Founded in 1976, Rossbrook House is a neighbourhood drop-in centre for children, youth, and young adults. Located at the corner of Ross Avenue and Sherbrook Street in the Centennial area of the inner-city of Winnipeg MB; it offers a constant alternative to the destructive environment of the streets:Keeping the doors open 365 days of the year and 24 hours every weekend & period of school holidaysRecruiting its staff from the young people who come to the centre on a regular basis Driving participants safely home each evening Rossbrook's mission is to provide a safe place for children and youth to belong, play, learn and become...Today, 1,500 children and youth ages 6-24 years come through the doors annually and up to 100 participants on a daily basis. Beyond being a safe place to be, Rossbrook has 3 alternative school programs, an afterschool homework club, young mom's group, sports and recreational activities, Aboriginal cultural activities, leadership activites, a music program, a money management/matched savings program and a transformative writing program for youth and adults in the community.
SMD has existed in various forms since the late 1940s. Today, the SMD family includes a head office in Winnipeg as well as six regional offices throughout Manitoba that provide services and support to people with disabilities in rural areas. SMD is also affiliated with national organizations such as Easter Seals Canada.
Based on projections, disability in Manitoba will continue to rise over the next 25 years. The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities strives for long term sustainability so that programs and services are available to meet the needs of children, youth and adults with disabilities.