A Winnipeg organization is celebrating a major milestone this year, celebrating 50 years of changing young lives.
Rossbrook House was founded by Sisters Geraldine MacNamara, Marylyn Gibbey and Lesley Sacouman in a home purchased by The Sister of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. That original home, at 588 Ross Avenue, was just down the road from where the organization stands today.
After inviting neighbourhood teens to play pool and enjoy a meal, the group quickly grew too big for the home. The sisters saw a need for more space, and in 1976, an empty church at the corner of Ross and Sherbrook became available. It officially opened on Jan. 20, 1976 and has remained there ever since.
“We adhere to the same mission and vision that Sister McNamara had started for us so many years ago in creating that safe place for children and youth from six to 24 years of age,” said Patty Mainville, executive director of Rossbrook House. “We provide meals, safe rides home, a young moms program, leadership after-school programs, van rides and so many other programs.”
Rossbrook House also operates three off-campus schools: Wi Wabigooni, an elementary school; Eagle’s Circle, a junior high program; and Rising Sun, a high school program.
Programs that change lives
“I had graduated many, many years ago from Rising Sun and was a part of the original junior staff that we currently have today,” said Mainville. “One of the great things that we have at Rossbrook House is our scholarships and bursaries, which really move our lives forward and allowed me to continue with my education way back when as a junior staff and then graduating from high school, going on to university and having a career in education and coming back full circle to my humble beginnings at Rossbrook House.”
Mainville says it is important to have an organization like Rossbrook House available all year round.
“For many of us, it is a home away from home. A place that allows us to be children, but also allows us to grow in that safe space,” said Mainville.”A lot of us have said we wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for Rossbrook House.”
50th anniversary celebrations begin
2026 marks a milestone for Rossbrook House as it celebrates half a century of changing lives. The celebrations kick off this afternoon with a birthday luncheon at Rossbrook House, running from noon until 1:30 p.m.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with all those who want to attend,” said Mainville. “We’re also having a big birthday party for our community in the evening.”
.jpg)
Several other events are planned throughout the year, including the No Child Alone dinner on April 30 at the Manitoba Museum, a community BBQ, and the organization’s annual powwow.
“It’ll be a year full of celebrations for our participants, our community and our volunteers.”
To learn more about Rossbrook House, view the full list of events, or find out how to get involved, visit their website.
