Reverend Norm Johnston Youth Residence (Lanark Leeds'n Grenville) Inc.
Reverend Norm Johnston Youth Residence (Lanark Leeds'n Grenville) Inc., operating as RNJ Youth Services, is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization focused on supporting youth and families through community-based programming. Registered under Business Number 119118081RR0001, the organization has served Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville counties for over 30 years, emphasizing early intervention, mental health support, and justice system diversion[1][5].

Mission and Programs

RNJ Youth Services aims to empower youth to become productive community members by addressing challenges such as mental health, substance use, and justice involvement. Key initiatives include:

• Prevention and Early Intervention: Programs target children aged 0–16 and their families, including the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), an evidence-based parenting strategy[1].
• Justice Diversion: The Intersections program, part of the Champlain Youth Justice Service Collaborative, coordinates mental health, addiction, and developmental services for youth at risk of justice system involvement[4].
• Adult Services: In Lanark County, RNJ extends support to adults facing similar challenges, collaborating with community partners to address systemic barriers[1].

Structure and Partnerships

The organization operates as a small nonprofit with professional staff and volunteers, collaborating with over 70 regional agencies in justice, child welfare, and healthcare sectors[1][4]. Its work emphasizes cross-sector coordination to reduce crime and improve client well-being[2].

Recognition and Impact

RNJ Youth Services has been recognized for its role in reducing youth crime through accessible, community-driven support. Recent outreach efforts highlight its expanding programs, though public awareness of its full scope remains limited[5].

[1] https://www.rnjyouth.com [2] https://www.rnjyouth.com/photos/custom/YJC%20Brochure.pdf [3] https://www.100womenwhocare1000islands.com/more-info-rnj-youth-services [4] https://www.rnjyouth.com/intersections.php [5] https://www.hometownnews.ca/rnj-youth-services-programs-services/