REDI celebrates 70 years serving Medicine Hat

Wood says when looking back over the past 70 years, there are many accomplishments worth celebrating, pointing to the physical representation of the non-profit. REDI opened its first sheltered workshop in 1955 in the old Empress Theatre building. It has since grown to its current home on Allowance Avenue and expanded the area it serves.

“Two years ago we took on services in Brooks and in the County of Newell, that’s been really exciting to go out into that community,” Wood said. “We provide supports for people with brain injuries right across southern Alberta from the Crowsnest Pass up to Oyen and Hanna, and all points in between.”

REDI supplements government funding for its programs with social enterprises like its bottle depot and curbside pickup. It prides itself on being able to provide creative and innovative services to the community.

“In 2000, we went to a community-based model where individuals with disabilities were employed competitively in the community in a more inclusive model,” said Wood of the sheltered workshop closure, which had been how REDI provided employment to its clients. “So, contributing back to the community, making sure that people who have disabilities are included and are able to take advantage of everything that society offers.”

Wood says there are many accomplishments worth celebrating and those successes guide the path forward. He adds REDI has always been good at evolving and responding to its clients’ needs.

“Some of the things we’re working on right now is making sure we’re listening to the needs of the community and finding out where the gaps are,” explained Wood. “Some of the key things are housing and moving away from group homes to more individualized types of living arrangements.”

REDI is also looking at some of the more difficult social issues like addictions and mental health. Wood says they are issues that impact everyone in society, but create an added complication for those living with disabilities.

In honour of its 70th anniversary, REDI has partnered with Camp Ice Cream to create its featured flavour for September. REDI Berry Cheesecake is a strawberry ice cream with chunks of cheesecake that will be available throughout the month with a portion of the proceeds going to the charity.

by Meghan Cobb

REDI celebrates 70 years serving Medicine Hat

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