The West Texas Rehabilitation Center

Causes: Health, Rehabilitative Care, Specialty Hospitals

Mission: Mission: To improve the quality of life of those we serve regardless of financial circumstances.Originally known as the Taylor County Society for Crippled Children beginning in 1953, and located in a wing at an elementary school, the name was changed in 1956 to West Texas Rehabilitation Center to better describe the scope of services that were offered. During his training with polio patients at Herman Hospital in Houston, the first Executive Director and Physical Therapist, Shelley Smith, saw a lot of people having to make the long trip from West Texas to get services. His experiences there influenced his ideals and philosophies; "I noticed that only the wealthy got first-rate service and treatment. The middle and lower income people would end up in hock for the rest of their lives." With the initial seed planted, Shelley Smith arrived to take over the reins and help 'grow' a type of rehabilitation center somewhere in West Texas that would provide a service for all handicapped, regardless of financial status or race.From these humble beginnings, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center has been dedicated to helping people become self-reliant. We have grown to a multi-campus organization with corporate headquarters in Abilene, and campuses in San Angelo and Ozona. Every year, we treat thousands of patients who dream of independence, dignity and freedom, regardless of their race, color, creed, place of residence or ability to pay. From the very beginning, we have embraced a holistic approach to the healing process through mind, body and spirit. This approach, along with hard work and determination, has given individuals the opportunity to fulfill their potential and maximize their independence. With this philosophy, we are able to empower individuals with a disability to see themselves in a position of authority over their own lives. Then, through careful assessment of their needs, wants, preferences and desires, we assist them to deal with their circumstances, to overcome their limitations and to carry on with the business of living!