our Board
President's Statement - Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM)
This past year has been one of meaningful progress, steady growth, and renewed purpose at The Windsor Residence for Young Men. Our mission to help young men experiencing homelessness move toward safety, stability, and independence continues to guide everything we do, and the past twelve months have shown just how vital this work remains in our community.
Year to date, WRYM has provided 2,263 bed days of safe shelter to 29 youth, offering stability at a time when many had nowhere else to turn. Of the 25 youth who have exited our programs so far, 88 percent have moved on to safer and more stable living situations. These early outcomes reflect not only the dedication of our team, but also the effort and resilience of the young men who continue to work toward brighter futures.
Our continuum of care - including transitional housing, life skills development, systems navigation, and aftercare - continued to support youth in rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with education or employment, and establishing long term stability. Each young man arrives with his own challenges, and our staff have consistently met them with compassion, structure, and trauma informed support.
A major milestone this year was the completion of our Strategic Plan, which established a clear direction for responsible growth, program excellence, and stronger community partnerships. This plan has strengthened our operations and clarified the priorities that will guide us in the coming years.
We were also grateful to receive a Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, allowing us to significantly expand our System Navigation services for the next 3 years. This investment increased our capacity to support youth in the community who face barriers accessing services but are not residing in our shelter. Through this work, we assisted an increasing number of young men needing advocacy, guidance, or structured support to navigate complex systems.
Another highlight was receiving the top award from the Inspiration 100 Community Fund. This recognition reflects the confidence our community has in WRYM’s impact and reinforces the importance of investing in youth who are rebuilding their lives.
Throughout the year, we strengthened internal processes, enhanced safety and compliance practices, and supported staff in delivering high quality, relationship-based care. Our team’s dedication remains the heart of our success, and their commitment to youth continues to inspire everything we do.
As we look ahead, WRYM remains focused on deepening its impact, building strong community connections, and ensuring that every young man who reaches out for help is met with dignity, stability, and real opportunity. None of this progress would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our volunteers, and the trust placed in us by the youth we serve.
Thank you to everyone who has supported WRYM this past year. Together, we are creating stronger pathways to independence and brighter futures for young men across Windsor Essex.
Year to date, WRYM has provided 2,263 bed days of safe shelter to 29 youth, offering stability at a time when many had nowhere else to turn. Of the 25 youth who have exited our programs so far, 88 percent have moved on to safer and more stable living situations. These early outcomes reflect not only the dedication of our team, but also the effort and resilience of the young men who continue to work toward brighter futures.
Our continuum of care - including transitional housing, life skills development, systems navigation, and aftercare - continued to support youth in rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with education or employment, and establishing long term stability. Each young man arrives with his own challenges, and our staff have consistently met them with compassion, structure, and trauma informed support.
A major milestone this year was the completion of our Strategic Plan, which established a clear direction for responsible growth, program excellence, and stronger community partnerships. This plan has strengthened our operations and clarified the priorities that will guide us in the coming years.
We were also grateful to receive a Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, allowing us to significantly expand our System Navigation services for the next 3 years. This investment increased our capacity to support youth in the community who face barriers accessing services but are not residing in our shelter. Through this work, we assisted an increasing number of young men needing advocacy, guidance, or structured support to navigate complex systems.
Another highlight was receiving the top award from the Inspiration 100 Community Fund. This recognition reflects the confidence our community has in WRYM’s impact and reinforces the importance of investing in youth who are rebuilding their lives.
Throughout the year, we strengthened internal processes, enhanced safety and compliance practices, and supported staff in delivering high quality, relationship-based care. Our team’s dedication remains the heart of our success, and their commitment to youth continues to inspire everything we do.
As we look ahead, WRYM remains focused on deepening its impact, building strong community connections, and ensuring that every young man who reaches out for help is met with dignity, stability, and real opportunity. None of this progress would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our volunteers, and the trust placed in us by the youth we serve.
Thank you to everyone who has supported WRYM this past year. Together, we are creating stronger pathways to independence and brighter futures for young men across Windsor Essex.
THE WINDSOR RESIDENCE FOR YOUNG MEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
- January 2026 -
KALIE DUNLOP
Social Worker
President & Director
IAN MACISAAC
University Student
Vice President & Director
EMILY VAN RIJIT
Social Worker
Secretary & Director
LOUISE BACON
Bookkeeper
Treasurer & Director
JOHN ATKINSON
Financial Advisor
Director & Past President
ALEAH BERENZ
Social Worker
Director
KENNETH ADAMS
Retired Principal
Director
MARTIN HOFGARTNER
Retired Accounts Manager
Director
Social Worker
President & Director
IAN MACISAAC
University Student
Vice President & Director
EMILY VAN RIJIT
Social Worker
Secretary & Director
LOUISE BACON
Bookkeeper
Treasurer & Director
JOHN ATKINSON
Financial Advisor
Director & Past President
ALEAH BERENZ
Social Worker
Director
KENNETH ADAMS
Retired Principal
Director
MARTIN HOFGARTNER
Retired Accounts Manager
Director
JASON WEINBERG
WRYM Executive Director
Non-Voting Recording Secretary
WRYM Executive Director
Non-Voting Recording Secretary
We are recruiting individuals for our
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