Alternative House

Above - Painting of the Alternative House north wing

Program Coordinator: Kathleen Marencik

Program Established: 1976

Program Eligibility: Males, Females ages 6 through 18th birthday

Program Description: Alternative House is a place where children and youth can receive temporary shelter and safely work through family problems that have separated them. Boys and girls, ages 6 up to age 18, may have endured abuse or neglect, or may have been homeless, a runaway, or have been pushed out of their home. Whatever the cause, they are in crisis. They may be scared and lonely, have serious problems and limited resources to deal with them.  While at the emergency shelter, youth receive individual, group and family counseling; transportation to and from their home school every day of the school year; and recreation. Efforts are made to resolve the situation that brought them to Alternative House.

Follow-up calls have been made since 1992 to determine the outcomes for kids after they leave. In 2005, 99% were reported as doing well or moderately well 51% were back home 97% were in school 48% were in counseling. Outcome measures done from 1998-2004 by an outside consultant indicated that Alternative House achieved the highest satisfaction and concluded that "The Crisis Center (Alternative House) provides a safe and therapeutic place for children to be placed temporarily."

Alternative House provides time and space to think, find alternatives and make choices. Supportive staff, professional counseling, and problem-solving help can make the difference in a young life. Our goal is to set youth on a path to a happier future.  After all, you only get to be a child...once.

Employment Opportunities: Yes (click here for job listings)

Volunteers Needed: None at this time (click here for volunteer opportunities from our other programs)

Donations Needed: Yes, Click here to download our Holiday wish-list

For More Information or a Site Visit: E-mail Kathleen Marencik

Contacting the Alternative House: Call 219-938-7070, option 1 - (24 hrs).

Fax: 219-938-7503

Program Coordinator Spotlight-

Kate Marencik leads a staff of 26 full & part-time residential care workers who serve hundreds of kids

each year. 

Marencik also supervises the

professional counseling staff.