The Community Support and Outreach Program attempts to build on women’s strength and is respectful of women’s choices. Women are encouraged to be actively involved in the process of defining and evaluating the service they receive, and to take the lead in determining their goals. Outreach offices are located throughout Renfrew County serving Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Killaloe, Petawawa, and surrounding areas.

Services for children include a group called Growing Together, offering support by helping children learn new ways of coping with their feelings and behaviours that arise in families that have experienced abuse. This group is designed to help children build self esteem, to break the isolation of abuse, and to promote the healing process for children and their parents. Services also include one-to-one with Children & Youth, discussing topics such as dating violence, feelings etc.

In addition, groups and workshops are available to women throughout the year, and in different locations across Renfrew County. Staff is available to provide presentations in the community, not only about our services, but on the issue of abuse as it relates to women, children, youth, and elders.

Bernadette McCann House is governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors, funded through the Ministry of Community & Social Services and the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. The Agency also receives generous donations from United Way and the Community. Bernadette McCann House employs 20 full time employees and a compliment of relief staff. In addition, our services are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, who contribute a broad range of skills to our programs.

No single sector is responsible or able to respond to the complexity of abuse and the needs of those who experience abuse. Consequently, a coordinated community response is essential.