Columbus
House seeks to improve the quality of life
for youth in Renfrew County by providing
structured, supportive, and safe residential
and day programs in a Christian environment
while pursuing their education or training.
Residential
Program
Columbus
House is funded through MCSS/MCYS and
sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. It
opened its doors to 7 young women (15-21) in
1989 and to 7 males (15-21) shortly
afterwards from across Renfrew County.
Columbus House residential homes are
voluntary, safe and structured programs
teaching life skills while the youth are
pursuing their education. Full-time
enrolment in high school or a training
program is required. The youth contribute to
their room and board and help maintain the
house, cook the meals, and have curfews and
homework time daily with the support of
staff. Young female youth, if pregnant or in
the early parenting phase, can reside at the
home in order to put in place the next phase
of their lives. Summer job training and
placements are provided for high risk
youth.
Day Programs
Young
Parent Support Program -
In partnership with The Renfrew County
District School Board and The Renfrew County
Catholic District School Board, Columbus
House offers an intensive program for young
parents and their children. This program
offers tutoring time and hands on
parenting/life skills classes for credit.
Community agencies provide programming to
suit the young parent’s needs while the
children are prepared for school readiness.
This program is offered in Pembroke and
Renfrew with outlying areas of Renfrew
County served through outreach when funding
allows. Licensed child care is offered on
site with subsidies available through The
County of Renfrew. We are part of the LEAP
(Learning, Earning, and Parenting) program
from Ontario Works.
Teen
Specific Pre-natal Classes -
In partnership with the Community Resource
Centre (Killaloe) Inc. and The Renfrew
County District Health Unit these classes
are offered along with a weekly food box and
outreach services for pregnant teens and new
moms.
SLAAMH
(Students Learning About Addictions & Mental
Health)
– In partnership with Community Mental
Health (Pembroke Regional Hospital), The
Phoenix Centre for Children & Families,
Pathways Alcohol & Drug Treatment Services,
and ARS (Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling
Assessment & Referral), Columbus House
offers support and treatment in the high
school setting for students. At present,
this program is offered at 3 Renfrew County
high schools.