Sponsored Content
Rossbrook House: A Safe Place to Belong, Play, Learn and Become…

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/03/2024 (625 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Imagine walking into a building you’ve never been inside before. You are only six years old and have walked here from school. Or you are 12 and a friend tells you about this place they go to sometimes… You walk inside and there are other children like you, running, playing, talking… and then you hear ‘welcome to Rossbrook House, what’s your name?’.

“I was about 11 years old when I first walked into Rossbrook House, and it changed my life in so many ways,” Asher, a regular participant, recalls about his first time at the drop-in centre, 4 years ago. “It was a hot summer day, me and my friend were just trying to find a cool place to hang out and then he said, ‘I know a place down the street’. And from the moment I walked in, it just felt like home.”

Today, Asher is one of the members of the LET Youth program (aka Junior Staff), an employment program that Rossbrook House offers to youth who are regular participants. Junior Staff work with the younger children during programming, at events and in the kitchen. They also often share their stories.

Sharing Our Stories

Many who attend a Rossbrook House event, whether it’s the annual community meeting, the open house, the annual pow wow or a luncheon, the one thing they will often remember most fondly is their interaction with one of the participants. It might be hearing their story from up on the stage or it may be a casual conversation as they hold the door open for you.

No Child Alone Dinner

Asher will be sharing his story at the No Child Alone Dinner happening Thursday, April 25 at the Caboto Centre in Winnipeg. This fundraising dinner is hosted by the Rossbrook House Foundation in support of Rossbrook House programs and operations. Tickets are on sale until April 12. More details and ticket info are available online: rossbrookhouse.ca/no-child-alone-dinner-2024/

Children will be performing an honour song while other youth will share how Rossbrook House makes a difference in their lives. The evening’s emcee will be Autumn who has been hanging out at Rossbrook House since she was 6 years old and working there since she was a teenager.

“The kids teach me something new almost every day,” she says. “I’ve learned that every child is different in their own special way. They all have their own personalities and can learn from one another.”

“When former participants become staff at Rossbrook House and are asked what they want for the kids coming through the doors, they often say; ‘a safe place where they can enjoy life and have fun like I did when I came here at their age’,” says Phil Chiappetta, Honorary Chair of the Dinner, and former Rossbrook House Executive Director.

“The power of belonging, learning, and growing into who we are meant to be, cannot be overstated in the creation of a community where all can thrive,” he continues. “Let’s make sure none of us have to feel we are alone. Please join me at the No Child Alone Dinner on April 25 at the Caboto Centre.”

History

The ‘no child alone’ title is a nod to the guiding principle at Rossbrook House that ‘no child who does not want to be alone, should ever have to be’. This is achieved by providing a safe and inviting atmosphere to children and youth every day since 1976, with free, engaging programs and activities, employment opportunities, daily meals, and safe rides home. Rossbrook House also hosts three off-campus school programs in partnership with Winnipeg School Division. More information can be found at rossbrookhouse.ca/

Kody, a former participant and staff, will also be sharing his story about growing up at Rossbrook House. “Rossbrook House set a valuable example of what it is to be a community centre that not only provides for the youth but serves the community around them,” he says.

Growing up at Rossbrook House

Children and youth, ages 6 to 24, can drop in for free programming, meals and more. Many arrive right after school and are there every day.

“I enjoyed playing in the gym when I was kid, using their basketball net everyday when I had the chance,” Kody shares. He also had learning opportunities. “I learned how to cook, I received training for CPR, First Aid, food handlers training, life skills and employment skills.”

Growing up in the inner-city can be challenging. Those over 12 can stay over night on weekends or school holidays when the centre remains open 24 hours. Rossbrook House provides a safety net from what is happening on the streets.

“Kids need a safe place to go to so that they can thrive and be the individual that they are set to be. It can be difficult to learn, play and trust when you’re not in a safe environment,” Kody says.

“I can tell you with 100% certainty that once you spend a few days in Rossbrook you will always come back because it really does feel like you’re a part of a family here,” Asher says.

“It’s more than a community centre. It’s more like a second home to a lot of these kids. To me, it’s a second home,” Autumn says.

Feeling like you don’t belong can be devastating. Asher is thankful that a place like Rossbrook House exists. “There are so many kids nowadays who feel abandoned and hopeless, but Rossbrook House helps me and every other kid who walks through the doors feel at home and feel like they have a purpose.”

Help us support Winnipeg children and youth at the No Child Alone Dinner on Thursday, April 25 at the Caboto Centre.
If you can’t attend, donations are always gratefully accepted. rossbrookhouse.ca/no-child-alone-dinner-2024 / #NCA2024