Gayle Combs is the first Executive Director and Marion Durham is the first Board Chair. WYN is housed in the New River Mental Health building and receives its first grant–the Governor’s One-on-One Grant–to fund the first WYN program, “Friends,” a mentoring program for court involved youth.
“The Youth Resource Center” (After School) is added along with the WYN Summer Program to serve at-risk and court-involved youth.
is established as a county-wide substance abuse prevention program for Watauga County youth. Also, the WYN offices move from New River Mental Health to a storefront on Howard Street.
to renovate and occupy the Old Junaluska School (originally built in 1960 as Watauga County’s segregated school).
Junaluska property and establish a long-term lease for $1 per year with WAMY Community Action.
and the DJJDP Support Our Students (SOS) initiative to begin working with all middle graders in Watauga County; not just those facing difficulties in the court system or at school.
expands to Avery County
to two sites in Watauga County—one east and one west
and changes its name from Watauga Youth Network to Western Youth Network.
to serve more youth in Watauga County and to make services available to students in Avery, Alleghany, Wilkes, and Ashe Counties.
with grant funding provided by The Clabough Foundation and The Glass Foundation; WYN hosts inaugural Wish Upon a Star Gala at Blowing Rock Country Club; the WYN Legacy Fund was established by an anonymous donor; the WYN Mentoring Program hires a dedicated Avery Mentoring Program Coordinator.
WYN pilots a school-based mentoring program
added in Watauga County
to support programming in Ashe/Alleghany counties; office space is added in Avery County.
with sites in two elementary schools. WYN acquires two properties in Boone’s “wellness district” for future offices and a youth center.
to convert it to WYN’s new administrative office space and staff move in late fall.
and expedites the move of afterschool programs to new administration building on Doctors Dr. while we await construction of new youth center.
134 Doctors Drive, Boone, NC 28607
(Watauga Office)
(828) 264-5174
(828) 264-0838
info@westernyouthnetwork.org
2951 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604
(Avery Office)
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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