Our Mission

"Columbus House seeks to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and families in Renfrew County by providing programs which focus on the well- being and education.  We offer these supports in an atmosphere that celebrates diversity, cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and family involvement."

About COLUMBUS HOUSE (PEMBROKE) INC

In the late 1980’s a group of businessmen and educators in Renfrew County became concerned with the number of youth dropping out of school due to family instability and stressors out of their control.  With the support of the local Knights of Columbus, Columbus House became a registered not-for-profit agency and opened it’s doors in 1989 with two residences for teens between the ages of 16 and 20 who were unable to live at home but were still in high school.  These homes have supported over 1000 youth to complete high school, reconnect with their families when possible, and learn important life skills to transition to healthy adults.  Our Young Parent Support Program began in 2000.  Columbus House is governed by a Board of Directors.

The Out of Home Care program is a safe, structured voluntary program unique in Ontario.  Our home is located in Pembroke.  The youth,16 – 21, are referred by teachers, social workers, parents, physicians, probation services, and self-referrals.  They must be attending school, college, or an apprentice program full time.  The average length of stay is one school term, although a number have stayed a full 3 years until they graduate. Child & Youth workers act as mentors, teachers, and counsellors to assist the youth in achieving short and long-term goals.  A careful interview process ensures that the teen understands the structure of the program (homework time, life skill training, curfews).  We follow a restorative practice model, meaning that incidents that occur are discussed by staff and the youth themselves to understand why the incident happened, how the behaviour affected others, what could have been done differently, and finally what action needs to be taken. Programming in the home includes a focus on healthy nutrition and lifestyle. 

The youth are encouraged to work part-time and/or volunteer if schooling allows.  Many of our youth have never had a job. Transition staff support the youth shortly after admission in preparing a resume, researching employment opportunities, and assisting them with applications, interviews, and call backs.  All youth are expected to have a part-time job in the summer. 

Teen Compass (unplugged) assists youth in our community who may be  experiencing difficulty attending a regular classroom setting.  Executive functioning, organizational skills, and mental health/addiction education is included with the opportunity to obtain optional credits towards obtaining a secondary school diploma.  Transportation is included if in the Pembroke area.

Columbus House partnered with the Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub in April 2025 to open up the 'Guest House' beds.  4 short term beds are designated to support youth in crisis, unhoused, at risk of being homeless, or require more complex supports.  Our Intensive Case Manager ensures referrals are made to other community agencies for support for mental health/addictions, education or employment opportunities, as well as more permanent housing options.

The Young Parent Outreach Program supports pregnant and parenting youth up to the age of 25.  Two young parent navigators provide educational and child development information and supplies throughout the County.  Referrals are made as requested for other community supports.

Licensed child care is provided in both Renfrew and Pembroke for children 0 - 6.  We are participants in CWELCC (Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care) and subsidies may be available through the County of Renfew Child Care department. 

Columbus House is funded mainly through the provincial government (MCCSS), fundraising (including our annual fall gala, the Baby Bottle drive for churches), individual donations, Delta Gaming, and occasional grants.  The province has increased operational funding only 3% in the past 24 years. Transportation issues are huge and an area in which we do not receive any annual financial support.  Programs such as Teen Compass, programming (including transportation, educational outings, nutrition classes) for the Young Parent Support program, and school supplies, computer assistance, special occasion programming (such as Christmas, graduation) are always at risk. 

Please visit our website www.columbushouse.ca for more information and upcoming events. As well, please don’t hesitate to contact Tina Belanger, Executive Director if you have any questions, suggestions, or requests.  We would also love to speak to any organization or membership who would like to hear about our programs.

Tina Belanger - Executive Director

tinabelanger@columbushouse.ca

(613) 635-3546