HISTORY OF RENAISSANCE WEST

Renaissance West was incorporated as a not for profit corporation in August of 1970 by a five-member board of directors, to operate a program for the education and rehabilitation of persons addicted to narcotic drugs.

Among the first board members were former Kansas City mayor and current Congressman, the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver and David Ross of Bank of America.

Over the years, the program has grown and changed, Renaissance West has had many location moves. In 1981, RenWest opened its first residential home for male clients at 4311E. 58^th Street. It was closed in 1990. In 1989, Women’s Place program was purchased by Renaissance West and was located in an old convent.

In June, 1991, Good Shepherd Manor on 23^rd Street was purchased and remodeled. And in August, the women were moved to that location. In 1991, the co-ed program was moved to Trinity North (Hospital).

Also, in 1991, renovation was started on the present building at 5840 Swope Parkway. On Feb. 13, 1992, the men were moved from Trinity North to this location. On Feb. 14, the women and the administrative offices, formerly at 63^rd and Oak, were moved.

A midtown clinic on Rockhill Road and the south clinic on Raytown Road were moved to the present location which is 5840 Swope Parkway. Two years later administrative offices were moved to the same location.

In 1998, Comprehensive Mental Health Services purchased Renaissance West and operated it as a separate corporation until 2001 when it became a division of the Addiction Recovery department.

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