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Can You See My Light?   

by Jennifer Warren

"Can you see my light?"

This was the sweetest question that one of our employee’s moms asked her daughter after the hurricane. Our employee lost her home in the flood and was temporarily living just up the mountain from where she grew up (and where her mom still lives). Her mom turned on her porch light one night and asked her daughter over the phone if she could see the light. She couldn’t, but it was the question that mattered. The question was a ray of love and care beaming out across the hills. 

This story made me think of the times that I've turned on a porch light for someone who will be coming home after dark and also the times I've been welcomed home to it myself. I always think, "someone remembered me" when I see it.

I also think of Halloween and how a porch light conveys that trick-or-treaters are expected and welcome.

I think of what light in darkness means to us in general--the safety and hope it provides, particularly this time of year when there's an increasing amount of darkness outside. 

Unfortunately I also think of the children at WYN who are not welcomed home to light or warmth, hope or safety. 

In the two months since Hurricane Helene hit, we have been noticing both the darkness and the light; all of the things we lost--houses, roads, loved ones, pets, gathering places--as well as all of the kindness and generosity we have received. It has been dark, both figurately and literally, but your gifts of support have been the porch light for us. You have let us know we were not forgotten and that we are important to you. That's a special gift, to be sure. 

Your continued support of WYN is so important. Here are 4 easy ways to offer that support over the coming weeks: 

Safe at Last 

As soon as the roads were clear enough after the hurricane, one of our Avery County mentoring matches was finally able to see each other and share a meal together.

The mentee had experienced the loss of a great uncle in the storm and had endured damage to her home. It had been an incredibly stressful time, making this time with her mentor all the more important. 

On this outing, the mentee fell asleep in the car on the way to eat lunch with her mentor. The mentor said that it was probably the first time in a couple of weeks that the mentee was able to completely relax and feel safe and comfortable enough to truly rest. 

The pair enjoyed a great lunch together that day and even got to visit with some horses, which was a treat since horses are the young girl's favorite animal!

Fall Fun 

In spite of these crazy times, WYN was able to offer festive fall fun for our children! From corn mazes and haunted tunnels to Halloween parties and thankful feasts, the past few weeks have been a welcome dose of normalcy! 

WYN Staffer on State Advisory Committee  

We are very excited to announce that one of WYN's Community Health Coordinators, Brittany Duncan has been asked by Governor-elect Josh Stein to serve on a state advisory committee focused on rebuilding Western North Carolina after the hurricane. 

Brittany is joined by a host of wonderful community leaders, who are all listed in this High Country Press article. 

Brittany was selected, in part, because of her role in leading Lansing's (Ashe County) recovery efforts after the storm. She is also a gifted community organizer and is well-known and respected in the High Country. 

A Win-WYN Scenario

If you are 70.5 years old and would like to donate your required minimum distribution from your IRA to WYN, not only will our children benefit, but so will you.

You can donate up to $100,000 tax-free each year to non-profit agencies such as WYN. Check out this article for more information or reply to this newsletter and let Jennifer Warren know if you are interested or have any questions. 

You may also make a one-time or recurring donation to WYN by clicking this donate button.

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