We all have been touched by the inspirational story of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Perhaps you, a loved one, or a friend has benefited from its services. From treating neo-natal babies just beginning their life to hospice services for those close to the end of life, the West Texas Rehab touches the lives of West Texans like no other organization. Perhaps you have donated to a fundraiser, or you have been moved by the work the West Texas Rehab does to help people. Our story begins in 1953 when physicians, teachers, and parents organized the Taylor County Society for Crippled Children in Abilene, Texas.
In the beginning, the society provided care in a converted elementary school classroom. Then, in 1955, the community joined together to build a permanent facility that could provide rehabilitation care to people of all ages. As they still do today, donations flowed from everywhere. The land, building materials, even the fence were donated. Building trade unions donated labor so the West Texas Rehab could have air conditioning. Responding to need, in the years since, there have been more than 20 additions to the original facility in Abilene. A state-of-the-art facility has been built and expanded in San Angelo, and another facility opened in Ozona.
Today’s West Texas Rehab has the resources to treat almost 1,000 different diagnoses and serves over 800 patients and clients each working day. Not one patient in all those years has been turned away because of an inability to pay. It is a story of community responsibility and a reservoir of love that inspires us all.
