WRYM's October 2021 Netletter

Time is not the Essence
There comes a moment in time when a situation gets tense, and we each think "I need a break." All of us can conceptualize the need to escape from a stressful situation. BUT, what happens when there is nowhere for a young person to go? What if the only place they know is where the tension exists? How long before things become unmanageable?

For Steven, tensions in the household were rising and he had no friends or family in the city where he could go to get some support or reprieve. Despite the caring and loving parents in his life, there were escalating disagreements about his future. Steven wanted to work, and his parents wanted him to continue college. A simple disagreement, but one both parties felt passionately about. After an argument escalated into an unhealthy situation, Steven did not feel safe continuing to live at home and he came to WRYM for help. Very quickly, our staff were able to support Steven emotionally and provide him with the reprieve he needed regarding the disagreements at home. Steven's parents spoke with staff about their desire to end the disagreements and have Steven return home as soon as possible. Staff assured Steven's parents that WRYM would counsel him to return home when he felt it was safe to do so, and that a break from the home may be all that is required for emotions to settle.

In less than 24 hours, WRYM staff were proven correct when Steven's parents picked him up to return home.

The entire family appeared relieved about this decision. Had WRYM not been there to provide the reprieve Steven and his family needed, where would he have gone? Would he ever have made it home again when he decided he could not take it anymore?

Due to one short day at WRYM, we will never need to know what could have happened. What we do know, is that Steven is home and safe now. And Our Supporters helped make this possible!

Without you, we could not have made this happen for Steven. Thank you for being a supporter of WRYM. Please consider becoming a monthly investor by signing up for automatic donations each month, as found on our Canada Helps page! 

The Windsor Residence for Young Men needs long-term partners to help youth who are experiencing homelessness. On average it takes almost $400,000 per year to make sure that youth in Windsor-Essex receive the housing, supervision, food, clothing, case management, support, compassion, life-skills and the aftercare they require to end homelessness once and for all - even during this challenging COVID 19 era, when youth have less options than ever before. Remember, youth are not “discharged” from functional families, through our Aftercare services concern, care and advice continues to be provided and expands as WRYM’s “family” grows.
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​How much is a young person's life worth?
What WRYM does now will also significantly benefit our community now and in the future, with the productive citizens “our guys” become. Please consider being a long term partner and sign up to make monthly investments in  our community through our automated system in order to help a youth in Windsor find a place to call home again.
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Thank You Landscape Ontario, Windsor Chapter!

The Board of Landscape Ontario, Windsor Chapter, held a golf fundraiser for their members with all entry fees and donations directed to the Windsor Residence for Young Men. We would like to express our appreciation to them and their tournament sponsor, Landscape Effects, for making this significant donation possible.
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Thanking Jason Weinberg

​​Finally, I would like to thank Jason Weinberg, our new Executive Director, for providing you with the stories about “our guys” as well as making them possible.
If you would like Jason to speak to a small group by attending in person or by Zoom, it can be arranged. There are many more stories, program details, data and statistics at his fingertips. 

​For instance, did you know that our Youth Independence Program, which he devised, is now being adopted by other agencies across Ontario?

​Stay safe and please share this with your friends.

​Greg

Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.), Editor ​