Avery Mentoring Program, a program assigning a compassionate adult role model and advocate who helps a youth in need or caring guidance grow up to be their best; commits to spending about two hours per week for one year with a specially-matched mentee. Go fishing together, take a walk, make a meal, or do whatever everyday fun things you both enjoy doing, and just listen to each other.

The partners for this program include:

• Began a mentor program through Western Youth Network that helps youth between the ages of 6 and 17 in Avery and Watauga Counties who need a little extra support and guidance. WYN connects them with a mentor who can be their role models and cheerleaders.  A mentor commits to spending about two hours per week for one year with a specially-matched mentee. Some go fishing together, take a walk, make a meal, or do whatever everyday fun things both enjoy doing, and just listen to each other

• Observed young people involved in this mentoring programs improved academic performance, school attendance, and behavior. 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

•  Partnered with Crossnore Communities for Children to combine efforts, expand services, and outreach to even more children in our community.

• Awarded a $5,000 donation to the Western Youth Network on to support Western Youth Network’s mentoring program

• Collaborated with the YMCA to host the mentor program agreeing to offer a free membership to mentor/mentee pairs who start and maintain a relationship. Not only does this serve as an added incentive for mentors, but it also gives pairs a place to go and spend time together.

• Worked with with Blue Ridge Academy counselor Michelle Grit and Principal Ruth Shirley to reach students who could benefit most from mentoring services