General Info:
W hen the first REM residence opened in 1967, community living options for people with developmental disabilities were practically non-existent. From the onset, REM has been involved in providing an array of services for people who need support and assistance to live in their communities. Thus, what began as a commitment to providing quality alternatives to institutionalization has developed into a coordinated network of services and supports throughout the United States. Since our founding, REM has been a driving force in the creation of community-based programs for persons with developmental and other disabilities. This energy has been driven by the belief that quality services must reflect a commitment to provide a safe and supportive environment where everyone who is served can grow and develop, and where the rights and personal dignity of every individual served are encouraged and respected. The field of community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities has changed greatly over the years, and REM's solid commitment to providing quality programs and services for individuals and families has pioneered and kept pace with that progress. Our extensive experience provides us with the skills and resources to continue in a leadership role as exciting new options are made available to people who have challenging needs. In 1979, REM purchased the Leadway group homes in Shelby, Iowa, and soon opened programs in Atlantic and Council Bluffs. As in many states, REM came to Iowa because political and human service leaders recognized that REM could provide a high quality service in a more cost-effective manner than most providers. Services branched to the east, as programs were developed in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Kalona and Washington. The advent of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in 1994 stretched our reach down through Mt. Pleasant, far south as Keokuk Today, REM Iowa continues to respond to the complex needs of the communities we share. We are forever evolving and assessing new ways to close the gaps in today's service models and meet the challenging needs of those who find it difficult to obtain appropriate services. In 2003, REM partnered with The MENTOR Network, a national network of local human service providers. With nearly 60 years of combined service, MENTOR Network and REM joined together to offer an even greater array of options for people with developmental disabilities. As REM continues to grow, our commitment to the people we serve remains our first priority. Ours is a network of shared values and resources - a nationwide team of professionals determined to help every individual thrive in a community setting through innovative, flexible programs capable of being adapted to specific needs. Together, these organizations have created a laboratory of innovation, delivering some of the most responsive and creative human services in the country.