We will be leaders in creating a society in which every child, regardless of their circumstance, thrives

Our Vision

WYN will work to eliminate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their consequences in the High Country of North Carolina by targeting the root causes of trauma and paving the way for collaborative community action to heal children who have experienced trauma. We will pursue our vision in three phases.

Service Expansion

Goal 1

Employ On-Site Mental Health Counselor. Nearly 100% of the children WYN serves have experienced childhood trauma. Nearly half (47%) struggle with mental health issues including depression and suicidal ideation. In an era of endemic school violence, the mental and emotional well-being of our children has never been more important. If we are to help our youth fully process and heal from their trauma, we must offer them professional counseling support while at WYN’s after school and summer camp facility.

Goal 2

Expand After School Services to Elementary Youth. While WYN’s after school program currently serves vulnerable middle school youth, research shows that early intervention is crucial for breaking the cycle of trauma and poverty. Therefore, WYN must expand after school programing to serve Kindergarten through 5th grade students in Watauga County.

Expand After School to Serve More Middle School Youth. Due to transportation limitations, WYN’s current capacity for middle school after school is approximately 35 youth. An average of one dozen students are on our waiting list at any given time. As WYN offers the only after school program for middle school youth in Watauga County, we must grow to provide a safe and enriching space for every young person who needs it.

Goal 3

ACCOMPLISHED SUMMER 2018.

Expand Services to High School Students. Middle school students experience tremendous personal and academic growth while in WYN’s after school and summer camp programs. However, when the time comes for students to transition to high school, WYN has had to let them go alone. In order to build upon their middle school progress and to ensure they stay on the path to graduation, WYN must have a programmatic presence in high school.

WYN as Youth and Community Center

Facility Expansion

WYN envisions a programmatic, and consequently structural, expansion. WYN will lead a collaborative community effort to create a space in which comprehensive academic, social, and physical and behavioral health services are made easily available to students and their families. The result will be improved outcomes for youth and, ultimately, a healthier and more prosperous High Country community.

New Facility Components:

K-5 after-school wing
Middle school after-school wing
Teen center for safe recreation during after-school, evening and weekend hours
Vocational training and mentoring center
Professional counseling center for students and their families
Alternative education for non-traditional students: ISS/OSS, teen mothers, etc.
Multipurpose rooms for parent education courses
Administrative space for WYN staff and community partners
Kitchen for nutrition education
Space for artistic and technological discovery

Service Expansion to Neighboring Counties

When we achieve a successful and sustainable model in Watauga County, WYN will replicate that model in neighboring counties, based upon their specific needs. WYN is actively seeking further partnerships and expansion opportunities in Ashe and Avery counties in particular because of the high rates of child poverty there.

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At WYN, we value what makes you unique, in fact, we celebrate it. We believe that when people feel respected, it provides space for them to thrive. Inclusion and acceptance fosters a safe environment for everyone. WYN is committed to providing a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. Together, we explore diverse perspectives to propel our initiatives forward and transform the High Country community. Everyone is welcome here, authentically and holistically.

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