Episode 22: Resource Assistance For Youth (RaY)
For over 25 years, RaY has empowered disconnected youth through supports, training, and compassion to encourage them to make the best possible choices for their lives. RaY is a nationally recognized and award-winning nonprofit organization located in Winnipeg, MB. RaY supports youth ages 0 – 29 with integrated programs and services in a nonjudgmental and inclusive space.
RaY strives to provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives. Our goal is that all youth will have the opportunity to live healthy and secure lives; they will be given the chance to develop a belief in themselves through tools, information, and programs that build personal capacity in order to be self-sufficient. They will no longer require RaY’s services.
Over the years, RaY developed new and innovative programming based on needs identified by youth. Several new housing programs, an employment and training program, social enterprises, and an Indigenous-led cultural program were all developed to respond to emerging needs of youth. To learn more about our integrated program delivery model, click here.
Guests
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Kelly Holmes, Executive Director
Over the past 30 years, Kelly has devoted her life to working with at risk youth here in Winnipeg, including stints at West Central Community Program, Children’s Home, Northwest Child and Family Services, and Macdonald Youth Service. In 2002, she took on a full time position at the Winnipeg offices of Operation Go Home
(OGH), a national body working to repatriate runaways with their families. In 2004, OGH merged with another like-minded agency called Powerhouse and Resource Assistance for Youth was formed under Kelly's leadership. -
Kate Armstrong, Communications Manager
Kate is passionate about the nonprofit sector and helping charities overcome challenges endemic to the sector. She is currently pursuing her Master's of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management at Carleton University in the School of Public Policy and Administration. While studying, Kate works at Resource Assistance for Youth, Inc. (RaY) providing communications and fundraising expertise for the organization. Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the I.H. Asper School of Business with a double major in Management of Organizations and Entrepreneurship. She is an effective communicator, strategist, and event-planner, and has enjoyed building her career in the not-for-profit sector.