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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! 
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A hand up – not a handout. Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD
Executive Director, (pro bono)
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