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, 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. 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 23rd
Street was purchased and remodeled and in August, 1991, the women were moved
to that location.
-
In 1991, the co-ed program was moved to Trinity North (Hospital)
Renaissance West merges services to 5840 Swope
Parkway
- 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 63rd and Oak, were moved
to this location. A midtown clinic on Rockhill Road and the south clinic on Raytown Road were moved to this
location too. Two years later all administrative offices were moved to this
location.
In 1995, 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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