How old is the Friendship House property?

Our original home was built in 1900 in Kansas City's historic Hyde Park.  It has been called "Friendship House" since 1992 when it's doors were opened to women recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions.  This is one of the grand, old, turn-of-the century homes that make the neighborhood historic and give it architectural character.

Has any work been started or completed?

"Jane's Kitchen" named in honor of founding board member, Jane Fifield Flynn, is completely renovated into a place any woman would envy.  Friendship House also has a brand new, fully donated, roof from the Hall Family Foundation.

What work still needs to be done?

With 15 years of continual service as a transitional residence for women in recovery, our plan is to upgrade all of the living spaces from the basement to the third floor, installing new bathrooms on all floors, replacing lighting fixtures where necessary, upgrading windows, and restoring walls.  Friendship House has more than 5,000 square feet of living space that needs structural renovation as well as loving touches.

What is transitional living?

Friendship House and Catherine's Place provides an alcohol and drug free, safe, nonjudgmental home environment.  It is a middle ground between 100% structured living in a treatment center and 0% structure of living on your own.  At Friendship House and Catherine's Place a transitional structure is provided.  Family meals are required before attending three evening program meetings focused on relapse prevention, life skills, and group therapy.  Residents attend two in-house 12-step meetings and two community meetings each week.  Each woman receives weekly individual therapy from a licensed clinical social worker to address issues related to her recovery and well-being.  There are also "non-programmed times" where women are free to choose how to spend those hours.

How many people are served at Friendship House?

Friendship House can provide a home for up to 56 women each year.  This transitional living environment offered at Friendship House and Catherine's Place is unique in Kansas City.  We look forward to housing women in recovery soon.

How are children cared for?

Women with children live in Catherine's Place with their mothers, right next door to Friendship House, and receive preventative services through group, family, and individual sessions with a children's therapist.  Catherine's Place has a licensed daycare serving up to 20 children per day.  It is available to the over 200 women in the outpatient program as well.

How can I help?

If you are intested in helping restore Friendship House, sponsor furnishings and/or support programs please contact Christine Jenkins, ReDiscover Development Director at 816.347.3215 or cjenkins@rediscovermh.org.