scroll through our history.
Founded in 1952, REDI has evolved over the decades. Explore our history and the history of disability services in our community over the years.
1952
Following the Polio epidemic, society experienced a growing population of citizens with disabilities. In 1950, an ad was placed in the Medicine Hat News by Mrs. Beth Clarke and Mrs. Ada Williams. It read “Anyone interested in helping the handicap, please phone…”. Little did they know with those 8 words would birth an organization that now helps over 600 clients annually, employs hundreds of people, and has put hundreds of thousands of dollars back into other local charitable organizations. The agency was formed in 1952 as the Alberta Society for the Physically Handicapped and became incorporated on July 10, 1959.
1955
In 1955, the Society opened the first of its kind sheltered workshop or persons with disabilities in the old Empress Theatre building.
1972
In 1972 government funding became available that allowed us the opportunity to EVOLVE. REDI began developing and implementing individualized programming for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, including life and job skills.
1977
By 1977 our services were in such high demand we built and relocated to a 10,000 square foot building.
Since 1977, REDI Enterprises recognized the need to diversify its revenue stream, and opened the REDI Bottle Depot. Today, that depot is the largest and longest running bottle depot in the region, and has evolved into the REDI Recycling Centre, a home for the REDI Bottle Depot, an electronic waste collection site, and SHREDI.
1983
Rename from Rehab to REDI
1985
Group home opened
1988
Community Employment Services (CES) begins operations.
1992
Alternative housing, HIP started, bottle depot moved
During the training of rehabilitation workers for the Alternative Housing project in 1992, a need for rehabilitative services for individuals who had sustained some form of brain injury was recognized. HIP – Brain Injury Relearning Services was established to provide cognitive and physical rehabilitation.
1997
Redi recycling
2000
On June 30, 2000, REDI Enterprises discontinued production in the workshop, having successfully placed individuals receiving services through Vocational Services in community work and volunteer placements.
2002
On June 30, 2000, REDI Enterprises discontinued production in the workshop, having successfully placed individuals receiving services through Vocational Services in community work and volunteer placements.
2004
FASD, CAPCC, CDSS Programs started
2013
CES Closed
2018
Recycling Closed
2020
REDI expands to Brooks
REDI responds to COVID