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Happy Holidays from Watauga Youth Network! How Can You Help WYN Continue Great Work in High Country?

Nov. 27, 2012. “Having a mentor made me feel good because I could finally tell someone my feelings.”

Dear Friends of Watauga Youth Network,

Above are the words of an eighth grader in our mentoring program. “Crystal” came to Western Youth Network (WYN) with thoughts of suicide. She had little support at home and struggled in school. With the help of WYN, Crystal was connected to a counselor and matched with a WYN mentor who helped her with homework and provided her with the social and emotional support that she needed to grow. Today Crystal is thriving and dreams of one day becoming an actress.

WYN invests in the lives of our children to build a better future and a stronger community for the High Country. We truly are “Raising a Community” by providing unique, quality programming and individualized support to over 400 youth that walk through our doors each year. The unfortunate reality is that current staff and resources do not meet the demand for our services. For three years, our after school program has maintained a waiting list, and at this very moment there are over 30 youth waiting to be matched with a mentor. As the only organization in the High Country providing after school and community-based one-on-one volunteer mentoring support to youth, it is vital that we continue to meet the growing needs in our community.

This is where you come in. As you know, the need is still great. Our hope is that for 2012 you will consider making a donation to help Crystal and many others like her. Here are just a few examples of the impact your contribution can make:

$1,500 will provide one month of transportation for all of our youth
$400 will provide summer camp for one child
$250 will provide three months of mentoring for one child
$100 will provide one month of after school for one child

Please take a moment to write a check to “Western Youth Network” and mail to: 155 WYN Way, Boone, NC 28607 or donate online at www.westernyouthnetwork.org. To make a gift by phone or to receive more information, please call Faith Motter at 828-264-5174.

Again, thank you for your support. Without you, WYN would not exist. With your help we can continue to serve more youth like Crystal, and create a stronger community for the future.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Grubb
Executive Director

WYN’s IMPACT

  • 87 percent of youth in WYN’s After School remained in school and met minimum school attendance requirements.
  • 82 percent of youth improved reading and math grades
  • 92 percent improved behavior in school.
  • 95 percent of clients’ parents reported a positive behavior change at the time of completion from WYN’s Mentoring Program.
  • 95 percent of youth had no court involvement or re-involvement while in our programs.
  • 72 percent of students in WYN’s Prevention Program increased their perception of the harms of substance use and abuse.

MALE MENTORS NEEDED!

WYN provides youth ages 6 – 17 with a trained, adult volunteer who acts as a positive role model. Potential adult mentors are carefully recruited, screened and trained. Once matched, mentors spend a minimum of two (2) hours per week for at least one year with their mentee. WYN currently needs male mentors to be matched with male youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in an individual’s life through mentoring, please contact clarkc@westernyouthnetwork.org

Western Youth Network is a relationship-focused resource for youth and families in the High Country. Through prevention and intervention programs, WYN specializes in providing youth with the tools they need to reach their potential and discover their place in our community and in our world.