Recovery is not a straight line - it’s a journey of courage, pride and healing.
At ROAR, you don’t have to do it alone. You can do it with community.
From vision to nationally recognized program —
ROAR is redefining recovery for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg.
ROAR began with a bold vision — to create free, inclusive, evidence-based addiction treatment tailored to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg. Launched in 2023 as a pilot through the Winnipeg Foundation, ROAR quickly proved the power of combining community-specific care with clinical expertise. Participants experienced growth and transformation, showing the deep need for this kind of affirming space.
Building on that success, ROAR expanded in 2024 with support from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, offering more spaces, individualized support, aftercare, and essential resources like meals and bus passes. The program has since earned national recognition, receiving a Changemakers Award from A Dollar a Day Foundation, and secured multi-year funding to ensure its sustainability.
From its grassroots beginnings to its place on the national stage, ROAR remains true to its heart: community-first, client-centered care rooted in dignity, compassion, and hope.
Meet the Team
The ROAR team brings decades of experience in addiction recovery, mental health, and community care, with a focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Grounded in harm reduction and compassion, we create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported, understood, and never alone as they explore what recovery looks like for them.
JP Grimard – Creator & Clinical Lead
With over 18 years in addiction treatment and 2SLGBTQIA+ care, JP is the founder of ROAR and the program’s clinical lead. A Registered Clinical Counsellor, he has developed and led several successful outpatient programs in Vancouver and now brings that expertise to Winnipeg. JP created ROAR to combine evidence-based treatment with compassionate, community-focused care, supporting clients in defining their own recovery journey.
MORE ABOUT JP
Mercedes Rohr – Program Facilitator
Mercedes brings both lived experience and professional training to her role at ROAR. A Community Service Worker, she combines insight gained through her own recovery with knowledge from a range of treatment programs. Passionate about building connections, she helps clients feel supported and never alone as they navigate recovery.
MORE ABOUT MERCEDES
Testimonials
