various teams, saving time and creating efficiencies in care.

“EMHware has increased the quality and effectiveness of communication between our many programs,” explains Hayley Bloom, Associate Director of Programs. Now, there is more seamless communication and documentation through the new system, which enables us to provide a better experience for clients and our care partners.

Often clients have an extensive medical history and now with EMHware, that information is more easily shared with the medical team and counselling staff, meaning the client does not have to tell their ‘story’ multiple times. This is a significant benefit to clients as their ongoing counselling sessions with treatment team members can be more informed and focused integrating input from various members of the team.

“Certainly, EMHware is a more client-centred system,” says Hayley, who is also excited about future enhancements that will be made to the system.

In the months ahead, more of EMHwares capabilities will be unlocked, explains Hayley. “We haven’t realized this platform to its fullest potential yet, but we’ll be working toward that and are excited about how that’ll benefit clients.”

Members of Renascent Graham Munro Centre’s Team Amanda Hintzen and Stephanie Bogart discuss client care.

Community and Recovery Fostered
in Continuing Care

There’s almost always a smile on Kayla Brandenburg’s face. The smile she wears comes from a place of authenticity. As someone who struggled with addiction and now is an Addictions Counsellor with Renascent’s Continuing Care Program, Kayla strives to cultivate joy
and seeks to be of service in every facet of her life.

In her group counselling sessions, this makes for a dynamic and supportive learning environment for every client who attends Kayla’s sessions. While Kayla specifically counsels graduates from Renascent’s Graham Munro Centre (women’s centre), Renascent’s Continuing Care Program is available to graduates of Renascent’s live-in and virtual treatment programs as well.

Group counselling sessions are held online weekly to help clients adjust to life post-treatment. The support the Continuing Care team provides is critical, as it comes at a time when the risk of relapse is highest.

“One of the biggest challenges clients face after leaving treatment is finding a community to connect with. The reasons for this may vary but once someone starts to isolate, often relapse can follow,” explains Kayla.

To combat this, Kayla cultivates community within her group sessions and she encourages clients to connect with peers they attended treatment with. Creating an environment of safety and transparency is important to Kayla. Now five years in recovery, she shares openly about her past struggles when it’s appropriate. This lived experience – which all Renascent counselling staff share – fosters trust with clients.

“I’m clear that our group meetings are a non-judgmental space where help is always available,” says Kayla. “If someone is struggling to find a community to connect with, I want them to know that this Continuing Care group is their community too.”

While the Program is 20 weeks, Kayla and the team offer a six-week extension to any alumni who feel they could benefit from additional support.

“I enjoy seeing clients overcome challenges in early recovery and I find joy in helping them navigate that journey,” says Kayla, beaming with pride.

Last year, 363 clients were admitted into Renascent’s Continuing Care Program. Clients who are unable to afford the cost of this Program are able to apply for a bursary through Renascent Foundation.

Addictions Counsellor, Kayla Brandenburg fosters a sense of community online with clients who attend Renascent’s virtual Continuing Care Program.

Recovering Together:
Supporting A Family’s Path Toward Healing

If you ask Blake, he’ll candidly tell you, “Before this experience, I had very little knowledge of addiction.” Over the past two years, this loving father has stepped-up in many ways to help his son find and maintain recovery.

Upon learning about his son Ryan’s struggles, Blake knew he needed treatment immediately and enrolled him in Renascent’s Complete Care Program. Through this program, Ryan received rapid access to intensive live-in treatment, six months of Continuing Care, and life-time access to alumni support.

Renascent treats addiction as a family disease, recognizing that it impacts every member of the family unit. As a result, Ryan’s family members were able to access support through Renascent’s Essential Family Care Program, which includes group and individual therapy sessions.

Soaking in this opportunity to learn, Blake attended the Family Program. He gained education, tools, and language to help support his own healing and recovery, and find a new perspective on both his journey and Ryan’s.

“For more than two years, I lived in total despair. It was impossible for me to find joy in anything. My entire world was consumed by Ryan’s mental health and addiction, and it’s all that I could think about,” Blake shares openly.

Today, Blake recognizes that while he supports his son’s recovery, that he too is on his own separate journey. He still attends Renascent Family Program alumni meetings and Al-Anon meetings, which help him navigate life as the parent of someone in recovery.

“These connections have been invaluable,” shared Blake. “My biggest inspiration comes from Ryan. He has proven to be tremendously courageous, resilient, intelligent, loving, empathetic, and I could go on and on. He continues to inspire me every day.”

This year, 269 parents, siblings, and partners participated in Renascent’s Essential Family Care Program.

Blake’s son benefitted from Renascent’s Live-in Treatment Program, while his grandchildren attended the Children’s Program. Blake attended Renascent’s Family Program which provided him with essential support as the parent of someone who is struggling with addiction.

Using Data to Generate Insights
and Drive Decision Making

For over a year, Alessandro Motta has been leading Renascent’s adoption of its new Electronic Health Record called EMHware. It’s been a big job, but as Manager of Program Quality Measurement and Improvement, Alessandro has been up to the task. Working closely with Joey Selvaggio, Data Coordinator, this project has had significant implications for clinical care and quality improvement.

In fall 2024, EMHware replaced Catalyst, an older Electronic Health Record with limited functionality. A clients’ health care and social history is often complex, and EMHware enables seamless information and data capture, essentially simplifying and streamlining these important steps for staff and clients. Each client’s Electronic Health Record is an important part of their intake, assessment, scheduling process before clients are admitted into treatment, and is used daily when they are admitted into our care.

“EMHware allows us to collect and extract information about the people we serve enabling us to provide an optimal care experience,” explains Selvaggio, who prepares and reviews various reports regularly to gain deeper insights into our clients’ care. The information gathered is used to drive improvements in care across all programs.

In addition to enabling faster and more accurate information entry and reporting capabilities, EMHware has improved care-coordination across Renascent’s teams, saving staff time through its streamlined, easy-to-use interface. It’s also increased Renascent’s compliance with updated Ministry of Health reporting standards and strengthened the privacy of client information.

“In a future state, information will be shared with external care partners so that clients can have a seamless experience once they leave our care and access external resources,” shares Alessandro. “Many of our clients go on to supportive housing, for example, and request financial supports. In the time to come, we will be able to share specific aspects of the client’s record – with their consent of course – with the agencies that they are connecting to for post-treatment support.”

Alessandro Motta and Joey Selvaggio worked with various teams across Renascent to implement the organization’s new Electronic Health Record.

Family Program Branching out to Support Teens

“Tumultuous,” that’s the word Renascent Addictions Counsellor, Cassandra Switzer uses to describe life for children with parents who are struggling with addiction.

Identifying the need for increased support for youth, last year Renascent delivered a community education session for professionals and parents, as well as focused counselling services to support youth.

“We know that children with parents who have substance use disorders are more likely to develop one themselves later on in life,” explains Cassandra. “The teenage years are often when addiction begins; those are the years when youth begin to explore substances. So providing counselling that allows us to intercept the cycle of addiction by providing knowledge and tools is integral to changing the narrative for teens.”

Renascent’s Family Program Counselling Team offered one-on-one and group counselling for teens, giving participants the opportunity to form meaningful connections with the counsellors and peers. The teens learn about addiction and mental health, develop strong communication skills, learn how to become attuned to their emotions, set boundaries and form healthy relationships.

As part of a knowledge sharing exercise to further help teens, Renascent Foundation hosted an education session titled “Understanding Teen Mental Health” for healthcare professionals, educators, and parents across Ontario in February 2025. Co-hosted by Cassandra Switzer, Susan Raphael, author and former Renascent Board Member, and Sunil Boodhai, Renascent’s Manager of Family and Outpatient Programs, the session received over 300 registered attendees.

Renascent’s Children’s Program which provides group and individual therapy sessions for children ages seven to 12 continued last year. The retreat-style program consists of a four-day retreat being held multiple times per year. The retreat is one component of Renascent’s Children’s Program which also includes a weekly online check-in group and virtual group sessions for the program’s alumni.

Extending Corporate Support Through
Community Relations & Partnerships

Every morning, Renascent’s Community Relations and Partnership Team connects to discuss the day’s priorities. It’s an important part of each day, as the team works to provide dedicated and specialized care coordination to Renascent’s corporate partners and clients.

Every day, the team, consisting of Jennifer Caven, Anastasia Campbell, and Inza Ikram, seek to provide seamless care coordination, case management, progress reporting, and timely and clear communication to the individuals and organizations Renascent serves.

The team’s Manager, Isaiah Gayle, recalls a recent client admission. “We completed the pre-treatment processes and scheduled a client’s admission within five days, then during a follow-up call the day before admission realized the client would need additional support in some areas,” shares Isaiah.

It’s not uncommon for clients to require additional support prior to attending treatment. Often many barriers present themselves and the team has to work with each individual, their employer, and often their insurance and/or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to address the unique challenges that often emerge when an employee is transitioning into Substance Use Disorder care and the recovery process.

With the goal of ensuring the client always gets the appropriate help they need, the team worked to coordinate withdrawal management services with a trusted partner and transportation for this client, while also connecting with their insurance company to confirm coverage for the cost of Renascent’s treatment. All of this was done, while remaining acutely focused on supporting the clinical needs of the client as they navigate what can be an emotionally challenging period.

This year, they continued to shine, providing exceptional service amid a transition to a new Electronic Health Record.

Renascent’s Community Relations and Partnership Team, consisting of (left to right) Inza Ikram, Isaiah Gayle, Anastasia Campbell, and Jennifer Caven.

Blossoming Through Fitness:
New Exercise Rooms Foster Healing

Now over four years in recovery, Renascent alumni Hannah has transformed her health, completing two half-marathons last year alone — a feat unimaginable during the throws addiction.

“Athleticism came naturally growing up, but substance use stifled my potential, overshadowing motivation to care for myself,” Hannah shares.

Since finding recovery at Renascent, Hannah has made her physical health a priority. She exercises regularly and prioritizes foods that nourish her body.

“When I entered treatment, I was finally in a safe and supportive environment that gave me the space to focus on fitness and wellness again. That time allowed me to detox and reestablish a consistent fitness routine, helping me feel stronger and more equipped to carry what I’d rediscovered into the next chapter of my life.”

Last year, Renascent completed the addition of dedicated fitness spaces at their live-in treatment centres. These spaces with exercise machines and equipment help clients prioritize their physical well-being in early recovery.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a vital role in relapse prevention and exercise is one of many significant levers that clients can use every day to help,” said Justin Ryan, Assistant Manager, Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre.

The time clients spend in treatment at Renascent is foundational; helping them develop good habits and routines that will benefit their physical, mental, and spiritual health, as well as their overall recovery after they leave our walls.

“Every day I choose to stay clean reminds me how far I’ve come, and taking care of my body is part of honoring that progress. Physical fitness helps me stay grounded, reduce stress, and build structure into my life,” shares Hannah. “The desire to live a full, purposeful life without substances keeps me motivated to stay active and take care of myself, inside and out.”

This year, 770 people were admitted into intensive inpatient/live-in treatment in our treatment centres.

 Exercise room at Renascent Madison Avenue Centre. Renascent Alumni, Hannah has nurtured her love for health and fitness
in recovery.

Finding Strength and Recovery
in Virtual Treatment

As Cary’s addiction deepened, the cracks within his life widened; until one day he decided to make a change.

“When I woke up that morning, I just knew, for the first time, that I needed help. I took time off work and spoke to my sister, who told me about a friend whose life had been changed by Renascent. I told her to dial the phone.”

Cary credits Renascent’s six-week Virtual Intensive Treatment Program (VITP) with giving him the foundation he needed for his recovery.

“My time with Renascent helped me figure things out in many ways,” he shares. “It gave me the tools: how to create a prevention plan, keep my feelings open, and communicate better.”

Developed to address the growing need for addiction treatment, VITP continues to help people across Ontario. The government-funded, online program makes quality addiction treatment more accessible, and includes access to Renascent’s six-month virtual Continuing Care Program, and support for family members through its Family Program.

“After Renascent, I was able to really break down barriers and be open with my therapist,” he says. “We got in-depth about things from my past I had carried but never addressed.”

Clients attending the VITP program access three group-sessions per day, and have individual support. They have the unique opportunity to implement the tools and skills they are learning in the online environment into their daily lives right away. They are also able to get support with any real-life challenges they are facing as they work toward long-term recovery.

Today, Cary enjoys life again and is focused on rebuilding trust with his partner and children, whom he cites as his inspiration in recovery.

“I now have a team,” he says, explaining he relies on his family, therapist, chiropractor, and recovery meetings.

This year, VITP served 366 people, diverting many of these individuals from long waitlists for live-in treatment programs.

Cary received life-changing care through Renascent’s Virtual Intensive Treatment Program, attending sessions online for six weeks, followed by Continuing Care.

Blossoming in Service:
Our Growing Alumni Community

Every second and fourth Tuesday, Hunter C. drives from  Toronto to Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre in Whitby to chair alumni meetings. For over three years, he’s embraced thisrole with passion.

“After completing Continuing Care, I wanted to stay connected to Renascent. When the service position of Sullivan Centre’s Alumni Committee chairperson opened up, I knew it was for me.” says Hunter, who graduated from the centre in 2021.

Hunter’s involvement doesn’t stop there. This past year, as Renascent levelled up its commitment to Alumni engagement, Hunter deepened his participation too. Alongside leading program and centre-specific alumni meetings, Hunter embraced Renascent Foundation’s events designed to foster stronger post-treatment connections, creating more opportunities for him and other alumni to serve and connect.

“People like me are wired to isolate, but with Renascent it feels as though there is always an event you can attend. If you participate you are bound to develop friendships and fellowships with others,” shares Hunter.

On August 10, 2024, the Foundation hosted alumni at a Toronto Blue Jays game with discounted tickets and dedicated seating. In December 2024, “Home for the Holidays” events helped alumni celebrate and connect. On March 14-16, 2025, Renascent’s hospitality suite at the Ontario Regional Conference (ORC) of Alcoholics Anonymous, hosted for the first time in years. And all of these events, Hunter either attended as a guest or volunteer.

“The Twelfth Step teaches that giving back sustains recovery. Leading events and serving others feels like true 12-step work—a win-win. It keeps me sober while channeling energy into something deeply rewarding. It’s helping others with a selfish twist,” says Hunter, grateful for the chance to serve.

Renascent alumni meetings are a great way to stay connected. Renascent Foundation hosts events for alumni on a regular basis. Learn about upcoming events.

Hunter (below right picture) is an active member of Renascent’s alumni community. He chairs Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre’s alumni meetings and is often present at alumni events.

Donors Nurture and Support
Renascent Foundation

If you’ve attended Renascent’s Recovery Shot Golf Tournament over the past few years, you’d see a familiar face in Ann Ross. Year after year, she returns to the tournament as a volunteer and a supporter of Renascent’s mission.

Ann – who recently retired from her role as Territory manager of Flannigan Foodservice – is also a member of the tournament’s golf committee. Her connection to Renascent’s mission is personal. Her son is in recovery, so Ann knows first-hand the impact of Renascent’s life-changing addiction programs. Though her son has been sober for over 16 years, Ann understands that the journey toward finding recovery and maintaining it is challenging. Grateful for the life-saving work Renascent and Renascent Foundation do, Ann is committed
to volunteering as a way of paying it forward for others who need help.

“The greatest thing of all is to give back. I feel like I am part of a movement, making a difference,” said Ann. “Renascent Foundation does incredible work ensuring that people who cannot afford the cost of addiction treatment can get the help they need. I’m proud to support this cause.”

This past year, Renascent Foundation raised $743,230 through events, corporate partnerships, individual donations, and various fundraising efforts. These funds supplement government funding for Renascent’s residential treatment program, covering the shortfall in care delivery costs. Additionally, the donations sustain vital programs like Continuing Care, Family, Teen, and Children’s Programs, ensuring a comprehensive continuum of care.

Ann Ross (pictured on the left) is a long-time supporter of Renascent Foundation’s Recovery Shot Golf Tournament. Last year, Ann volunteered at the snack station during the tournament, which was sponsored by PepsiCo.

A Community of Donors Spreading
Holiday Cheer and Support

Last fall, Renascent Foundation launched a powerful Giving Tuesday campaign that rallied our community around hope and healing—with our Board of Directors proudly matching the first $7,800 in donations.

Building on that momentum, our Holiday Campaign inspired even more generosity, raising critical funds during one of the most meaningful times of the year.

Our alumni community came together in an incredible show of generosity and care—creating holiday gift bags for every client in treatment. Together, they donated over $5,000 worth of in-kind items, ensuring that each person felt seen, supported, and celebrated during the holidays.

We were also proud to partner with Abuse Hurts, who provided brand-new essentials to individuals in our care, helping them begin their recovery journey with dignity and comfort.

These heartfelt contributions reminded our clients that they are not alone—and that a community of people who’ve walked this path before them is cheering them on. Together, these efforts helped ensure that more individuals and families could access life-changing care when they needed it most—bringing comfort, connection, and recovery within reach during the holiday season and beyond.

(Right to left) Renascent Alumni Duncan, his mother Beth, and his sponsor Sean at Renascent Madison Avenue Centre dropping off gifts for clients for the 2024 December Holiday Season.

Extended Support: A Revitalizing Gift
from the Estate of Linda McCain

Since we first opened our doors in 1970, Renascent has been proud of the home-like environment that we provide at our treatment centres. Our facilities are Victorian-style homes that exude a feeling of warmth and safety.

This past year, thanks to the generosity of the Estate of Linda McCain, Renascent’s Graham Munro Centre received a transformative gift which enabled updates to the building’s interior. The funds were used to refresh the interior paint throughout the home, and install new durable flooring in high-traffic areas.

Our beautifully revitalized treatment space plays a vital role in supporting women who are recovering from addiction. They reinforce the sense of dignity, safety, and stability that Renascent is known for; offering a calm and welcoming environment for women to start rebuilding their lives.

Renascent and Renascent Foundation are grateful for the support of Linda McCain and family who was a tireless supporter of our organization’s mission. 

Road to Recovery Walk/Run:
Paving the Way to Healing Addiction

Runners and walkers had a spring in their step at the Fifth Annual Renascent Road to Recovery Walk/Run. This year’s fundraiser brought in over $18,500 – the highest sum to date – to support the delivery of life-saving addiction treatment at Renascent’s Centres.

The event, held on June 1, 2024 at Lakefront West Park in Oshawa, was attended by the Member of Parliament for Durham, the Honorable Jamil Jivani, who delivered opening remarks to the participants, and presented Renascent with a Letter of Congratulations for its long-standing commitment to serving people coping with drug and alcohol addiction. Renascent alumni, clients, and staff then walked a scenic five-kilometer route along the Durham Region waterfront. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a lunchtime fellowship and a delicious BBQ meal at the Paul J. Sullivan Centre in Brooklin.

Every year, Renascent hosts this event to raise awareness of the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and communities, challenge the stigma associated with substance use disorders, and generate funds so those struggling can access Renascent’s treatment programs.

The Road to Recovery Walk/Run, popular among former Renascent clients, their loved ones, and others affected by addiction, has drawn an increasing number of participants each year.

The Honorable Jamil Jivani, Member of Parliament for Durham, delivered opening remarks to Road to Recovery participants, and presented Renascent with a Letter of Congratulations for its long-standing commitment to serving people coping with drug and alcohol addiction.

30th Recovery Shot Golf Tournament:
Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary while raising $185,000!

Renascent Foundation’s 30th annual Recovery Shot Golf Tournament was a celebration of milestones, memories, and meaningful contributions. Held at the scenic Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, the 2024 tournament raised an impressive $185,000 in support of addiction recovery programs. This year’s sold-out event also marked the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, adding a special layer of gratitude and reflection to the day.

The tournament brought together golfers, sponsors, and supporters committed to helping ensure that cost is never a barrier to someone receiving live-saving addiction treatment at Renascent. Participants enjoyed a day of camaraderie, friendly competition, and heartfelt moments, including inspiring testimonials from alumni whose lives have been transformed through Renascent’s programs.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Renascent’s CEO, Laura Bhoi, expressed profound appreciation for the community’s unwavering support over the years. “The Recovery Shot golf tournament is a pillar of our fundraising efforts. This 30th golf tournament and 40th anniversary of the Renascent Foundation are a celebration of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose,” said Bhoi. “Over the years, Recovery Shot has raised millions of dollars. Renascent’s staff, clients, alumni, their family members, and the communities they live in are thankful for your generosity and belief in recovery. The funds directly support our programs, ensuring more individuals and families receive life-saving addiction treatment. We are truly grateful for the continued support of the tournament’s Title Sponsor, Unifor, Champion Sponsor, Ford, as well as the many other organizations who are committed to championing recovery from addiction.”