North Carolina School Psychology Association Supports Local Youth

North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) hosted their Fall State Conference in Asheville, NC on Sunday, October 5, 2014 - Tuesday, October 7, 2014. The conference theme was “Advocating for the Needs of All Students.” There are a total of 360 school psychologist members in the Association, and the conference is a great opportunity for those professionals to gain knowledge and support in their field. Each year the conference selects a charity to support in the region dedicated to serving kids. This year’s selected charity was Western Youth Network (WYN).

The funds to support WYN were made possible through a raffle organized by the members for the Conference’s Presidential Reception. Jim Deni, a former WYN Board Member and long-time community advocate and Psychology Professor at Appalachian State University, helped to organize the event. Jim has been involved with NCSPA since its founding in 1976. "NCSPA and its membership donates money," said Deni, “to schools and organizations that are consistent with its mission of advocating and helping all children.”

“WYN is extremely grateful for NCSPA’s gift which will be used to purchase web-based software that will track and measure program outcomes,” said Jennifer Warren, WYN’s Executive Director. “WYN is committed to evaluating the effectiveness of its programs, so that the organization can continue to improve and grow, and so that our supporters feel confident that we are making a positive impact in our community.”

WYN Holiday Cards are Here!

What better way to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year than with the artwork of a WYN kid! 

All images on the front of the cards are the artwork of students who participate in Western Youth Network’s After School Program. The cards were created with materials from Brushes for Vincent -- "keeping the arts alive" (brushesforvincent.org). Photography of artwork is courtesy of Charlie Hill.

Each card costs $2 or you can purchase a pack of five cards for $8 or 10 cards for $15 (costs do not include shipping). All proceeds will benefit WYN's programs to provide youth with tools to succeed.

You can also send a gift to a friend or loved one by making a donation to WYN in that person's honor, and we will send one of the unique holiday cards to the recipient, highlighting that the gift is from you and in their honor. 

The most meaningful gift we can give this holiday season is a better future for our youth.

To purchase cards or to make a gift in someone's honor, please contact Faith Motter at motterf@westernyouthnetwork.org or call 828.264.5174.

Giving Tuesday: spending with a purpose

Just as Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days dedicated towards holiday shopping -- Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated towards charitable giving.

Tuesday, December 2nd is a global day of giving that inspires community members to take action and support their local charities. Giving Tuesday reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday season is making the world a better place for all.

Western Youth Network would like to encourage you on December 2nd to consider making a financial gift to support our very important programs for youth in the High Country. 

You can make a donation and/or send a gift to a friend or loved one by making a donation to WYN in that person's honor. We will send a unique holiday card crafted by a WYN kid to the recipient, highlighting that the gift is from you and in their honor. 

The most meaningful gift we can give is a better future for our youth.

DONATE 

Watauga County - we need your input!

Appalachian District Health Department and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System are working together, along with High Country Vision Council partners, to conduct a community health assessment. They also offer you a chance to enter your name into a drawing to win $100!

The survey is anonymous, and will allow you the opportunity to tell what you believe is most important. Your input, along with others in the county, will be combined and reported spring 2015.

See the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WataugaCHA

Please, take a few minutes to complete the survey and send to everyone you know who is a full or part-time resident in Watauga County.

Enter the drawing and you may be the lucky winner of $100!

Please share this survey with employees, family members, or connections you have in your circles.

Also, if you are a professional working at a business or community agency and would like paper copies of the survey, please email your request to Jennifer Bryan Greene at jen.bryan@apphealth.com 

Thank you!

WYN'r Winner Pasta Dinner

On Saturday, November 15th from 4:30pm to 7:00pm a small group of fundraisers from Appalachian State University will be hosting an event at Western Youth Network. This event is called WYN'r Winner Pasta Dinner, and will feature the High Country's Slowest Bike Race! 

As guests dine on pasta, they will have the privilege of spectating cyclists competing for "last" place. This is guaranteed to be a fun and exciting event! 

$10 Tickets for the meal can be purchased at ReGear Outdoor Consignment (967 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608) or at the event itself. For those wanting to race, there is a $5 registration fee and waiver. 

Please bring a helmet and only two wheels on your steed. 

WYN is located at 155 WYN Way in Boone. For directions, please visit our website at http://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/wordpress/contact-us

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1677514962474162/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

We look forward to seeing you there!

Project Alcopop Sticker Shock

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2014

                                                        Contact: Hollie Storie Wilcox

828-264-5174

                                           storieh@westernyouthnetwork.org

PENNYWISE FOOD MARKET PROMOTES OUTLET RESPONSIBILITY

            BOONE, NC – Local youth visited Penny Wise Market to implement Project Alcopop Sticker Shock on September 30 to remind adults to not purchase alcohol products for youth.

            Agents of Change from Watauga High School and Appalachian State University placed stickers on Flavored Alcoholic Beverages called “alcopops” that research shows are popular with youth due to their sweet and fruity flavors and bright, youthful packaging.

            The stickers remind buyers of North Carolina state law that prohibits purchasing, providing or selling alcohol to persons under age 21, and helps clerks identify alcohol products that often get confused with non-alcohol beverages.  Youth thanked Penny Wise owner Ray Khan for his support to prevent underage drinking. 

            Youth leaders are committed to Project Alcopop Sticker Shock because they see the importance of preventing underage drinking.  Research shows that youth who drink alcohol before age 21 are more likely to become alcohol dependent or abusers in their lifetime than those who wait until they are 21.

Flavored Alcoholic Beverages, otherwise known alcopops, typically come in 24-ounce cans and are being targeted by this effort because they are particularly attractive to young people due to taste and price, appealing youth oriented marketing, and how easy they are to confuse with sodas, juices and energy drinks.  

This effort is a part of a statewide initiative to ensure clerks and consumers know how dangerous these products are to public health.  These youth are encouraging the public to abide by state laws to prevent underage drinking and create a safer community.

​

(left to right) Lillie Smith (WHS), Heather McCurry (ASU), Ray Khan (Penny Wise owner), Caleb Vance (WHS), Amber Perry (WHS)

Donor Appreciation Event

Our supporters are the heart of our organization - without you, we would not exist. This is why we would like to cordially invite you to attend our Donor Appreciation event on Tuesday, September 30th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Canyons Historic Restaurant in Blowing Rock. Enjoy drinks and food, along with a short program. 

This is a time to celebrate YOU and your commitment to changing the lives of youth in our community!

Canyons is located at 8960 Valley Blvd (US Highway 321) in Blowing Rock. Please RSVP no later than Friday, September 26th to Faith at motterf@westernyouthnetwork.org or 828.264.5174.

We look forward to seeing you at this special event!