Redi

REDI Enterprises is a community-focused organization dedicated to employment services and vocational support for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Founded on principles of acceptance and integration, REDI evolved from its origins as a sheltered workshopestablished in 1955 in the old Empress Theatre buildingwhere clients manuf... actured ceramic cups, silk ribbons, and operated a bottle depot while earning wages. The organization initially acted as a broker between individuals with disabilities and the broader community, arranging subcontract work and facilitating the sale of craft items produced on-site. Following the availability of government funding in 1972, REDI transitioned to developing and implementing individualized programming in life and job skills training tailored to each client's needs and abilities. The organization's rapid growth reflected strong demand for its services; by 1977, REDI relocated to a 10,000 square foot facility, which was expanded by an additional 15,000 square feet by 1987 to accommodate increasing client enrollment. In a significant strategic shift completed by 2000, REDI discontinued its sheltered workshop model and transitioned to a supported employment approach focused on placing individuals in community-based work and volunteer opportunities. Under this modern model, REDI provides job developers and individualized job search planning based on each person's skills and preferences, along with ongoing job coaching to ensure success in competitive employment settings. This transition successfully moved clients from segregated workshop environments into integrated community placements, demonstrating REDI's commitment to meaningful employment outcomes. The organization leveraged the resulting vacant workshop space to partner with Medicine Hat Volunteers in Action Association in establishing Medicine Hat's first Volunteer Centre, further expanding its community impact. While REDI's historic bottle depot continues to operate, it is no longer staffed by REDI ...Read More