A single caring adult can change the course of a child’s entire life.

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Mentoring

WYN’s mentoring program helps youth between the ages of 6 and 17 in Avery, Ashe, and Watauga Counties who need a little extra support and guidance. We do this by connecting them with a mentor who can be their role models and cheerleaders. We can all remember a person in our lives whose kindness and wisdom made us who we are today.  Consider becoming that hero for a young person in your community.

Mentoring and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Research on child development has revealed that the presence of one safe, stable, and nurturing caregiver or adult can change the trajectory of a child’s entire life. This is because a supportive relationship with a trustworthy adult can buffer children against trauma and help them develop the resilience to overcome adversity. Being a mentor through WYN’s evidence-based programs can truly brighten a child’s life!

Refer A Child Apply to Mentor Parent Student Handbook

Every School-Based Mentor must complete a background check for the school district in which they will serve. To complete your background check for Avery County Schools, please call 828.773.6006. To complete your background check for Watauga County Schools, please click here. Thank you.

Statistics
80%

of youth served by mentoring live in a kinship placement, single parent home, foster or adoptive home

100%

of our youth report that their mentor helps them feel good about themself. This is important because having an adult that makes you feel safe and confident is a leading protective factor against childhood trauma

158

youth ages 6-17 served annually in Avery and Watauga Counties

111

youth want a mentor but remain on the waiting list. The need is critically high for young men.

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

Community-Based Mentoring

Community-Based Mentors are compassionate adults who give a minimum of two hours out of their week to a local child (ages 6-17 years) for at least one calendar year. Community-Based Mentors are friends, role models and support systems for youth in this program. During their time together each week, mentoring pairs often enjoy activities such as throwing a football, taking a hike, getting ice cream, going bowling, or fishing. They spend quality time together and build a meaningful relationship in the process.

What does it take to be a Community-Based Mentor?

  • Are you looking to make a difference for a child in this community?

  • Do you live in Watauga or Avery County for the majority of the year?

  • Are you able to give at least 8 hours per month (about 2 hours per week) to a child for at least 1 calendar year? Note: It does not have to be the same day each week. Summer breaks, family vacations, work trips allowed within reason if communication is maintained with mentee.

  • Can you complete WYN’s application process which includes an online volunteer application and an in-person interview? WYN requires 4 professional or academic references who can speak to your ability to work with youth.

  • Can you pass a federal background check, including a motor vehicle record?

  • Will you be able to attend a multi-hour, evidence-based, and interactive training course about how to be an effective and trauma-informed mentor?

  • Then WYN needs YOU to help a local child today!

School-Based Mentoring

School-Based Mentors are caring adults in the community who commit one to two hours per week to visit with a child at a local elementary school. School-Based mentors show children that they matter and that their success in school is important. During their time together each week, mentors invest in their mentees’ school lives and assist with social challenges. Mentors can even be present for birthdays and field trips. Teachers report increased attendance, class engagement and positivity from students with school-based mentors.

What does it take to be a School-Based Mentor?

  • Are you looking to make a difference for a child in this community?

  • Do you live in Watauga or Avery Counties during the school calendar months of August to May?

  • Do you have 1-2 hours available during lunch 1-2 days a week? Note: Family vacations, work trips, etc. allowed within reason if communication is maintained with mentee.

  • Can you complete WYN’s application process which includes an online volunteer application and an in-person interview? WYN requires 4 professional or academic references who can speak to your ability to work with youth.

  • Can you pass a school background check?

  • Will you be able to attend a multi-hour, evidence-based, and interactive training course about how to be an effective and trauma-informed mentor?

  • Then WYN needs YOU to help a local child today!

Mentoring Success Stories

Matched for 2 years

During the pandemic, finding ways to connect has been very challenging. Many of our matches switched to a virtual connection or met outside.

One of our matches got extra creative and spent time together outside in the woods. They could safely be distance, but still spend time together. They invented a game of their own — a made-up TV show that they role-played. The name of the show is Woodland Warriors and they acted out different scenes and episodes. This was a constant source of excitement and fun for the two of them.

Together they put together 5 seasons of Woodland Warriors. They talked about important concepts like the butterfly effect, karma, how to take criticism, and how to be more open about your feelings. All of these became parts of their Woodland Warriors series. Together they were able to grow and create something even when life looked somewhat bleak.

This pair has weathered a pandemic and they are still going strong. They plan to continue their match, but at this point they will be virtual. They don’t for see any major changes in their friendship as they can still play games and talk on the phone and discuss their Woodland Warrior series.

Matched for 6 months

Somer and Sydney’s special friendship is something truly beautiful…just like the smiles they both share when they are together! Whether on the trail or enjoying their favorite restaurant, they light up the space. They simply bring out the best in each other, which is really what a true mentorship is all about.

Somer describes Sydney as kind, loving, and sweet. She also shared that hanging out with her mentor has made her realize that she herself is outgoing and helpful. Her advice to others is to “Get a good mate that can help you.” And together we will continue to make that happen for other kids.

One person can change a life. Support WYN’s life-changing mentoring program with a meaningful donation today.

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