Most residents of 100 Mile House have at least a vague idea of what Cedar Crest is and does, but become fuzzy when pressed for details. The Society has been around since 1973 and has gone through several changes in focus and has changed names to keep pace with these changes.
The original group was started by a group of concerned citizens including parents and caregivers. They wanted to change attitudes about the young people in our community who have developmental disabilities and were not prepared to accept the exclusion of these children from the school system.
The Cedar Crest School (named by the students) was opened on the site of the current 100 Mile Childcare building and the first of many adventures began. After the provincial government moved to include children with developmental disabilities in the school system, Cedar Crest began a series of initiatives to provide extra items needed by this portion of our community. How many of you remember the radio-thons and bake sales to raise funds for Cedar Crest?
With the passage of time came services to adults, including achievement center programs (remember wedding flowers, signs and picnic tables from the sheltered workshop?) The Thrift Store opened in what is now the Cariboo Pump and Water building, grew, expanded and moved to its current location at 4th and Cedar.
Hand in hand with the closing of institutions (Tranquille, Woodlands, Glendale) the concept of "Community Living" was born. Instead of segregating people we encourage and support them to access the regular services in our community. Instead of providing a 'sheltered' workplace we assist people to work in the mainstream. Instead of looking at the differences, we look for the things that we have in common.
The Cedar Crest Society for Community Living (our current incarnation) provides services to adults, children and their families through a range of programs.