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In their own words  As you may have learned from various forms of media, a very quiet and modest past resident, requesting anonymity, brought in a bank draft for $13,000 from his personal savings after learning of WRYM’s present financial circumstances. See the news release! This is a tremendous amount for a person of his age having overcome the challenges he faced. While this is remarkable and I did not think something like this would happen for years to come, it is our purpose stated in our mission statement. This was done by a “productive citizen” who understands social responsibility. Rest assured that what we do at WRYM is effective and appreciated. His actions have always been the expected optimum result of our program - but, for me to explain it is complex.  I will try to explain here - and add some recent quotes from “our guys”: We teach social responsibility, not entitlement, as part of our program – giving is part of getting if you are to have a good life. That’s hard to instill in youth who truly feel they are worthless, ashamed of being on the “welfare rolls”, terrified that they have nowhere to go that is absent abuse or degradation in some form, and who perceive themselves as helpless. We give them confidence by instilling pride in their self-worth. We emphasize all they have to offer, not in monetary wealth, but within themselves, be it by helping others in need, each other, or around the residence itself, volunteering at other agencies and successfully seeking employment and/or education, with our guidance. This develops self-respect and confidence in their ability to take care of themselves with the help of others, which will come forth if they learn to respect others and value the strengths in those differences that others provide which they, like all of us, may be lacking. We try to instill confidence to assess and to trust again, to accept reality and to deal with it constructively. It’s a complicated and unique path for each one; but, they must keep moving forward, even if hesitantly, confidently focusing on the future, not the past. In their own words - residents' quotes from 2019
"My experience at Windsor Residence for Young Men was very productive and beneficial. I was able to overcome issues and challenges I went through, in a short period of time, thanks to the phenomenal team." "Staff were willing to support and help with anything, even if I did not know I needed the support". "All of the staff have been super helpful in everything I needed, and I met some of my best friends here." "I wouldn't be where I am without WRYM. I would've made it, just not as fast." "Okay so, my experience was pretty good. I was helped through all of my legal issues, so that was great. Also, I enjoyed that I was able to move over to the apartment. This was great because it helped me work on my independence. All in all, good experience :) " "When I first joined WRYM, it was a much more hectic experience. The rules were strict, and the amount of work was overwhelming, but as it went on, it finally got more smooth. The last few months have been some of the most productive in the last couple of years." "I really liked how this program was focused, but felt like it was a family. I felt that I knew the staff really cared about my well-being. I felt at home here." "Overall - really positive. Helped me overcome mental and addiction obstacles" "My experience was simply professional. All concerns were addressed appropriately, values were accepted, and basic needs were met. I was given support to continue hobbies and beliefs, as well as overall support to my well-being." "My experience at WRYM was good, even though my stupidity is what led to my discharge. I like how the staff treated the residents equally and supported them every step of the way. If I had anyone in the same situation I was in, I would recommend them here." And, for the record, we learn from them, too - everyday! Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.) Executive Director, (pro bono),
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WRYM's Annual Statistics for 2019 - Success! In the year 2019, Windsor Residence for Young Men had a 94% rate! Here are the statistics:  The Windsor Residence for Young Men assists youths as they leave homelessness behind to build new lives!
Thank You! The Windsor Residence for Young Men extends its appreciation to The Caboto Club and Mr. Stefano Riolo for donating approximately $5,000 from the proceeds of the 2019 Italian of the Year Gala.  L-R: Greg Goulin, WRYM Executive Director (pro bono); Stefano (Steve) Riolo, 2019 Italian of the Year; and Gino Piazza, Caboto Club President. Assessment, Support and “Navigation” = Success! Carl came to WRYM without much hope in his life. He had left his home where his mother’s mental health issues were the cause of a lot of abuse, conflict, and anger. Carl tried to live back and forth between friends; but, he quickly realized he would not be able to pull himself out of homelessness without more support and structure in his life. With tears and his bag on his back, Carl came to WRYM for assistance.  After completing our assessment process and some counseling from staff, we were able to rapidly respond to Carl’s needs by connecting him with specialized community supports, while providing housing, life-skills, and case management oversight. Primary medical care was received from Windsor-Essex Community Health Center; financial guidance and counselling provided by Family Services; dental assistance acquired from a dentist in private practice; mental health support from the Transitional Stability Center; and, a wide range of housing collaboration between ACCESS County Services, Housing Information Services, the City of Windsor, the Ontario Disability Support Program, and the Housing Stability Plan. With community support behind him, Carl moved on to independent living with his head held high and very little possibility of a return to homelessness. We are ecstatic with Carl’s success; and, we believe his situation truly exemplifies the collaborative approach we take at the Windsor Residence for Young Men. Because we do not duplicate services, we are very good at helping “our guys” navigate the complexities of the phenomenal assistance available to them in our community. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.) Executive Director, (pro bono), The Windsor Residence for Young Men @WECFoundation 2019 Vital Signs Report is here!  The seventh report published by the Foundation on the Windsor-Essex Region. The Vital Signs Report combines national, provincial, and local data with residents’ views of important issues. The Vital Signs Report is used as an educational resource to engage the Windsor-Essex community in ongoing dialogue so we can make our community an even better place to live, work, play and grow. Read the report to find out what makes Windsor-Essex a great play and let’s start a conversation!
The Giovanni Caboto Club The Giovanni Caboto Club has chosen WRYM to be one of two charities to benefit from the 2019 Italian of the Year Gala, honouring Stefano (Steve) Riolo, on Friday, 25 October, 2019. The Windsor Feminist Theatre and The Windsor Residence for Young Men will share in the proceeds from the Italian of the Year Gala. The Giovanni Caboto Club advises that it is proud to support our two organizations. Please join WRYM and the Giovanni Caboto Club, the Italian Women’s Club, the Italian Community and the Community of Windsor and Essex County as they honour Stefano (Steve) Riolo, 2019 Italian of the Year. Please reply to me directly for tickets, $95 each, if you wish to join our President Sue Freeman and Dave, our Program Director Jason Weinberg and Victoria, or Bonnie and me, at the WRYM table(s). Community Awards Presented at the WRYM Charity Golf Tournament WRYM depends on community support in our daily operations, and this support often takes the form of in-kind goods and services. In addition to thanking our many good friends and event sponsors, the WRYM Charity Golf Tournament was also a great opportunity to recognize two outstanding supporters with our community awards.  WRYM’s Community Awareness Award is its highest award to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated their awareness of WRYM’s programs and have greatly assisted with the provision of services to help homeless youth rebuild their lives. (Photo - WRYM Board Member Dave Freeman (L) and Executive Director Greg Goulin (R) present Tom Marshall with the award.) Past recipients have included Roth Mosey CPAs, The Windsor-Essex Criminal Lawyers Association, and Percy Hatfield MPP. Tom Marshall of Colautti Brothers Marble Tile and Carpet (1985) Inc. is this year’s recipient of the award. He had heard that the linoleum tiles on the main floor of Windsor Residence for Young Men were sorely in need of replacement. He did a professional assessment, acquired new flooring specific to WRYM’s needs, and supplied two highly skilled tradespersons to install the new floor over three days at no charge. The cost of replacing the flooring would otherwise have been $8,000 -10,000.  WRYM’s Heart & Soul Award is for exceptional individual volunteer effort above and beyond reasonable expectations. (Photo - WRYM Board Member Dave Freeman (L) and Executive Director Greg Goulin (R) present Joel Thibodeau wih the award.) Joel Thibodeau is the owner of the local My Green Knight franchise which specializes in home maintenance. Every Saturday, he ran WRYM’s Kids Next Door program, a program in which young men are paid to perform home maintenance jobs for local homeowners. For more than a year, Thibodeau spent many weekday evenings inspecting potential jobs for suitability. He taught young men workplace, tool and ladder safety – and he even rented tools and trailers at his own expense to make the experience meaningful. Often, he referred his own customers to Kids Next Door, and would never take any payment for his efforts or costs incurred. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.)
Executive Director, (pro bono),  Matter of Confidence “You’re never going to make it.” “You’re not good enough.” “Get a real job.” These were the types of comments that Chris was used to hearing from his parents before they kicked him out of their home, leaving him feeling unloved and hopeless. Chris came into WRYM looking to escape the verbal abuse he was experiencing from his parents, and forge a life for himself as an "up and coming" artist. Although the talent was there, Chris’ low self-esteem, mental health concerns, lack of confidence, and uncertainty with his future had restricted his progress. Chris was quick to get frustrated with himself and would be the first person to tell you why he would not succeed. We are happy to tell you that this young man who came into the residence is not the same Chris that you would meet today. Since joining the Transitional Housing Program, Chris has been so successful with his art sales that he has been removed from Social Services for making too much money! Not only has he started paying his own way, but Chris is even looking at starting his own business and has been connected to the resources that can help make that happen! While his dream job is being made a reality, he was also able to get his own apartment, that he moves into next week! With his self-esteem at an all-time high and his mental health concerns being managed by the amazing community organizations he was connected with, Chris is a success story of the very best kind. Without your support, and the tireless effort of our staff, Chris would never have been able to work himself off of Ontario Works and get back on his own two feet. We are very proud of you Chris!  A Franciscan Benediction I am reminded of a few words from “A Franciscan Benediction” May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection and hunger, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children, the troubled and the poor.  WRYM’s Golf Tournament (Fundraising crucial to WRYM’s continued existence) It’s at Sutton Creek Golf Club, 2135 County Road 12, Essex, on Sunday, September 29 at 1:00 p.m. to tee off with a shotgun start, and Dinner at 6:00 p.m. In an effort to streamline the use of credit cards for people registering for the tournament, we are recommending you use our secure online registry site for this event at https://tournamentcaddie.com/golfWRYM2019 If you still prefer to mail in a cheque with a registration form, attached to this e-mail is an UPDATED fillable golfer form and a sponsor form. Please make the cheque payable to “Windsor Residence for Young Men”, note "Golf Sept 29" on the cheque, and mail the form(s) and cheque to Windsor Residence for Young Men, 1505 Langlois Ave, Windsor ON N8X 4M3. Again, thanks very much for your kind support! If you have any questions please let me know. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.) Executive Director, (pro bono) The Giovanni Caboto Club has chosen WRYM  The Giovanni Caboto Club (http://www.cabotoclub.com) has chosen WRYM to be one of two charities to benefit from the 2019 Italian of the Year Gala, honouring Stefano (Steve) Riolo, on Friday, 25 October, 2019. The Windsor Feminist Theatre and The Windsor Residence for Young Men will share in the proceeds from the Italian of the Year Gala. The Giovanni Caboto Club advises that it is proud to support our two organizations. Please join WRYM and the Giovanni Caboto Club, the Italian Women’s Club, the Italian Community and the Community of Windsor and Essex County as they honour Stefano (Steve) Riolo, 2019 Italian of the Year. Please reply to me directly at greggoulin@cogeco.net for tickets, $95 each, if you wish to join Bonnie and I at the WRYM table(s). Tragedy Avoided – We Hope  I regret to inform you that the windows in WRYM’s dining room and staff office were shattered in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 17,18, & 19 July, by rather large rocks, ( not stones, with the last one of the same size and weight of a shotput or cannon ball), scattering large shards of glass inside our home. The guys, on an upper floor, slept through all of it; and, fortunately, staff on duty were not in these rooms at the time. Police reports and attendances were made. Jason, our Program Director, and I did the midnight shift on the last night. Jason was inside; and, I was the outside “lurker” in the bushes. While I was unable to detain the middle aged man, I was at least, figuratively, able to catch him in the act, not prevent it, give him a surprise, and supply a description to the police. From what I saw of him and the repeated nature of these acts, I believe this man to be mentally ill. There seems to be no connection to past or present residents; and, there have been no re-occurrences. On July 21st , not having further contact with or inquiry from the Windsor Police Service, I emailed the Chief of Police, which read in part, “We seek your assistance to elevate this matter from property damage complaints to a serious investigation involving the continuous use of deadly force, in order to prevent significant injury.” I have yet to receive a response. New significant and strict safety protocols are in place. A new security system has been contracted for, and our windows are being re-enforced with lexan to avoid shards, at the very least. All broken windows were temporarily replaced the same day. A private security firm was hired to sit in a vehicle outside the window area from 11pm to 5am on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd, without significant observations reported. This “ain’t gonna be cheap”, about $7,500 for repairs, private security and up-graded security systems; but, it was and is absolutely necessary for our residents’ and staff safety. We are not afraid; nor, will we be intimidated. We will defend, alone if necessary, the right of “our guys” to have a chance at a decent life; And, at 70 years of age, “I’m in the prime of my strife.” Greg Update to Tragedy Avoided Consequent upon reasonable inquiries, I must advise that there is no insurance coverage for the damage and security measures taken as a consequence of the dangerous incidents of 17, 18, &19 July, 2019, for the following reasons:
A possible financial benefit is reduced insurance premiums in the future due to these security upgrades. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.)
Executive Director, (pro bono)
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),  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) |
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