24 Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line (1-800-267-4930)

"The mission of Bernadette McCann House for Women is to provide safety and support to abused women and their children and to work for change that will end abuse of women."

Our Beginning

In 1978, the family of the late Bernadette McCann, chose to donate money towards helping women and children, in honour of their mother's generosity to her Community.  As a result, Bernadette McCann House for Women Inc. was established, an organization that supports abused women and children. The original Shelter was purchased in 1979, and during the following years other supports were added  such as Outreach, Children and Youth Services, as well as Volunteer and Public Education Program components.

In 1995, the Ministry of Community and Social Services began a restructuring process, which resulted in the decision to have only one shelter in Renfrew County.  This restructuring provided an opportunity to create a new organization, and with that, a new name entitled, "Women's Shelter & Support Services".  Over the next ten years, this newly created organization operated primarily under both names, hopeful that this would be less confusing for others trying to access services for abused women and children.

In October 2008, the Agency's Board of Directors passed a motion, to return to the original name of Bernadette McCann House for Women Inc.  This decision is effective January 1, 2009, the same year the agency celebrates 30 years of service to abused women and children. Although there have been many changes within the agency over the past 30 years, we know that returning to the original name of Bernadette McCann House for Women  is like returning home.



Funding... We are funded through the Ministry of Community & Social Services,and the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. It is the expectation of the Ministry that the agency fundraise over $45,000.00 annually, as part of our operating budget. Much of our funds are generously donated by United Way.