Welcome
Welcome to the CORE Association website. We are a charitable non-profit organization that has served Medicine Hat and surrounding communities for 65 years. Here you will find information about CORE, its history, services we provide, employment and volunteer opportunities, fundraising events and how you can contact different departments.
As an ex officio on the Board of Directors, I work with the elected directors to ensure our organization’s needs are met. As Executive Director, I work with our senior managers and government officials to ensure services and programs are provided for the people we serve.
Thank you for visiting our website. Stop in sometime and visit us at CORE.
Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement
To provide a variety of community-based support services for the individuals and their support network. To enable the individual to be successful and satisfied with their goals, relationships and quality of life within their community.
Vision Statement
We envision the day when all people regardless of needs and challenges are personally fulfilled and valued as members of their community.
History
CORE Association got its start on June 18, 1954, when a few parents and interested community members organized the Council for Retarded Children for Medicine Hat & District. As society evolved, it went through several name changes and eventually became Clients Ongoing Rehabilitation and Equality (CORE) Association.
The organization built Georges P. Vanier School on 13th Street SE, which opened with 15 students in December 1960. Twenty-one years later, CORE “sold” the school for $1 to the Medicine Hat School District in 1981. Thirty years later, in 2011, the school district “sold” the property for $1 to CORE. In October 2014, after completely renovating and re-designing the school, it re-opened as a modern 10-bed home for adults with developmental disabilities who have dementia. CORE owns eight other properties accommodating between three and five tenants each.
We provide day program, residential, community and outreach services for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. CORE employs about 180 full- and part-time and casual employees, plus 25 home providers and respite home providers.
Donations
CORE Association is a charitable non-profit organization providing community living services for people with developmental disabilities and support services for them and their families.
Although most funding comes from government sources, we also have great support from the community. This comes by way of fundraising through dedicated volunteers who help with bingos and casinos, CORE’s Stampede Parade BBQ, Midnight Madness bake sale and by private donations. Donations can also come through legacy planning.
If you are interested in making a donation to CORE Association, or if you have an idea for fundraising, contact Executive Director Rita Bessant or Manager of Finance Lanny Seefried, or drop by our office at 412 3rd Street SE in downtown Medicine Hat.
