Imagining a Brighter Future

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.”