HISTORY

The Phoenix Centre for Chhildren and Families is the end product of community based efforts that began in December of 1975. This effort was founded on a perception of a lack of suitable resources for emotionally disturbed children and their families in Renfrew County.

In August 1978, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, confirmed the financial support required for this program. The Ministry of Community and Social Services agreed to provide funding to support a “Children’s Mental Health Centre” in Renfrew County which was to be organized and monitored as an incorporated non-profit organization by a community elected board.

The agency is incorporated as Renfrew County Youth Services but the Board of Directors searched for a more unique name to identify the agency. The name The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families was chosen. The Phoenix is the mythological bird which perished in fire, but was reborn in better form. We see the process of seeking help and change in a similar fashion – that it is a painful process, but, at the other end, families can feel and live better than they did before.

 PHILOSOPHY

It is the philosophy of The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families is that change is possible in every situation and to achieve this we must enter into a partnership with our clients. It is our belief that it is not our job to do things for the people we serve – rather, we help them find ways to do things for themselves. We also believe that the family is still the most important influence in a child’s life and that a child’s problems are best addressed with the involvement of his or her family.

 DECISION MAKING PROCESS

The Board of Directors, comprised of duly elected members of the community, accepts ultimate responsibility for all decisions made and programs provided in the name of The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families.