In this issue, you'll read:
WYN Mentor Receives Award
Kidstock V is on its Way!
Benefits of Capoeira
February Mentor of the Month
Dare to Discover the Magic of WYN

WYN Mentor Receives Award

Kathy Bauer, a volunteer in WYN's mentoring program, was recently notified that she received an award from the Points of Light Foundation, a volunteer network based in Washington, DC.

Kathy has been featured in this newsletter before for her exceptional contributions to the WYN mentoring program. She has been matched with her mentee for over one year, and in that time, has made it her duty to introduce her mentee to healthy lifestyle choices and has helped her foster a positive self-concept. Kathy makes sure her mentee exercises, and has taken her to professional work places to see the many career options for women. They have even learned computer skills together.

WYN is grateful for Kathy and those just like her who strive every day to make life a little easier for those around them.

We are now seeking sponsors and volunteers for the event, as well as exhibitors and Battle of the Band competitors. If you are interested in contributing in any of the above-listed ways, please call WYN at 828-264-5174 or Parent to Parent at 828-262-6089.

Benefits of Capoeira

As those who consistently read our newsletter know, WYN has been fortunate enough to partner with Gabrielle Passajou with Capoeira Arte Antiga so that youth in our after school program can benefit from learning this blend of martial arts and dance.

Last month, one after school student in particular benefited from the Capoeira demonstrations. This student, usually awkwardly quiet and shy, normally keeps to himself during after school. After showing interest in Capoeira, the student, *Brian,* began actively participating each week and really began to quickly catch on to the elaborate movements. Brian ended up befriending a fellow after school student who once was one of his biggest bullies. Now, the two students eagerly look forward to the opportunity to go to Capoeira every Friday, and they even hang out together during after school. Both the Capoeira lessons and the opportunity to turn a bully into a friend have recently brought Brian out of his quiet shell more and more.

*Name has been changed

February Mentor of the Month

This month, WYN celebrates Caroline Bond as the Mentor of the Month. Caroline has been a mentor and good friend to one youth for nearly two years, and has contributed countless hours of service to WYN through the mentoring program as well as to the community at large through her other works of outreach. Caroline is an extremely devoted and creative mentor, logging in over twenty hours for the month of February this year alone. Caroline has been generous enough to help her youth start a savings account for college, to which Caroline even contributes. Caroline is an outstanding woman who is making Boone a better place by the kindness she shows. WYN thanks Caroline for all she does. We are all fortunate to have her in our community and in our lives.

Dare to Discover the Magic of WYN

To learn more about volunteering in our mentoring, after school, or prevention program, or to make a referral, please visit our website www.westernyouthnetwork.org or contact Jennifer Grubb at (828) 264-5174.