In every small town, there are quiet networks of care that hold people together — neighbours checking in, a warm meal delivered, a ride offered when it really matters. In Manotick and the surrounding rural communities, that thread of care is strengthened every day by Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS).

The Heart of a Rural Community

At its heart, ROSSS champions the wellness of older adults and adults living with disabilities in rural Ottawa South, offering high-quality, innovative, and accessible health and social services that strengthen their ability to live independently and age well in the communities they call home.

ROSSS began as Rideau Seniors, founded in response to the everyday needs of older adults living in rural Ottawa South. In 2011, the organization grew into Rural Ottawa South Support Services, and with that shift came an expansion of programs — including Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Home Support, Footcare, the Adult Day Program, Connections programs, Respite, Friendly Visiting, and Caregiver Support — all evolving alongside the community.

Today, ROSSS serves communities across Manotick, Kars, Osgoode, North Gower, Richmond, Metcalfe, Greely, and beyond, connecting people to essential support, meaningful programs, and, most importantly, each other.

Meeting Everyday Needs

If there’s one service people most often associate with ROSSS, it’s transportation. The need continues to rise — especially for medical appointments — and staff drivers and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind.

Grocery trips, pharmacy runs, and community outings matter too, because staying connected is as vital as getting from place to place.

ROSSS also plays a leading role in reducing loneliness among rural residents. Their Social Connections programs — from community lunches and coffee-and-cards gatherings to wellness sessions and activity groups — offer something many seniors and adults with disabilities need most: a reason to show up, be seen, and belong.

The Friendly Visiting program pairs volunteers with clients who spend most of their days at home. A chat, a laugh, a shared cup of tea — the smallest gestures often mean the most.

ROSSS also extends its support to caregivers, offering programs and resources that nurture connection, ease the load, and ensure those who give care feel supported in return.

The People Who Make It Matter

There is one moment the ROSSS team returns to often — a Christmas memory that says everything about why they do what they do.

One client, who was living alone and finding it hard to afford groceries, received a holiday dinner delivery. Among the items was a simple can of soup — something she had been wishing she could buy, but couldn’t. When she opened the bag and saw it there, she called and left a voicemail filled with gratitude. It wasn’t the dinner itself — it was the feeling of being remembered.

Another client has become a familiar face at nearly every program ROSSS offers. For him, the chance to connect with others is essential — knowing there’s somewhere to go, something to look forward to, makes all the difference for his mental health and sense of belonging.

These are the stories that shape ROSSS’s identity — and the reason volunteers, staff, coordinators, and drivers show up with such dedication.

Over the years, The Wright Team has been proud to support ROSSS programs like the Christmas Dinner initiative, and we’ve seen first-hand how their work brings warmth and connection to people throughout our community. It’s moments like these that remind us why community matters — and how kindness, shared freely, can ripple farther than we ever imagine.

The Village That Makes It Possible

ROSSS is sustained by a network of local supporters — businesses, service clubs, and neighbours who believe in showing up for one another. There are so many generous partners and community members who make this work possible, but a few who come to mind include Ryan and the team at RONA, Adam from Manotick Home Hardware, Christine from Lollies & Scoops, the Kiwanis Club of Manotick, and Dr. Grewal and the team at Dentistry @ Manotick.

Their ongoing support — along with countless others across our rural communities — helps ROSSS continue delivering meals, coordinating rides, and offering programs that bring people together.

And at the heart of it all? Volunteers.

From transportation and meal delivery to friendly visiting, volunteers make daily life possible for hundreds of people across rural Ottawa South.

Looking Ahead

Like many community organizations, ROSSS is facing growing needs. The two biggest challenges:

• Funding, to sustain and expand services
• Volunteers, especially those with daytime availability

If resources were unlimited, ROSSS would expand their vehicle fleet and staff drivers — ensuring no one waits weeks for transportation to medical appointments or essential care.

Yet even with challenges, the impact is clear: lives are fuller, safer, and more connected because ROSSS is here.

How You Can Be Part of the Story

Whether you need support, know someone who might, or simply want to help — ROSSS wants you to feel welcome reaching out.

Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. The team at ROSSS encourages anyone in need of support to simply pick up the phone or stop by their office — even if you’re unsure what help to ask for. Their staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, ready to listen, answer questions, and guide you through the services available.

If you want to support the work:

• Volunteer — even a small amount of time can make a meaningful difference
• Donate — every contribution supports services directly in our communities
• Spread the word — the more people who know, the more people can be cared for

ROSSS currently has 283 volunteers, but the need continues to grow.
A few hours a month can be life-changing — not just for clients, but for volunteers too.

In communities like ours, care is a shared effort — built on kindness, connection, and the willingness to show up.

ROSSS is the living example of what happens when we do.

For more information, to request support, or to get involved, visit rosss.ca.