Special January 2020 Netletter - Urgent Funding Appeal

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.

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​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.

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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

​"It's the kick in the ass I needed."
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"No matter what, WRYM always had my back and helped me when I needed it."

"I found support, connections, help with stabilizing, and a new home. I can live a structured life and stick with a routine"

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​"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."
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"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),

Please click here to help WRYM's January 2020 Urgent Funding Appeal!