I have been privileged to be a part of this organization for the past 18 years. This is a place that gives people a voice. Western Youth Network becomes a home and safe place for students who may have previously felt unnoticed or unserved. I am grateful to Western Youth Network for the support and care it provides to students of all backgrounds.
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I first found WYN in the summer of 2004. I was working with a student who needed extra support and she had been referred to WYN summer camp. I was able to join her for her camp experience and I was amazed by the compassion and style in which students were treated at WYN. I loved the way students were held accountable in a loving manner that was respectful and thoughtful. I worked to find a way to work for WYN and after that summer I have had a position at WYN in the mentoring program ever since.
WYN staff members at all levels are totally dedicated to helping those kids who most need extra help to succeed. Their commitment to and passion for kids is unparalleled. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing organization serving our community!
WYN is focused on relationships--with donors, staff, Board members, and most importantly, children. They make a huge difference in our community, and they are making the High Country better and better with each generation.
This organization is an outstanding example of community and individual practice. They focus not only on the effects of trauma on an individual but also on how trauma can be exacerbated by community systems. Through their work, WYN seeks to build a stronger more resilient community by focusing on individual needs and community change. I am a strong proponent of the need for change on multiple levels and plan to continue partnering with WYN in order to see this through.
My involvement with WYN started in 2015 when I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the WYN familiy. Family is the best way to describe this organization! I've never encountered another place that is so open-minded, supportive and has the passion to accomplish the vision it lays out. WYN builds strong relationships with the communities it serves and operates as a safe place for all . I'm constantly amazed by how much this organization does each day to met the needs of others, it is extremely humbling.
When I moved to the High Country 10 years ago I kept hearing about the Western Youth Network. At first I thought they were solely a successful youth mentoring program, which I later found was how they started. As I learned more, I discovered they were not only making positive connections for kids through meaningful one-on-one relationships, but also through their impactful Community Health initiatives tailored specifically for each locale. Along with that, they have student-centered active After School & Summer Programming. All of WYN's work comes together to support our kids, making the High Country an even better place to be!
Western Youth Network's dedicated staff work hard to positively impact the lives of youth and families in the High Country community in western North Carolina! Through evidence-based programming in mentoring, after-school, summer camp, and community health, WYN collaborates with partners locally, statewide, and nationally to develop initiatives that span from direct service to advocacy and policy. Western Youth Network, 35 years strong!
I have actively served with the mentoring director of WYN for the past four years. I have learned about and supported WYN mentoring activities that have a profound impact on Watauga and surrounding counties. The strong stewardship is a shining example to other nonprofits as are the innovative programs, the deep connections informing community members while developing youths' full potential.