Action-Packed Summer

As fall has quickly made itself known here in the High Country, we have loved reflecting on the action-packed summer of the Western Youth Network.

Our summer programing was once again filled to capacity, both with participants and action. The long days of sunshine and near-perfect temperatures provided countless hiking adventures, biking trips, service projects and recreational activities. Even though this year’s summer programming has come to a close, WYN has not slowed down a bit! The school year began, and both WYN afterschool sites have been filled everyday with laughter and learning. Our mentoring program has extended its resources to Avery County, successfully completing five mentor/mentee matches. The prevention team has continued its impactful work in a 5-county region, while expanding the range of services offered. The local and regional accolades continue to pour in for the hard work being done by our prevention team!

The development team has two new exciting missions as well! WYN is honored to announce a partnership with Sonny and Bricca Sweet, establishing the Sonny Sweet Scholarship Fund. This endowment fund will provide scholarships to High Country youth for participation in WYN programming, delivering life-altering opportunities to those in need. Additionally, Chetola Resort has graciously offered to host the inaugural Festival of Trees, December 3-6. Individuals and corporations can decorate a Christmas tree or wreath based on a theme, and these trees will be auctioned at the event. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to support Western Youth Network. Decoration is open to all participants, so please click the link below for more information if you are interested!

While we are excited about the grown at WYN, we all know that our work is not complete. Currently, there are 45 youth in Watauga and Avery Counties on our mentor waitlist. Our afterschool programming department is now picking up youth from all eight elementary schools in Watauga County, leading to an increased demand for tutoring and continuing education. The education services of our prevention team are providing a higher success rate with local data showing a decline in underage drinking and prescription drug abuse; however, the battle is ever-continuing, growing, and requiring constant updated practices on substance abuse.

People ask everyday how they can help, and my response is always the same: GET INVOLVED! Help spread our message, donate, volunteer, be a mentor… The possibilities and opportunities are almost endless! Are you gifted administratively? We have work for you. Do you enjoy cleaning and organizing? We have work for you. Do you love kids? We have multiple connecting points for you. Think your financial gift is too small to matter? Let us show you the difference even ten dollars can make.

WYN is about investment. WYN is building youth of character and confidence in the High Country, and we need you in order to continue making this happen. 

 http://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/wordpress/festival-of-trees

http://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/wordpress/sonny-sweet-scholarship-fund