WRYM's November 2018 Netletter

Excerpts from a Grandparents’ Letter​
We write “as an expression of our gratitude for taking in our grandson”. We “are truly grateful that you and your staff were able to come to his rescue and assist him in his future endeavours in becoming a worthy contribution to today’s society. We have seen a major positive difference in him and we have you to thank for that. In such a short time he has displayed to us a very positive outlook on life and we firmly believe that it has all to do with his new home at Windsor Residence For Young Men. …thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us to introduce  him to society and giving him the chance he truly deserves.”

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Percy Hatfield is the recipient of WRYM’s 2018 Community Awareness Award

WRYM President Susan Freeman (L) and Executive Director Greg Goulin (R) have presented MPP Percy Hatfield, Windsor-Tecumseh, with the WRYM Community Awareness Award. 

Our Board of Directors presented the Windsor-Tecumseh MPP with this award that recognizes individuals, corporations and groups who, by their actions, appreciate the community need for the provision of transitional housing and life skills to homeless male youth. "I am flabbergasted," said Hatfield. "I am so honoured that I have received this award. This is a big deal and I am going to proudly display it!"
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​​Thank you Colautti Brothers!

​Thank you Colautti Brothers Marble Tile & Carpet (1985) Inc. and Tom Marshall for replacing all of our high use main level flooring and carpeting our upper stairway by way of a donation.
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​Friday November 2 is Random Act of Kindness Day

The ​WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) invites you to join them in celebrating Random Act of Kindness Day by performing a simple act of kindness for someone else. Please let them know what you have planned for Random Act of Kindness Day if you do chose to participate by contacting Ajsela Murselovic, [email protected] , because they would love to hear and promote the good work that you are doing.

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Thursday, November 15th , is National Philanthropy Day
Philanthropy is “generosity and good will in action” and “the love of humankind”.  National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to both (1) put that word into action and (2) recognize the change that word has brought to our communities. (For more information, visit the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

​And Tuesday, November 27th, is Giving Tuesday – quite a month!
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An International Review

Preventing Youth Homelessness: An International Review of Evidence (link) has recently been published and among its conclusions is noted the following:
“Evidence indicates that youth-focused housing models, including Housing First for Youth and the Foyer model, show considerable promise for preventing youth homelessness. In order to implement these housing models, many communities need to increase the availability of affordable, youth-specific housing. Strengthening family, natural supports, and community connections for youth is a critical component of effective housing stabilization efforts. Interventions that include family mediation, family counselling, and family reunification report stronger outcomes. Housing-led responses are more effective when they provide supports to address youths’ wellbeing, social inclusion, connection with community and culture, and engagement with education, employment, and training.” 

This is what we do at WRYM, realizing that before any type of a Housing First program can work, a community must first have social housing available, which Windsor-Essex does not. The program of the Windsor Residence for Young Men has been recognized as a modified Foyer model.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime.

Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD
Executive Director, (pro bono)