For Jade, 15, coming to Rossbrook House helped her find a new path forward.
Just a few years ago, she was struggling with her mental health, which made it hard to stay positive and focused on school, and soon, her attendance started slipping.
When she knew she needed guidance and support, she stepped through the doors of Rossbrook House, and it changed her life.
Founded in 1976, Rossbrook House operates under the simple but powerful motto: “No child who does not want to be alone should ever have to be.” Located at the corner of Ross Avenue and Sherbrook Street, Rossbrook House is open 365 days a year, and on weekends and school holidays, the doors are open 24 hours.
With up to 80 children and youth attending on any given day, Rossbrook House is a busy place. But it’s also a place that forges life-long connections.
"I went because of her."
“We’re very generational here at Rossbrook House,” says Executive Director Patty Mainville. “Those that are in the community tend to have their kids or grandkids come now.”
This is certainly true in Jade’s case. Her mom knew all about Rossbrook House because she attended herself when she was younger. It was where Jade’s mom needed to find community, so she had no hesitation in sending Jade there when her daughter was searching for the same thing.
“My mom, she originally went to Eagle’s Circle. That’s the off-campus school that’s located here,” Jade explains. “So I went because of her.”
While Rossbrook House may be best known as a drop-in centre for children and youth, it offers other programs, too. There are three off-campus school programs where students can work at their own pace and their schooling includes Indigenous perspectives. There’s also a young mom’s program, leadership activities, daily meals, and more.
“We create a sense of belonging for our children and youth,” Patty says, “which is essential for them to be able to have fun with their friends and for them to grow into the young people they are.”
The process of Jade finding herself and defining who she is started long before coming to Rossbrook House. Jade is trans and started living as her true gender back at age 11.
“I think my mom knew that I was trans, but I never really came out to her,” Jade says. “She just knew. I started wearing feminine clothes in sixth grade. My mom…she was always supportive of me.”
Now 15, proud, confident, and sure of herself, Jade continues to grow. She has taken on a position as Junior Staff at Rossbrook House, helping engage younger visitors and ensuring no one feels alone or left out.
“The kids are really awesome. I love seeing them every day that I come here.”
Jade builds connections with the kids through simple but meaningful methods, such as checking in with them, talking with them, and even just playing with them. One of Jade’s favourite memories so far of working at Rossbrook House is helping chaperone a trip to the Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex pool.
“The kids are really awesome,” Jade says. “I love seeing them every day that I come here.”
Patty says Jade is thriving in her role and has become a strong and capable young leader.
“When Jade came to Eagle’s Circle, she was quiet, really staying within her own internal shell,” Patty says. “She evolved into this young person who demonstrates kindness and leadership. Her self-esteem has grown in this safe space.”
Patty isn’t the only one who sings Jade’s praises. Rossbrook House staff speak very highly of Jade, her warm and steady presence, and the important place she’s carved for herself in their programming. As Jade shared her story with United Way Winnipeg, several children and youth peered through the glass in the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of what she was doing and sending smiles her way. On the way out, drop-in attendees rushed up to Jade to talk with her.
“Academically, socially, personally, she has become a leader, and other students have gravitated toward her,” Patty says. “She’s a trailblazer.”
"Be kind to yourself."
Rossbrook House has become such an integral part of Jade’s life, and she wants to give other children and youth the opportunity to experience what she experienced—things like community, purpose, and belonging.
When asked what advice she would have if another kid seemed to be going through a similar struggle, Jade’s answer was both simple and powerful.
“Keep pushing yourself forward and at the best of your ability. Do what makes you happy. That’s the most important thing.”
Then, with a smile, she adds, “Be kind to yourself and others around you.”
