Why We Volunteer With Western Youth Network

By Boone, Our Team, Volunteering September 30, 2020
Kids playing at Western Youth Network summer camp.

As you all might know, philanthropy and giving back to our community is extremely important to us at 828 Real Estate. Each of us gives to causes that we love and have a passion for. One of our favorite programs is Western Youth Network (WYN).  Since most of us are parents and former teachers, the future of our community’s children  hold an important place in our hearts; and we truly believe in WYN’s mission and the things they do to serve Boone.

WYN has been involved in the High Country since the 1980’s and provides three areas of service to local youth. All of their programs focus on supporting youth in developing resilience, feeling safe to be themselves, and being compassionate about issues such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The guidance that WYN provides is a huge help to kids in our community. Here are three reasons I volunteer with Western Youth Network.

#1: Community Health

The first is community health. This program serves Watauga, Avery, Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties. The focus of WYN’s Community Health team is on substance abuse prevention and preventing underage drinking among other things. Through a WYN-led Drug-Free Communities Coalition that began in 2009, WYN has significantly reduced underage drinking by 57%, marijuana use by 67%, and prescription drug misuse by 50%. 

#2: Afterschool Programs

WYN also has an afterschool program. This program seeks to provide a safe space for local middle school students to learn and grow during the afterschool hours of 3-6PM, which is proven to be a critical timeframe in a child’s day. The kids get tutoring, are provided healthy snacks, play games and have a plethora of extracurricular activities to participate in. The after school staff also runs a summer camp, which is full of adventures and fun experiences for the kids.

Timmy and Jordan have been matched close to 8 months. These two are probably two of the most on the go fellas we have in our program. They are constantly outside hiking, walking dogs, throwing a ball, or just enjoying a variety of foods. Jordan and Timmy have already learned so much from one another in a shore period of time, including how to respect others, have patience, and constantly have an adventure.#3: Mentorship Programs

Finally, WYN has a mentor program that connects local people in the community with youth between ages 6 and 17 in Avery and Watauga counties. Mentors and their mentees agree to spend some time together each week for a year.  A few of our agents have been Youth Mentors, enjoying activities like going to the river or getting ice cream and walking around downtown. WYN also has a school based mentoring program, where mentors can volunteer to be a lunch buddy for students.

If you want to support WYN by becoming a mentor or by making a donation, check out their website.

About the Author
Corrinne-Loucks-828-real-estate
Corrinne Loucks, NC Broker/REALTOR® • 828-773-1615 • [email protected]

A Realtor® in Boone and the High Country since 2003, I am passionate about offering a superior level of service, innovative marketing and a highly personalized, boutique-style experience to my clientele. I started my real estate career as an Investor and was Broker-In-Charge of my own firm upon moving to Boone. Since that time, I have excelled with other real estate firms and built a strong network of client friends. Together with my network of professionals such as mortgage, insurance, inspection companies, etc. and my own Professional Home Staging business, (https://www.facebook.com/CenterStagedHomes/), we will polish your home buying/selling experience with your goals as a priority. I’ve lived all over the United States from the NE to the SE and California before landing in Boone, NC. You’ve seen the signs, “The mountains are calling and I must go?” Well, that was me 15 years ago! I love bluegrass music and, it seems, many of the great pickers were born in NC with a guitar in their hands! I sing, play a little mandolin and keyboards and you can be found at outdoor festivals and concerts when I’m not showing property! I also participate in many of our area’s outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking- the New river is my summer home! Caring for the needs of High Country residents is also very important to me and through Cornerstone Summit Church’s ‘Trenches’ team, I serve in many ways from preparing and serving meals at the Hospitality House to School Events to Habitat for Humanity Home Builds. In addition, I am honored to serve our community as a Certified Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children in the courtroom.

The High Country of North Carolina is unique, with large second home and student populations driving much of the market. It’s important that you work with a Realtor® like myself who is experienced and educated in the area, guaranteeing our success together. The acronyms behind my Broker title are not just letters - they stand for something;

GRI - Graduate of the Realtor Institute. Brokers holding this designation have completed 12, 3 day courses over a period of 2 years or more for in-depth training.

ABR - Accredited Buyer's Agent. An (ABR®) designation means your Realtor® has made extra efforts to raise the bar, with additional courses and proven experience in serving BUYERS.

SFR - Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification. Short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart and the courses I've taken arm me with the knowledge to assist clients in this area.

My business approach is founded on building lasting relationships based upon commitment and trust and the majority of my business comes in the way of referrals from past clients. Make me Your Realtor of Choice and work with a person you can trust to take your needs to heart and to find the perfect property for YOU in the HIGH COUNTRY!