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WRYM awarded $26,186 Green Shield 6x6 Grant WRYM has been awarded a $26,186 grant from the Green Shield Canada Six 4 Six Community Granting Initiative, administered by the WindsorEssex Community Foundation for our Youth Independence Program!  Conceived by WRYM Program Director Jason Weinberg (centre, right), the new classroom-based program will teach life skills to youth 16-24 years of age regardless of their self-identified gender. L-R: Zahid Salmon, President &CEO Green Shield Canada; Jason Weinberg, WRYM Program Director; Mila Lucio, Chief HR Officer Green Shield Canada; Dave Freeman, WRYM Board Member; Greg Goulin, WRYM Executive Director; Susan Freeman, WRYM President; and Sherry Peister, Chair of the Board Green Shield Canada. Dependency fosters abuse. Independent life skills are the antidote. We will now be able to provide a meal and our program to all youth willing to participate, male and female, who are not attending school, in our classroom from 12 noon to 3pm each week day. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD
Executive Director, (pro bono),
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 Invest in Citizenship - please join us for Canada Day again this year! WRYM has an Anonymous Donor who will match your donations specifically designated “Citizenship” As many of you know, much of the program of the Windsor Residence for Young Men is founded on citizenship: teaching our guys to meet their own needs, social responsibility, with rights come responsibilities – not entitlement, education, work ethic and the continuing support of our “family”. PLEASE NOTE - if you wish to donate to Invest in Citizenship in another fashion, options are available on our WRYM Your Help page - please be sure to specify "Citizenship" or "Invest in Citizenship" in your note so that matching funds may apply. Did you know? The Windsor Residence for Young Men only assists those male homeless youth who want to “get off the street”. Its program was designed by those involved in our criminal justice system and broke all the research theories prevalent at the time. Specifically, “Housing First” does not work for youth without life skills; and, definitely not when our community does not have public housing available. WRYM’s program is 90% successful, now qualifies for a high school credit; and, its concept is becoming recognized across Canada. It remains the only supportive transitional housing program for male youth in our community, while there are three for young women. It functions on the principle that “You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day; or, you can teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime.”  Homeless male youth 15-25 years of age are 8 times more likely to die “on the street” than their peers; but, they are hard to “hug”. Male youth 15-25 years of age are the most violent demographic in any society; but, they are also the largest group to present with the most serious injuries and wounds at Ontario’s emergency wards. They also silently suffer 38% of the sexual assaults within that age range. As of May 1st this year, there were 235 homeless people on the streets of Windsor. On average we get about 45 off the street each year by teaching independent life skills, modeling a functional family, and accessing, not duplicating, existing specialized community services to meet the needs of “our guys”. We teach them how to stand on their own two feet; and, they are using them to walk away from the negative peers and abuse they would otherwise have to accept to survive on the streets.  About 1/3 of “our guys” are re-united with family, 1/3 are placed in supportive living due to intellectual and mental health challenges, (usually both), and 1/3 go on to truly independent living. A former resident, now an employed graduate engineer, sits on our Board of Directors. We are funded by the individual and corporate citizens of our community. All administration and most maintenance is provided voluntarily without charge by professionals in their own right. Our entire budget, presently at $364,000, is $25,000 less than the Downtown Mission spent on Public Relations in 2016. If we are to continue, however, we need your help now. Thank you!
 Not a success story, but a lesson on what family is all about I could not bring myself to edit this resident's story down to a couple paragraphs; so, it’s attached here for you to download - “WRYM’s a family home.”
Youth homelessness in Kingston - and how their United Way reacted Quote - "One important learning that emerged from this process was a deeper understanding of how youth homelessness differs from adult homelessness. The key differentiator is that where homeless adults have nowhere to live, most youth who are homeless still have the option of returning to their family homes. A plan to address youth homelessness, then, must consider making a return to the family home a viable option. Unlike adult homelessness, youth homelessness can be viewed as a temporary condition rather than a chronic one, and the set of solutions can include educational components that may not be as effective with a chronically homeless older population. Another important consideration that applies uniquely to youth homelessness is that young people are still developing. The risk-taking and reactive behaviours and poor impulse control that are often associated with developing minds are a contributing factor to youth homelessness, making addressing developmental issues critical to any solution.” Sound familiar? This is what we do at WRYM! Read the full report: https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/report-youth-homelessness-2019  WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) 2019 Vital Signs survey On behalf of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF), I am requesting your assistance with the 2019 Vital Signs survey. The Vital Signs survey is an annual community check-up conducted by Community Foundations from across Canada that measures the vitality of our cities, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in areas critical to our quality of life. The 2019 Vital Signs survey closes on July 26th with the subsequent report being delivered as an insert with the Windsor Star on October 5th, 2019. Here is a direct link to this year’s survey - https://bit.ly/2CFCRgx And if you would like to read the 2018 Vital Signs® report, please click on this link - http://wecf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2018-Vital-Signs-Report-1.pdf A Parting Thought Abuse is founded on dependency. Independence is the antidote. We offer a hand up – not a handout. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono) An opinion piece of interest on CBC: Take it from someone who has been in a gang: tackling the symptoms won't fix the problem …But while access to after-school programs, counselling, mentorship and employment are all pieces that can have a protective effect against violence, they may not actually change the blueprint that causes violence in the first place: systemic racism, poverty, unemployment and toxic masculinity.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/gang-violence-1.4975700  Mohammed’s Story After a long day, a vacation, or just some time away, isn't it nice to go home? For many of our guys, the idea of home has been more a misunderstood concept than a reality. Yet, because of our tireless staff dedication and the commitment of you - our supporters - we are happy to tell you that again one of our guys has gone home. Before coming to the Windsor Residence for Young Men, Mohammed's parents struggled to accept him for who he was, and his different beliefs and values. As a result, his home-life had become unbearable to all; and, he was at-risk of being on the streets. Although this was a dark point in his life, it was also when Mohammed turned to WRYM for a second home. Here he found a safe place to work on himself and his relationship with his family. Overtime, he and his mother began to accept each other's point of view, and she became proud of all he accomplished at WRYM with work and school. Slowly but surely, this individual and his mother began to talk about living together again having found acceptance of each other's beliefs. We are happy to say that he has returned home for good. Although we enjoyed being able to provide him with a safe-place, some skill building, and a platform for self-actualization; nothing is more fulfilling for than to see this family become whole again. Thank you for making it possible! Best Birthday Ever on “The Coldest Night Out”  It was a “hoot” staying up all night in an industrial parking lot with other crazy people, including staff, board members and my youngest son. Many of you stopped by with warm coffee, even a birthday cake complete with candles – some “hand out”. But, most gratifying of all, because of the hardy souls who joined me and those who sponsored all of us, almost $10,000 was raised to continue providing a “home” for “our guys”. The most important Things in life are NOT Things! Thank you, so very much! 
Upcoming Events
A hand up – not a handout. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD
Executive Director, (pro bono)  A Cold Night Out - The Coldest Night of the Year, Again !!! I’d like to challenge you once more to spend as much time as you can with me, as if you were experiencing homelessness, on a commercial/industrial parking lot at 1350 St. Luke Road in an unique part of Windsor on the Coldest Night of the Year, (my 70th birthday), from 5pm on Friday, the 22nd until 7am on the 23rd of this month. The rules of participation are strict, challenging and contained in the information attachment below. You will check in on site at 1350 St. Luke Road, Windsor, Ontario, by submitting this form, fully completed, as well as the pledge sheet(s) (also below) and funds collected to date.
We can never duplicate the desperation of homelessness. The rules listed allow for participants to leave at any time with the knowledge that they have a warm home, hot bath and a good meal to return to. Something the homeless can only dream about while facing another night of misery. Something participants might think about, too! We are doing this to raise funds to help our guys at WRYM through pledges based on the hours you will last that night, out in the cold. You must bring the signed Release and Pledge Sheet with you. You are welcome to challenge or decline and sponsor others, ( even me)! See you in 3 weeks time? I would like to thank Dave Woodall of Medachrom Holdings Limited for the use of a unique piece of property, (with an on-site warming centre and washroom!) Our WRYM 2018 Year End Statistics Our program success rate, measured in the number of residents who have left the streets, is 92%, with a 3-year average of 90%. See that success and more in our WRYM 2018 Year End Stats - download them here!
 Something to Think About Local news (CBC, 01/07/19) ran a story about a homeless shelter titled, “Why Adult Shelters are Scary for London’s Homeless Youth”. CBC noted that the current system involving youth accessing emergency shelter in a shared space with adults is highly problematic and that these sorts of shared spaces put youth at greater risk of:
Please let me know your thoughts at greggoulin@cogeco.net 
We offer a hand up – not a handout Greg Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono) A Former Resident "I appreciate everything WRYM has done for me. The organization has taken care of me through my studies and even found me a job. I will carry this debt from the program for the rest of my life."  A Donor "I wanted to donate to a local charity this year for Christmas. I chose this charity because I believe, as homelessness is getting worse in our community, this is one of the organizations that helps to reverse the trend. By showing people who experience homelessness that there is support for them - helping to give them the skills to succeed and giving them confidence - I believe you are giving them the greatest gift someone in their situation can ask for. Keep up the good work!"  Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime.  A hand up – not a “hand out”.
Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono),  "Sending you a big holiday hug this season” A message received at WRYM: “My son resides at WRYM and you have been nothing short of a Godsend. I only wish …I could …. thank you all with a hug. God bless all of you - A very thankful mom … " Thanks to all of you! – citizens and donors of time, stuff, and the funding which make our efforts possible. You have brought some Peace to at least one mother’s heart.  Thanks to WRYM’s Corporate Sponsors Contents Processing Centre (CPC) Recycling Depot Proceeds- November 5-30 Proceeds are going to support Windsor Residence for Young Men of Windsor Essex County. "Help keep electronics out of our landfills and support your local charity!”
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime. WRYM offers a hand up, not a hand out.
Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono)  Our Guys Keep in Touch This month we would like to spotlight one of our past-residents who recently came back to visit us. Mark came into our program in the spring of 2017. He is a new Canadian who was suffering from regular parental abuse which started at a very young age. Mark was overcome with depression and other mental health issues, which quickly turned into thoughts of ending his life and a struggle with addiction. Mark’s unstable life had left him without a high school education and unemployed. When Mark learned that he was also going to be a father, he came to Windsor Residence for Young Men in hopes of becoming the “type of father he never had.” During his four motivated months with WRYM, he resumed school, gained full-time employment, and was connected with the appropriate community partners to assist with his mental and physical health, as well as other areas of need. When Mark left us in the fall of 2017, we were sad to see him leave but confident he would be able to stand on his own two feet. A year later, Mark decided to stop by, as many of the “brotherhood” do, and we were pleased to learn that he finished his high school diploma and is now in college while continuing work to make ends meet. Mark’s baby is happy and healthy; and, he is a very proud father!!! He inquired of our staff, expressed great appreciation of them, and was quick to smile when telling us about how his life is now. While Mark has all the amazing struggles of being a new father ahead of him, a home is not something he worries about any more. Thank you all for helping to make Mark’s story possible. (P.S. As I write, there are four of our guys in the kitchen learning how to make apple crisp. It is a loud, hilarious and joyful experience that would bring warmth to your heart, too.)  An Educator’s Thoughts ( and Actions) About WRYM “I was the principal at Walkerville Collegiate Institute when the Windsor Residence for Young Men started; and, it has always been an organization that has been special to me because I see the difference it makes in the community for our young males who have nowhere to go. This year is our first year selecting agencies to donate funds to and we have selected Windsor Residence for Young Men and United Way On Track to Success Program.” Want to Know More About WRYM? Fill out the attached Request for Information sheet and send it back; or, sign up for a Tour and Talk.
 Did You Know? WRYM receives absolutely no funding from the United Way of Windsor and Essex County, while receiving about $2,000 a year in designated donations from the United Way of Greater Toronto. Thank You Home Depot Canada, again!  The Orange Door Project Holiday Fundraising Campaign is taking place at all The Home Depot stores across Canada from November 29th until December 16th. Buy a $2 ‘paper door’ at the checkout of the Division and Walker Road Home Depot in Windsor and 100% of funds raised will benefit The Windsor Residence for Young Men. Together, we can put an end to youth homelessness in Canada. help end youth homelessness by buying a $2 paper door at the Home Depot Walker&Division checkout. Or, at www.orangedoorproject.ca under “Fund” select store fund “ON, Windsor-7228” so that your donation benefits #WRYM. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD
Executive Director, (pro bono),  Excerpts from a Grandparents’ Letter We write “as an expression of our gratitude for taking in our grandson”. We “are truly grateful that you and your staff were able to come to his rescue and assist him in his future endeavours in becoming a worthy contribution to today’s society. We have seen a major positive difference in him and we have you to thank for that. In such a short time he has displayed to us a very positive outlook on life and we firmly believe that it has all to do with his new home at Windsor Residence For Young Men. …thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us to introduce him to society and giving him the chance he truly deserves.” Percy Hatfield is the recipient of WRYM’s 2018 Community Awareness Award  WRYM President Susan Freeman (L) and Executive Director Greg Goulin (R) have presented MPP Percy Hatfield, Windsor-Tecumseh, with the WRYM Community Awareness Award. Our Board of Directors presented the Windsor-Tecumseh MPP with this award that recognizes individuals, corporations and groups who, by their actions, appreciate the community need for the provision of transitional housing and life skills to homeless male youth. "I am flabbergasted," said Hatfield. "I am so honoured that I have received this award. This is a big deal and I am going to proudly display it!" Thank you Colautti Brothers!
Thank you Colautti Brothers Marble Tile & Carpet (1985) Inc. and Tom Marshall for replacing all of our high use main level flooring and carpeting our upper stairway by way of a donation. Friday November 2 is Random Act of Kindness Day  The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) invites you to join them in celebrating Random Act of Kindness Day by performing a simple act of kindness for someone else. Please let them know what you have planned for Random Act of Kindness Day if you do chose to participate by contacting Ajsela Murselovic, amurselovic@wecf.ca , because they would love to hear and promote the good work that you are doing. Thursday, November 15th , is National Philanthropy Day Philanthropy is “generosity and good will in action” and “the love of humankind”. National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to both (1) put that word into action and (2) recognize the change that word has brought to our communities. (For more information, visit the Association of Fundraising Professionals. And Tuesday, November 27th, is Giving Tuesday – quite a month! An International Review Preventing Youth Homelessness: An International Review of Evidence (link) has recently been published and among its conclusions is noted the following: “Evidence indicates that youth-focused housing models, including Housing First for Youth and the Foyer model, show considerable promise for preventing youth homelessness. In order to implement these housing models, many communities need to increase the availability of affordable, youth-specific housing. Strengthening family, natural supports, and community connections for youth is a critical component of effective housing stabilization efforts. Interventions that include family mediation, family counselling, and family reunification report stronger outcomes. Housing-led responses are more effective when they provide supports to address youths’ wellbeing, social inclusion, connection with community and culture, and engagement with education, employment, and training.” This is what we do at WRYM, realizing that before any type of a Housing First program can work, a community must first have social housing available, which Windsor-Essex does not. The program of the Windsor Residence for Young Men has been recognized as a modified Foyer model.  Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono) The 6th Birthday Party for the Windsor Residence for Young Men was a Great Success ! It was hosted on Wednesday, October 4th , by the Giovanni Caboto Club Charity Pasta Dinners Volunteers who hold fundraisers for 12 community charities each year, carrying on a tradition that goes back to 1925. Our 6th Birthday Party raised $3,657 for WRYM to assist “our guys”. “We like to give back to the community,” said Caboto volunteers’ chair Alex Sorrentino. THE YOUNGEST AND HAPPIEST DOOR PRIZE WINNER was certainly 4 year-old Leto Lehman, seen above being assisted in curbing his enthusiasm by his mother, Yvette.  The Solcz Family Foundation Grants WRYM $40,000/yr. for the next 5 years! Kyrsten Solcz, Executive Director of the Foundation said: “The Solcz Family Foundation is delighted to award Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) with a grant to support their on-going efforts to help young males who are experiencing homelessness. Through their work, WRYM is addressing the root causes of homelessness and ensuring the youth they reach are better positioned for success. The Solcz Family Foundation is proud to partner with Windsor Residence for Young Men and support the great work they do for the Windsor-Essex community.”  Front with cheque: Nick Solcz (L) and (R) Kyrsten Solcz (Executive Director) – Back L-R: Len Solcz, Greg Goulin (Executive Director, WRYM), Susan Freeman (President, WRYM), Manuela Solcz, and Marty Solcz. The Plasman Group purchases a Complete Set of Specialty Mattresses for WRYM Shauna Hatch, Plasman Group’s Vice President of Human Resources, explained why the company chose to assist WRYM as follows: “Plasman Group is happy to again be a partner to the Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) this year. Our Company’s giving mandate is to support children and youth agencies across the globe in cities where our Plasman Team Members live and work. WRYM is changing lives of young men from 16-20 years of age in the city of Windsor by providing supportive, transitional housing to those who are homeless or who are living in an unacceptable environment without appropriate adult support. Their assistance of 50 young men each year in their group home with individual counselling, and teaching basic life skills such as hygiene, food preparation, budgeting, social responsibility and work ethic betters everyone in our community. Our relationship with the residence dates back over five years and we have seen first-hand how our support gives opportunity for education, employment and independent living skills.”  Thank you!
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD Executive Director, (pro bono) |
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