In this issue, you'll read:
Dare to Care is Launched
Celebrating 20 Years of WYN
The Next 20 Years...
Upcoming Events
Please Support the High Country United Way
Getting Involved--We Dare You, Too!

Dare to Care is Launched

WYN is proud to introduce the first edition of our e-newsletter, Dare to Care. In this monthly newsletter, we will introduce you to High Country youth and volunteers, as well as WYN board members and staff. We will highlight stories of the lives we have touched, and encourage you to visit our website to learn about how you can make a difference in the lives of High Country youth and families. We hope that you will be intrigued, informed, and inspired. We hope that you, too, will dare to care.

Celebrating 20 Years of WYN

On Saturday, August 27th, the WYN family gathered at the Jones House in downtown Boone to celebrate our 20-year history of serving High Country youth and families. Almost 300 guests were treated to lunch from Bandana's BarBQue and live music from Hope Massive.

Boone Mayor Velma Burnley joined the County Commissioners in proclaiming August. 22-28, 2005 as "WYN Week for Youth" in Watauga County. Said Burnley, “WYN has met the needs of youth with commitment and discernment and community support. This has been a labor of love for the dedicated boards of directors and executive directors."

Past and present members of the WYN staff and Board of Directors were honored for their contributions. Executive Director Wendy Tonker presented the WYN Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Jan Rienerth in appreciation of her 20 continuous years of service.

Check out the action at http://westernyouthnetwork.org/photos/20thanniversary?page=1

The Next 20 Years...

Building on two decades of success in Watauga County, WYN decided to partner with other child-serving agencies in Avery and Ashe Counties to help meet the needs of youth and families in those communities. To accurately reflect our expanded focus, we officially changed our name to the Western Youth Network.

Western Youth Network recognizes a simple truth: Growing up is hard, especially during those pivotal years from 5th through 10th grade. Our job isn't to tell kids the answers. It's to help them find their own answers. We allow them to explore who they are and who they can be. They learn what choices they'll make to get there. Our role is to dare them to discover what's possible.

WYN achieves this mission because we take time to build relationships. By meeting kids where they are, introducing them to good role models, and giving them a safe place to be and grow, WYN is successful in daring kids to discover.

WYN, in partnership with the community is helping the kids of the High Country challenge themselves, learn about others, and find their place in our community and our world.

Upcoming Events

For a listing of upcoming volunteer training sessions, fund raisers, and special events, please check out the calendar of events on our website www.westernyouthnetwork.org.

Please Support the High Country United Way

The annual High Country United Way campaign is underway and this year's goal is $395,600! Each year, WYN benefits from the contributions of High Country residents to the High Country United Way.

To learn how you can help, please contact the High Country United Way at (828) 265-2511.

Getting Involved--We Dare You, Too!