Mural ‘Two Feet Firmly Planted’ represents strength and accomplishment
Art Brightens Living at The Windsor Residence for Young Men
In a small, emotional ceremony on Thursday morning, staff and residents of The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) joined with artists of the community arts group Art Attack Windsor to unveil an inspiring set of original murals.
“These murals illustrate exactly the generosity and community spirit that makes the work of WRYM both possible and successful,” said Greg Goulin, Executive Director of WRYM. “I want to thank the artist, David Creed, for his fine inspiration, and Jill Thompson. Founder of Art Attack Windsor, for showing us the added value that art brings to our work and our community.”
WRYM’s mission is to help young men 16-20 years of age to overcome homelessness and build new, productive lives. The residence receives minimal government funding, but physical “sweat equity”, donated materials and funding from local businesses and citizens have turned this former church manse in central Windsor into a residence complete with a counseling centre, computer room, classroom and recreational areas.
“We model a supportive functional family,” said Goulin. “It’s often the only family our guys have ever known.”
WRYM staff members teach basic life skills including a healthy lifestyle, budgeting, social responsibility, a work ethic and how to share in community resources. WRYM accesses health, social, psychological, educational and career support for residents, and provides emergency shelter for victims of crime or family tragedy, as well as stranded young travelers.
Art Attack Windsor was started by local art activist Jill Thompson. Over the past year, by working carefully with artists, local organizations and business owners, Art Attack Windsor has created a variety of murals that brighten the downtown and inspire the community.
“The purpose of Art Attack Windsor is to expose people from all over the city to the uplifting and positive effects of art in everyday life,” said Thompson. “We do this by enhancing ordinary spaces throughout the city with extraordinary pieces of art by local artists, promoting local skills and talent. This particular art attack is a prime example of why Art Attack Windsor was created.”
Artist David Creed spoke of being introduced to WRYM by Greg Goulin: “When the tour was done, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor because of how incredible this place is. Everything Greg spoke of mapped the vision of what the murals were going to become. I wanted the kitchen to be a bright place to build their meals. For the rest of their lives, they will remember to ‘Eat Well, Live Well’, as the smaller mural says. The larger mural ‘Two Feet Firmly Planted’ represents strength and accomplishment. At WRYM, young men start their path in life grounded, with a skill set to work from, and a chance for a smoother journey on the road ahead.”
Young men who successfully leave the streets within two years are much more likely to make a healthy transition to productive lives. Early intervention is the key. WRYM averages 54 admissions each year. Thirty-seven percent of residents return to family, 43 percent are established in appropriate independent living, 60 percent remain or return to school, and 19 percent find employment. WRYM stays in touch through an aftercare program.