A Heartfelt Thank You – With a Work of Art! While supplies last, we’re saying thank you to our incredible supporters in a very special way - with hand-painted artwork by WRYM’s founder, Greg Goulin. Each piece is a unique expression of gratitude, painted with the same heart and care that Greg poured into building WRYM from the ground up. Here’s how you can receive one of these beautiful paintings as a token of our appreciation: For a donation of $150, receive an 8" x 10" (matted) painting For a donation of $250, receive an 11" x 14" (matted) painting For a donation of $500, receive a 16" x 20" painting To choose your artwork, visit our online catalogue. Once you’ve made your donation, simply email a copy of your receipt to [email protected], along with the title of the painting you’d like to claim. These one-of-a-kind pieces are available while supplies last, so don’t wait too long! Thank you for helping us continue to change lives, your support means the world to us. Why the Windsor Residence for Young Men Matters Now More Than Ever A recent Windsor Star article (link below) revealed the growing crisis at Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS), which is overwhelmed, underfunded, and struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable children and youth. The system that once offered a safety net is now fraying, leaving young people at serious risk of falling through the cracks. That’s where The Windsor Residence for Young Men comes in. WRYM supports young men aged 16 to 24 who are facing or at risk of homelessness, many of whom might otherwise rely on overburdened agencies like WECAS. Unlike emergency shelters or group homes, WRYM offers structured, supportive programming designed to build independence and stability. Residents learn essential life skills, receive personalized support, and are guided toward long-term housing and education. In short: WRYM is doing the preventative, empowering work that keeps youth off the streets and out of crisis, which is relieving pressure on systems already in distress. When public systems can’t keep up, community organizations like WRYM are not just helpful, they're essential. Learn more or support the cause at www.wrym.ca. Trivia Night Was a Blast! We’re excited to share the fantastic news that our Trivia Night raised over $17,000 in support of The Windsor Residence for Young Men! To all those who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, or helped spread the word - thank you. Your generosity and enthusiasm made the evening not only a wonderful success, but a memorable one as well. The funds raised will go directly toward supporting the young men in our care as they work toward independence, stability, and brighter futures. We’d like to extend a special thank you to our enthusiastic trivia participants who brought such great energy to the event, and to our valued community partners who played a vital role in making it all possible. We would also like to acknowledge Dave Freeman of Edward Jones, for being our Event Sponsor, and giving one heartfelt / excellent speech! Click below to view photos from the evening, we’re sure the smiles will speak for themselves!
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We Set a Housing Record for WRYM in February! We have incredible news to share: last month was a record-breaking month for WRYM in our mission to end youth homelessness! Thanks to our dedicated team and community support, we successfully helped six youth transition out of homelessness and into stable housing. Where Are They Now? - One youth was reunited with family - Five youth moved into independent living - Zero placements relied on social housing or wait-listed programs This milestone proves that with the right support, guidance, and advocacy, youth can secure safe, stable housing without waiting months, or even years for traditional housing programs. We are so proud of these young people for taking the next steps toward independence and grateful for our community of supporters who make this work possible. Every donation, volunteer hour, and word of support helps change lives. Let’s keep the momentum going! Thank you for believing in brighter futures. WRYM's First-Ever Trivia Night - Join the Fun! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and friendly competition at WRYM's FIRST-EVER Charitable Trivia Night! We're teaming up with Mack Flash Entertainment to bring you an exciting night of brain-teasing trivia - all in support of youth experiencing homelessness. Date: Friday, April 11, 2025 Location: Caboto Club Trivia by: Mack Flash Entertainment Tickets: $65 per person, OR $480 for a table of 8 (while they last!) Your ticket includes a delicious dinner, an action-packed trivia showdown, and the chance to win fantastic prizes! Be part of history and join us for WRYM's very first trivia fundraiser! Secure your spot and make your payment here. Gather your team, bring your best trivia game, and help us make a difference - one question at a time! Don't Miss the Next Chapter: "Interviews with a Resident" Our "Interviews with a Resident" series is back with its second installment! Get an inside look at the real experiences of youth overcoming homelessness, as they share their challenges, triumphs, and hopes for the future. These powerful stories highlight the resilience of the young people we support, and the impact that your generosity makes every day. Click the link below to read the latest interview. Thank you for being part of the journey. Your support changes lives! Rough Night Out: A Huge Success! We are thrilled to share that our Rough Night Out fundraiser in February was a huge success! Thanks to our partnership with the Community and Justice Services Program, and the incredible support of our participants and donors, we raised over $7,000 to help youth experiencing homelessness build new lives. This powerful event brought our community together to raise awareness and funds, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. We are also honored to have the Windsor Star cover the event, helping to shine a light on the challenges faced by youth in our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who braved the cold, donated, and supported this initiative. Your compassion and generosity are changing lives! Check out the coverage from Windsor Star by clicking on the link below. Join Us for WRYM's "Rough Night Out" 2025! We're thrilled to announce that WRYM's annual "Rough Night Out" is back for 2025 and will be hosed at St. Clair College! This powerful event raises awareness and funds to support youth facing homelessness in our community. By spending just one night outside, you'll experience a glimpse of what many young people endure daily, while making a tangible difference in their lives. Your participation helps WRYM provide essential services, shelter, and hope to those who need it most. Date: February 7th from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Location: St. Clair College | Windsor, ON Sign Up Here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-windsor-residence-for-young-men/p2p/rno2025/ Join us and be part of a community committed to change. Sign up today and help us make a lasting impact! WRYM'S 2024 Program Success: A Year of Impact! This past year has been one of growth, resilience, and meaningful change, thanks to the hard work of our team, the dedication of our volunteers, and the unwavering support from our community. Here's a snapshot of our 2024 success: Success Rate: Our program boasted an impressive success rate of 91%, helping 27 young men transition from crisis to stability. Individuals Served: 96 youth were supported between our Outreach, Aftercare, and Transitional Housing programs. Education and Employment: 90% of the youth in Transitional Housing continued or graduated secondary school, and 45% of the residents acquired or continued employment! These statistics reflect more than just data and percentages - they represent real lives changed and futures made brighter. We couldn't have done it without the collective effort of everyone involved. Want to dive deeper into our 2024 success? Click the link below to read our full program statistics and see the impact you've helped create. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of young men in our community. Let's continue this incredible work in 2025! We Did It! Thank You for Helping Us Exceed Our Goal! Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we raised an astonishing $81,560 during our Season of Giving! Not only did we meet our initial goal, but your support also allowed us to surpass the matching challenge - and then some! This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the kindness and dedication of every single donor, partner, and advocate who rallied behind our mission. Your contributions are more than just numbers; they are a testament to the power of community and the profound impact we can make together. Every dollar is invested in ending homelessness for youth in Windsor-Essex. We can't thank you enough for your trust, enthusiasm, and belief in our cause. This success belongs to all of us, and we're excited to show you the difference your generosity will make in the months ahead. From all of us at WRYM, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let's keep this momentum going as we work together to create a brighter tomorrow. P.S. - Stay tuned for updates on how your donations are making a real difference - we can't wait to share the stories with you! Starting Soon! Double Your Impact for Young Men Facing Homelessness! From December 3rd to December 31st, 2024, your donation to The Windsor Residence for Young Men will go twice as far! Thanks to the generosity of Capital Power ($10,000), the Basilian Fathers of Sandwich Ontario ($15,000), and Don & Maureen Gordon ($5,000), every dollar you give will be matched up to a total of $30,000. Your support provides vital services like safe housing, mentorship, counselling, and life-skills training, helping young men in need build stable and hopeful futures. Here’s how you can make a difference: Donate online using the button below—every gift you give will be doubled! Spread the word and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join this life-changing campaign. Together, let’s make this a holiday season to remember. Your kindness has the power to transform lives. Don’t wait! Donate between December 3rd and 31st, 2024 to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT and make a brighter future possible. Support to WRYM During the Canada Post Strike As the Canada Post strike continues, we want to remind our generous donors that there are still ways to support WRYM during this critical time. While mail service has paused, the needs of our residents have not - our young men still rely on us for meals, safe shelter, and essential support. To ensure your gift makes an immediate impact: Donate online through Canada Helps Page (link below), it’s quick, easy, and effective! OR During our Season of Giving Campaign, Executive Director Jason Weinberg is personally offering to pick up cheque and cash donations from donors who prefer to give in person. Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at the Windsor Residence for Young Men, 1505 Langlois Avenue, Windsor, ON N8X 4M3 anytime! Your support is vital to helping us continue to provide food, housing, and life-changing programs for our residents. Thank you for standing with us during this time. Together, we can ensure no young man goes without the care and support they need. For questions or to arrange a donation pick-up, please contact Jason directly at [email protected]. New Article: Interview With a Resident We are so excited to bring you a new recurring article in our Netletter, entitled "Interview with a Resident", where we ask the same 6 questions to one of the guys in our Transitional Housing Program, and share with you their verbatim response. Please click the button below to see the interview with "Nick." Thank You, Home Depot, for Opening Doors to Brighter Futures! The Windsor Residence for Young Men is deeply grateful to Home Depot and their incredible Orange Door Project Campaign for supporting at-risk and homeless youth in our community. Thanks to this campaign, until December 22nd every dollar donated goes directly toward programs that help young men in Windsor find stable housing, develop life-skills, and build the confidence to live independently. Your generosity is making a lasting impact, one door at a time. Next time you visit Home Depot, consider donating to the Orange Door Project at checkout. Your support helps ensure that vulnerable youth have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Together, we can help open doors to brighter futures. If you prefer to donate online, please check the link below! Honouring Remembrance Day: A Time to Reflect and Appreciate This Remembrance Day, The Windsor Residence for Young Men takes a moment to honour and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting the values we hold dear serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and support. As an organization dedicated to helping young men rebuild their lives, we are inspired by the bravery of those who have served and continue to serve. This month, we are reminded of the importance of standing together to support each other, especially during times of hardship. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans who are part of our community. Your strength and service are an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to honour your legacy. On this Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices that have shaped our nation and recommit ourselves to supporting those who need it most. Lest we forget. See What "the guys" Have to Say About WRYM Each of the youth who come into our Transitional Housing Program are asked to complete a "Discharge Survey" when they are moving out in order to provide feedback about their experience. Below, are some direct quotes from residents who have moved out over the last year: "WRYM is the place I feel most respected. The Youth Independence Program opened my eyes to things in my life and boosted my self confidence" - 19 year-old who left to independent living "The thing I found most beneficial was employment assistance, as searching before WRYM was difficult" - 19 year-old who left to independent living "What I found most beneficial was staff support, being independent, building positive relationships and guidance from the counselor" - 20 year-old who left to University "The Youth Independence Program was good. It gave me something meaningful to do" - 21 year-old who moved into independent living Season of Giving: Double Your Impact This Holiday Season! This holiday season, you can make twice the difference for young men facing homelessness. From December 4th to December 31st, 2024, every donation to The Windsor Residence for Young Men will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $25,000, thanks to a generous pledge from Capital Power ($10,000) and the Basilian Father's of Sandwich Ontario ($15,000). Your contribution will help provide critical services like safe housing, mentorship, mental health support, and life-skills training for young men in need. With your support, we can help these young men build brighter futures. How you can help: Donate online using the button below, and your gift will be matched and/or help spread the word and encourage others to join the cause. Let’s come together to make this a Season of Giving to remember. Your generosity can change lives. Don’t miss out—donate between December 4th and 31st and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! ![]() Photo (left to right): Martin Hoftgardner - Marketing & Operations Specialist, MCCCU; Sonia Lenhardt - Manager, MCCCU; Colin Lewis - Regional Director Credit Union Services, Equitable Bank and Concentra; Ian MacIsaac, Vice President, The Windsor Residence for Young Men; Jason Weinberg - Executive Director, The Windsor Residence for Young Men; and, Robert Griffith, CEO, MCCCU We Won 1 of 10 Canada-Wide Grants from Equitable Bank and Concentra! Thanks to Motor City Community Credit Union, who championed WRYM with an application to Equitable Bank and Concentra's national "Empowering Your Community" grant stream, we are proud to announce that we have received $10,000 of funding for our Youth Independence Program! This means we can provide 6 months (or 2 semesters) worth of life-skill teaching to youth experiencing homelessness, in our nationally recognized Youth Independence Program! We cannot emphasize enough what it means to have local institutions like Motor City Community Credit Union advocate for WRYM with national partners like Equitable Bank and Concentra, and how important these lessons are to the youth we assist. Check out more information below from Biz X Magazine! |
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AuthorJason Weinberg Archives
April 2025
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