"Jimmy," a redheaded twelve-year-old with limitless energy, runs through the parking lot and bounds into the gym shouting "Angie, I'm here! Have you missed me? You haven't seen me in two days!" With a smile that no one could resist he goes about the activities of the day — playing basketball and talking a big game, doing homework, and participating in an art activity. "Jimmy" loves to tell tall tales and often lives in a fantasy world because his reality is too painful. Although he struggles both academically and socially in school and feels like an outcast at home, when he is at WYN, he's happy. He's somebody. He belongs. When he recently walked out onto the court during a WYN-sponsored half-time free throw contest at Appalachian State University men's basketball game, he beamed nervously as he made two shots. He was proud because he knew WYN was proud.

WYN Mentoring

At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it lets a young person know that they have someone who cares about them - another caring adult in their life who will listen to their dreams and help them achieve those dreams.

Think back. Did you know how to study for a test or make plans for college? Do you remember wanting your first car or looking for a part-time job? Simple things that seem easy or straightforward to you now may appear to be a complete mystery to a young person.

Mentors provide their mentees with an experienced friend who is always ready to help in any number of different situations. (www.mentoring.org)