RESICARE SOCIETY OF CALGARY
MEMOIRS FROM THEN AND NOW
1970 – 2025
Fifty-five (55) years ago, there were very few options for families with disabled children. It was home with their family or an impersonal institution. Frank and Marge Mair chose to keep their son Ross home with them. In the family home, Ross thrived from the care lavished upon him from his parents and siblings. As the Mair’s and Ross aged, they began worrying about his future. Where will he live? How will he live? Who will care for him? At twenty, Ross was ready to branch out on his own. But how?
The Mair’s approached the Alberta Government with an innovative idea that had never been tried before. A “new experimental concept—RESICARE”. The idea being to provide small permanent homes in the community in which individuals with varying degrees of developmental and physical disabilities could live together as a family. The Ministers and Deputy Ministers, “impressed with the ingenuity and the sincerity of the Resicare group”, backed the financial request for this pilot project with 80% operational funding. Resicare agreed to fundraise for the additional 20% through various city service clubs, an annual bridge tournament and rummage sales.
In 1970, Resicare Society of Calgary became incorporated as a non-profit society. In March 1971, a rental agreement was confirmed for a bungalow-style home in the Altidore district. Ross Mair, plus five (5) other individuals ranging in age from nine—twenty-seven (9-27) moved in and became a “Resicare family”. A house mother and a house assistant were the only paid employees. Family members and volunteers provided further supports required. The individuals lived as everyone else, going out to “work or school” during the day and returning to their home in the evening. They paid rent, did chores, and looked out for each other.
Of course, there were challenges along the way; neighbours not happy with “these homes”, staffing shortages, volunteer shortages, and the “Biggy”- Fundraising.
The idea of residential living for the disabled was a huge success, and by 1973, Resicare made a $10,000 down payment (donated by the Kinsmen) on a home in Bowness; known as House #1 today. This house offered space to an additional five (5) individuals. Four of these individuals lived with Resicare until the time of their passing.
Around 1975, Resicare purchased their second home; known as House #2 today. At this time, Ross was the only original resident. He moved into this new home with three individuals he continues to live with today; fifty years later, the three amigos remain living together in their original home.
With only the will to find something that worked for their son, the Mair’s stumbled on what is known today as a Community Group Home, or Overnight Staffed Residence. Sadly, Frank Mair passed away suddenly in 1974. Although he was comfortable knowing his son would be taken care of, he would never know the full extent of his efforts.
Through the 70’s, Resicare continued to function with house mothers and volunteers. It was families and Board Members that cut the grass, shovelled the snow, painted, renovated, grocery shopped, etc.
In 1979, Gerald Dunn (another client’s dad) agreed to be the volunteer bookkeeper/treasurer for the agency responsible for payroll, payments of accounts, routine bookkeeping and negotiating the annual contract.
In 1985 Resicare built a completely accessible home from the ground up; known as House #3 today.
From 1985 forward, Resicare Society has continued with the same three-over-night staffed Residence. Housing fifteen (15) residents at all times, many for a lifetime.
Through these years, Resicare provided strictly residential services. Residents went to school, work, training programs, or sheltered workshops offered by the VRRI or CAMR. They left in the morning and returned home at dinner. However, many of our residents were not happy with these activities and felt they could do more to be productive members of society.
Therefore, in 1987, Resicare was approved and received funding for Community-Based Day Support Services. “A service that assists clients in identifying meaningful community integrated options through informed choice, guidance and exploration”. Day services were offered for the individuals who were residing in the Resicare-owned homes. Having no facility to base programs out of, Resicare residents accessed the greater community, participating in meaningful activities.
In 1997, Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) was established through the Alberta Government, becoming our official funder.
In 1998, Outreach Support Services was introduced to “provide a variety of support options based on client need and choice to individuals not living in Resicare-owned homes”. This included Respite services, Support Homes, Supported Independent living, and Community Access from Family Homes. Outreach Supports have grown remarkably since 1998. What started with three individuals has blossomed into various supports for twenty-eight individuals.
Resicare Society of Calgary is proud to say what started as a small bungalow for six residents has provided various supports to well over one hundred and fifty individuals since its inception. Staffing only two employees in the beginning to a full compliment of seventy-five employees, nearly a thousand over the years. Many long-term employees have been with the agency five, ten, twenty, and even thirty years.
Support Services through Resicare are coveted. The agency has chosen not to hold a wait list, preferring to meet with all individuals referred to evaluate our ability to meet their needs successfully. Sadly, we receive more referrals than we could possibly accommodate. We have a hard time saying “NO” as we all know we can provide a great service to whomever is looking.
These three homes are still in operation today. The original residents have been living together for more than 50 years.
In 1972, the Mair’s made a statement that “Resicare promises to provide a home for its residents as long as they live and we are able.” Here started the “Age in Place” philosophy that Resicare holds dear.
Although Resicare has grown in numbers.
The overall mission and vision remain the same.
We are a family.
Mission: Resicare consists of a team of professionals who are dedicated and committed to providing comprehensive, integrated and high-quality support services to disabled individuals.
Vision: Resicare will continue to be an innovative and integral support service, striving for excellence in the services provided.