Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY)
125 Sherbrook Street R3C2B5 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

For our first #TeamTuesday of the new year, meet Sean! His roles at RaY include housing support worker and cultural support worker. Sean joined RaY to make an impact in his community, saying "what better way than to serve the community?" Sean's favourite part about working at RaY is connecting with youth and learning from them.

Congratulations to our buddy Jamil Mahmood for being named the new Executive Director of Main Street Project Inc.! Can't wait to work with you in supporting our relatives on the streets.

We're ringing in the new year in style! Visit the outdoor drop-in 1:00 - 3:00 pm for a French Toast lunch. Also remember, we are CLOSED tomorrow for the stat holiday. See you Monday!

CLOSURE NOTICE: RaY will be CLOSED for the week of November 23rd to 27th for renovations (that's next week!). We will NOT be open for drop-in or appointments during that time. In today's rapidly changing digital world, we need to ensure we have the infrastructure to provide supports digitally and keep up with the IT demands of our work. In order to do this our trusty old building needs to be brought into the 21st century, so we'll be closing to make that happen. Youth, get in touch with staff this week to talk about where you can access services next week. Questions? Email [email protected] this week and we'll be happy to answer them. . . . [Photo: the RaY building with a yellow sign over it that says "under construction, coming soon" and the dates we'll be closed.]

Thank you to the donor who sent us lunches from The Ruby West today! We are so grateful to be able to hand out good, hearty food these days. #ThankYouThursday @the.ruby.west . . . [Photo: Scott, Casey, and Marshall wearing masks in the kitchen at RaY, holding up wrapped lunches and a Ruby West box.]

This can be a stressful time of year and the pandemic is only making that worse. Check out this webinar on managing your stress during COVID-19!

Hi folks, we are CLOSED today for Remembrance Day but will be back open, continuing to provide supports within the new restrictions. Stay safe, everyone. . . . [Photo: grey concrete wall with a spray painted mask, with updates on our services. We are closed today but for the rest of the week we're doing outdoor drop-in and street outreach. Remember to social distance and wear a mask!]

Today we are thinking about how grateful we are to the many many donors who supported us this holiday season. You're not just supporting us, you're directly supporting young people who need someone to look out for them. Happy holidays, one and all!

Happy Holidays from RaY - https://mailchi.mp/f8ca9652b37d/happy-holidays-from-ray2020

How's this for a bit of Monday inspiration? With overdose deaths on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic, RaY's Street Outreach and Nurse Practitioner have been working extra hard to keep youth on the streets safe. Over the last 5 weeks, our team has distributed over 150 naloxone kits to prevent overdose deaths. At least 12 of those kits have been used successfully to save lives! How amazing is that?! Stay safe, everyone. #MondayMotivation . . . [Photo: red and black naloxone kits in a bit, with the words "12 lives saved and counting"]

It's hot dogs for lunch today, thanks to a generous donation we received this week. Come fill your bellies at RaY! . . . [Photo 1: Casey and Scott, masked and distanced, show off the hot dogs in drop-in. Photo 2: hot dogs and buns in the warming tray!]

A huge #ThankYouThursday to all who donated warm clothes and coats over the last few weeks. Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we will be taking a break from accepting donations for a bit as we have nowhere left to store things! Looking for somewhere to donate? Our friends at West End 24/7 operate a small but mighty overnight shelter for youth and are always in need of warm clothing! Donations can be dropped off at the MERC at 430 Langside, Mon - Fri 10 am - 2 pm. @westend24hour . . . [Photo: wood letter blocks that spell "thank you" and the text "Winnipeggers, your generosity is overwhelming! We received so many donations of warm clothing. Our storage is full and we will NOT be accepting new donations for a while!"]

The RaY team is walking today for United Way Winnipeg s Walk This Way event! Because you Winnipeg, RaY is able to support youth with what they need on their terms to transform their lives. #walkthisway . . . [Image of the RaY staff wearing black RaY t-shirts in front of the RaY building. Its a gif so it switches back a d forth between a photo of everyone standing and smiling behind their masks and a photo of them superstar posing]

For #ThankYouThursday we want to shout out our friends at @wpgharvest for the tons of fresh vegetables theyve supplied this week (and always!). Petes making teriyaki stir fry for lunch. Thanks, Winnipeg Harvest! . . . [A photo of the grill in the kitchen at RaY, looking down from above. Pete is grilling lots of fresh green things on the grill. There is a photo of him on the wall so he can look at himself while he cooks.]

We are looking for donations! We are in need of deodorant, razors, travel-size shampoo and conditioner, mens boxer briefs sizes S, M, L, and sleeping bags. Donations can be dropped off Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm at 125 Sherbrook St. Check out our stories for more info! . .... . [Image of the words "Its call-out time!] on a black background] See more

These fabulous graphics were shared by the lovely folks at the WRHA and the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network. Looking for free condoms? Weve got lots at RaY, but you can also check out getsomecondoms.com for more great resources. . . . [Image 1 shows a cartoon beaver holding a red umbrella and reads "Protect your beaver. Be wise! Know your body." Image 2 shows a cartoon moose wearing yellow boots and says "Wear your rubbers. To show respect is to share and give of yourself."... The third image is a white speech bubble on an orange background that says "Get Some Condoms .com"] See more

Content Warning: this post mentions suicide. If you are in crisis, you can call Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7) Toll free at 1-877-435-7170, the Klinic Crisis Line (24/7) at (204)786-8686, or visit www.reasontolive.ca . . . .... . Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. At RaY, we remember the young people weve lost over the years to suicide. This is why its critical to support community-based mental health resources like those offered by our amazing team at RaY. Who are you remembering today? #SuicideAwareness [Graphic of an orange and yellow ribbon folded and crossed on a white background.] See more

A big, grateful #ThankYouThursday shout-out to @myassiniboine for a generous donation of hand sanitizer! ACU CEO Kevin Sitka dropped by this week to drop off the donation and hear a bit about how RaY has been supporting youth through the pandemic and beyond. . . . [Kevin, Kate, and Kalyn show off bottles of hand sanitizer in front of the RaY building. They are wearing non-medical masks but you can still tell theyre smiling.]

While were busy raking leaves, youth are starting to ask "where will I sleep this winter?" Read this story and more in our Fall newsletter, out today: https://buff.ly/2Fa0x10 . . . [Photo of two young people at RaY with their arms around each other. The one on the right is giving a thumbs up. The text reads "Fall means... its time to start thinking about where Ill be sleeping this winter."]

Shout out to Futures Forward for presenting to our Level Up! Employment & Training class today! Choosing how and when to disclose mental health in the workplace is a great Life Skill. Great learning opportunity!

For todays #TeamTuesday, meet our Kitchen Coordinator, Pete! "I wanted to work at RaY because I grew up on the streets," Pete says. "I experienced what the kids have experienced. I wanted to give back because Ive been blessed." Petes favourite part of working at RaY is knowing that the youth who come here hungry leave with a full stomach. Lunch today is Petes specialty baked spaghetti. Come down 1 - 3 pm and fill up! . . . [Photo of Pete in the kitchen at RaY. Hes wearing a black RaY t-shirt under his black chefs apron, with a black chefs cap and a blue non-medical mask. Pete has lots of cool tattoos on his arms.]

Sorry little buddy, were closed today! Well be back open tomorrow for appointments and bagged lunches. See you at RaY! . . . [Photo of an orange cat peering in the window of the front door at RaY.]

Hey all, please know that well be closed this Monday, September 7 for Labour Day. Well be back open for appointments and bagged lunches on Tuesday. Stay safe and wash your hands! . . . [Photo of a shop sign in a window that says Sorry were closed but still awesome]

RaYs Level Up! employment program helps young people succeed with the help of amazing employer partners like Foodfare. Are you interested in hiring hard working young people? Get in touch at [email protected]!

A young person in our Level Up! program took some time to give our sign a fresh coat of paint last week. Were open this week by appointment and 1:00 - 3:00 pm for drop-in bagged lunches. Stop by and admire this guys handiwork!

This week, for #TeamTuesday, we are welcoming a new team member! Kayla will be working in our Growing Opportunities department helping with ID applications, resume development, odd jobs scheduling, and everything employment and training related. They said, "I am excited to get my hands dirty. Im looking forward to getting into the good stuff, talking to people, making connections." Welcome, Kayla!

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Many young people have been lost to substance poisoning over the years and part of prevention is talking about how to be safe. Dont use alone! Know the warning signs of overdose! Get help! Stay safe everyone #OverdoseAwarenessDay #OverdoseAwarenessManitoba #EndOverdose

Our assistant medical advisor wants you to be safe! As of today, Monday, August 31, we are moving back to appointment-only services inside the building. We are still handing out bagged lunches at the front door during drop-in hours, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Reminder that we are now requiring masks in the building. Stay safe everyone!

We are requiring the use of masks at RaY. Try to make sure you bring your own, but if you dont have one, we can provide them. Stay safe everyone!

RaY is hiring a Director of Housing to join our leadership team. As Director of Housing, youll lead our award-winning housing department and oversee the delivery of housing programs that make a difference in the lives of youth. Check it out, here: https://rayinc.ca/employment-opportunities/

This certainly made us smile! Thank you to Tracey for the shout-out on @ctvwinnipeg this morning! Were working hard to support youth during the weird and difficult times and we couldnt do it without our supporters.

Call-out time! We are looking for new packs of adult underwear for our basic needs program. Weve had lots of requests lately and are running low. So next time youre out shopping, consider picking up an extra pack (or two!) for the young people at RaY. Donations can be dropped off at 125 Sherbrook St Mon - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm. Questions? Email [email protected]!

Not sure if you qualify for CERB? Heres a handy flow chart. NOTE: If you do NOT qualify for CERB and received it anyways, you may have to pay it back! For more information call 1-833-966-2099.

We are extending services a bit more this week, with social distancing measures in place. Questions? Call us at 204-783-5617 ext 206

We condemn all forms of racism. We support this critical movement, led for and by black folks, to challenge racist systems and dismantle colonialism. Listen to black voices. Uphold justice for black lives. Create accountability. Black Lives Matter. BLACK LIVES MATTER.

Can you help? At RaY, we are proudly to support and be involved in the Eagle Wolf Sundance, an important traditional Indigenous ceremony. Participating in ceremony and learning about culture is an important part in helping youth build identity and belonging. Indigenous ceremonies were illegal for many years, banned by the government and carried on in secret. That is why it is so important that these ceremonies continue to be held.... This year, the Sundance and the way its run will be greatly impacted by COVID-19 as the dancers work to maintain social distancing and other safety measures. We are looking for support to ensure this important ceremony can take place: 1) We are looking for donations of picnic tables for the Sundance grounds, and 2) We are also looking for monetary donations to support the Sundance. If you can help, please get in touch at [email protected] or to donate, visit www.rayinc.ca/donate-now

With so many things starting to open in the province, we want to provide an update on whats happening at RaY this week! Weve been working hard behind the scenes to house youth and combat food insecurity, but were working to get back to a "new normal." Well be posting weekly updates as we expand services. Stay tuned for more. Cant wait to see you at RaY!

We are excited to be opening the doors of our social enterprise retail store, RaY Level UP Gift & Thrift today! Weve got safety measures in place but are looking forward to seeing you at 415 Graham Ave. Stay safe everyone!

The folks at Hockey Helps the Homeless are selling these very cool t-shirts to support charities across Canada who are fighting homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Havent gotten yours yet? The order deadline is extended until this Sunday. Check it out and #StayThePuckHome!

Shout out to the folks at United Way Winnipeg for arranging this donation of hand sanitizer from Patent 5 Distillery! Stay safe everyone

Every year, we participate in the West Broadway Spring Clean-up and this year is no different! I n order to maintain social distancing, it will happen over the course of a few days. Check out the event for details! #WestBroadwayBeautiful

In recent weeks weve received over 200 kgs of food from @foodrescueca who are working with companies to prevent food waste during the pandemic. Thank you to FoodRescue.ca for helping us feed youth and prevent food waste!! #ThankYouThursday @ Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY)

Today is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit folks in Canada. We stand in solidarity with the families and communities of those who are impacted. So much has changed with the arrival of COVID-19 in Canada but we cannot forget that the issues impacting our communities continue.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global initiative to help charities raise funds at a time when vulnerable communities need support more than ever. Its an opportunity (or an excuse!) to support causes that are near and dear to your heart. Maybe that cause is housing or mental health or street outreach. Or maybe its basic needs, culture, or employment supports. RaY does all of these things and more in order to provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives. We hope youll walk with us and make a gift today. Donate securely online at www.rayinc.ca/donate-now

The government of Manitoba has announced that some businesses will be allowed to open starting today, Monday, May 4. This is an easing of restrictions, NOT a return to normal. We must continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In order to maintain social distancing and other protective measures, RaY is continuing to provide supports in the same way that we have been in recent weeks. This means: ... Drop-in remains closed Staff continue to support youth online and by phone The Street Outreach team continues to be out on the streets Youth in RaYs housing programs are encouraged to stay in touch with their housing workers Mental health and addictions supports continue to be available by phone appointment We are working hard behind the scenes to set-up new transitional housing units and to support youth. If you have questions, get in touch at 204-783-5617 ext 206.

Announcement re: services next week Weve been getting lots of questions about whether our services will go back to normal beginning May 4.... The government of Manitoba has announced that some businesses will be allowed to open starting Monday, May 4. This is an easing of restrictions, NOT a return to normal. We must continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.... In order to maintain social distancing and other protective measures, RaY will continue to provide supports in the same way that we have been in recent weeks. This means: - Drop-in will remain closed - Staff will continue to support youth online and by phone - The Street Outreach team will continue to be out on the streets - Youth in RaYs housing programs are encouraged to stay in touch with their housing workers - Mental health and addictions supports will continue to be available by phone appointment We are working hard behind the scenes to set-up new transitional housing units and to support youth. If you have questions, get in touch at 204-783-5617 ext 206.

Also coordinated by United Way Winnipeg is help with moving services by the Winnipeg team of AMJ Campbell! Theyve been helping out at the storage unit and helping move donations. Thank you for your support! #ThankYouThursday

Thank you to ACCESS STORAGE for generously donating a storage unit for our use during the pandemic! This storage unit is helping us manage the supplies and furniture for our new transitional housing units. This donation was coordinated by our friends at United Way Winnipeg! #ThankYouThursday