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Imagining a Brighter Future

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/06/2024 (495 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Valerie Henderson first discovered Rossbrook House when she was just 12 years old. Today she is a long-time staff member, mother, and grandmother, who has seen many young people walk through the doors of Rossbrook House.

“I’ve been working evenings at Rossbrook House for a couple decades. When I’m driving to work most people are going home after a long day,” Valerie says. “Children and youth are making their way to their ‘second home’ Rossbrook House because it’s a safe and fun environment. They tell their friends and more children and youth gravitate to Rossbrook House after school.”

One who found his way to Rossbrook House is 15-year-old Asher who, for the past 4 years, has been hanging out every day. “It was a hot summer day, me and my friend were just trying to find a cool place to hang out. So, we walked to Rossbrook House and from the moment I walked in it just felt like home.”

Valerie understands what today’s children and youth are feeling because she went through similar circumstances. “I was hungry for food, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Children and youth come here to fill that need. My home life was not one to be desired. Some of the children and youth experience this as well.”

Most of the staff have been a part of Rossbrook House for years and can relate to what the participants might be going through. “We can detect when a child or youth is going through something too big for them to handle on their own. They trust and confide in us. We do our best to accommodate them in any way we can,” Val says.

Rossbrook House is open every day with engaging after-school programs and remains open 24 hours on weekends and all school holidays. Up to 80 children and youth make their way to Rossbrook House each day. Programs include daily meals referred to as ‘snack’ and safe rides home each evening.

“I’m here everyday right when it opens. It’s a safe place. There is snack every day and fun outings. I take part in Learning Always and I did pow wow. I like playing indoor games, skipping rope, playing video games, and going to the park to watch the airplanes take off at the airport,” says 9-year-old Logan.

Like every other summer, this July and August, Rossbrook House will be open 24 hours from the last day of school in June to the first day of school in September. Summer programs will include trips to the beach and camp, plus summer fun like going to the zoo, parks and for ice cream. All the things that every child should experience in the summer!

“Summer at Rossbrook House is always memorable. School is out and our doors are open. It’s a time for fun activities. Everything is free. The doors remain open 24 hours all summer so that the youth (up to age 24) always have a safe place,” Val says.

Rossbrook House has been a part of the Centennial neighbourhood since 1976. Staff, volunteers, and participants help to spread the word about the work being done at Rossbrook House so that every child and youth has a safe place to belong, play, learn and become…

The ‘become’ is filled with endless possibilities, thanks to generous donors like you. Your support is needed and appreciated. Please consider donating to Rossbrook House Foundation: rossbrookhouse.ca/summer-2024/

Your support goes towards programs and activities for ages 6 to 24 and the daily operations that allow Rossbrook House to continue to provide safety, belonging, fun, dignity, and growth.

If you donate online before the end of June, every dollar is an entry for the Great Canadian Giving Challenge! The more you give, the more chances Rossbrook House has to win $10,000 that will go to the Intermediate (ages 12+) Leadership Program.

Imagine the future for each child who finds Rossbrook House like Asher and Val did. Imagine the possibilities when a child finds an open door, a friendly smile, or a hearty meal. Imagine what making a connection can do.

“I am witnessing generations. The children and grandchildren of past participants frequent Rossbrook House. My son grew up here just like me. My grandchildren ages 7 to 16 love coming to Rossbrook House,” Val says. “Most of the youth I worked with when I was a program coordinator have found their place in life.”

Val says that past participants will visit to thank the staff who were there for them and supported their dreams. “They are teachers, musicians, authors, roofers, city workers, and social workers. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I or others hadn’t walked through the main doors.”

Imagine.

To donate: rossbrookhouse.ca/summer-2024/