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No one can “shelter in place” if they have no place to shelter in!
We are "sheltering in place" at WRYM having curtailed our off-site activities. Our core in-house programs are still operational; and, we are still accepting applications for admission. WRYM is honoured by Celebrations of Life We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Wayne French who celebrated his life and honoured his memory by directing memorial donations to WRYM. These donations paid for most of our initial COVID-19 supplies when donations in kind fell short. We also honour the memory of Wayne Sweet and others, whose family and friends similarly assisted “our guys” in the past. New Do's & Don'ts for Donations Due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 Please do not donate used clothing or other used household goods; and, definitely not luggage or any other items associated with travel. This disease is spread by travel and on items as well as by people. Please do consider monetary donations. We must staff our residence to supervise our guys. See button below. We need canned and dried foods like pastas that have not expired. Please call first about fresh foods as we have limited storage. The following list of items are golden to prepare for a house potentially full of sick guys:
Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.) Executive Director, (pro bono),
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WRYM’s Programs are Successful  As our 2019 statistics show, WRYM’s programs – especially our supportive Transitional Housing Program - are effectively reducing homelessness among youth in our community at minimal cost. We have a 95% success rate over the past three years. I believe one of the most important reasons for our success is that we do not duplicate or administrate support services that are already available in our community. Rather, we teach our guys how to access such needed services and interact with our community in productive ways, fostering their independence and the development of their own responsible citizenship. In addition, all our administrative tasks are done by volunteers. We depend mostly on community donations; and, fiscal responsibility is a big priority.
The Kid Next Door Program is Suspended Balancing funding, program costs and volunteer administrative labour is a constant challenge, and we strive to make the wisest use of resources. We are sad to say that, until we receive more funding, we must suspend the Kid Next Door program. This particular program has provided our guys with opportunities to do paid home maintenance tasks and yard work, primarily for senior citizens who have been very appreciative of the services. Our young men have also learned the value of a work ethic and enterprise through this program. While our “customers” paid our guys directly, WRYM has provided customer liaison, job assessments and estimates, supervision and transportation at a value of about $20 per hour for the supervisor’s wages, mandatory employment related costs and mileage. This would result in a minimum $60 cost for even a one-hour job, calculating an hour of the supervisor’s time before our guys arrive “on site” and an hour after they leave. Overall, the annual cost to WRYM would have been about $14,000 if much of this cost had not been absorbed by a volunteer supervisor, allowing the program to carry on. However, this volunteer is no longer able to provide this service and so the program must be suspended. I have applied for about $7,600 from the Canada Summer Jobs program to cover some costs this coming June, July and August but, even if we are successful as in the past, I expect to receive about half of the requested amount. Please do see the attachment explaining the impact the Kid Next Door program has had in the community. A Volunteer Painter is Needed  My role as volunteer Executive Director has included a jack-of-all trades approach, and I took some pride in my skills as house painter – but no more, as I now have difficulty holding a paint brush. So, we need a volunteer with suitable skills to paint WRYM’s dining room, main hallway and lower stairway. All materials will be provided, and “assistants” if desired. If you can help, please do contact me to maintain our volunteer community tradition as an example to our guys. Thanks in advance!
Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.), Executive Director, (pro bono), The Windsor Residence for Young Men Nobody Can Add but Everyone Cares! The January 2020 Urgent Funding Appeal At this time, $19,300 has been donated by our citizens to “MATCH” a past resident’s $13,000. The sub-story is the community's affirmation of his actions. Usually, homeless young men have been rejected in one way or another by their family, community or society as a whole, causing tremendous self-doubt. Our mission is to help our guys "find the pride in themselves and the confidence in their future necessary to seize the rewards of a productive life which contributes to our community". It took a great deal of confidence in his future to take this large amount of money from his savings and contribute to WRYM. He can now feel confident that what he was doing was "the right thing to do". Donations of well over $19,000 to "match" his $13,000 says our community was impressed and will do much to affirm the "pride" he may now feel. Sleeping Rough is not camping out. It’s surviving the night!  Click on WRYM's Rough Night Out to find out more!
Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.) Executive Director, (pro bono) 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), 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) |
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