Western Youth Network Receives Loan from Blue Ridge Energy’s REDLG Revolving Loan Fund

Western Youth Network, Inc. (WYN) has received a $1 million loan from Blue Ridge Energy’s revolving loan fund to help build an $8 million facility in Boone, NC that will provide hundreds of critically needed spaces for afterschool and summer care for school-aged children.

Under their campaign known as “Building Brighter Futures”, WYN’s plans include the construction of an 18,280-square-foot youth center—the first of its kind in the region.

Western Youth Network is a leader in youth development, serving over 700 students in the High Country and providing critical support to children and families. Through mentorship, after-school programs, mental health resources, and advocacy, WYN is dedicated to empowering youth and building a stronger, healthier community.

Blue Ridge Energy’s revolving loan fund comes fully from the government’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program (REDLG). REDLG, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), enables electric cooperatives to support community development projects in their service areas by providing zero-interest loans to qualified entities. Loan funds are repaid over time and then “recycled” to support additional qualifying community development projects.

“Having quality childcare is a critical need in our communities and we’re pleased to support this initiative that will help ensure students are in a safe, engaged and supervised environment,” said Katie Woodle, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Energy. “We’re grateful for the funds REDLG has provided; it is an important tool for cooperatives seeking to improve the quality of life in the communities they serve,” Woodle added.

Additional pledges are helping cover the total cost of WYN’s project. To date, WYN has received support worth $7.7 million from individuals and other entities, including an $85,000 pledge donation from Blue Ridge Energy to be given over a period of four years, including a $15,000 grant from the Blue Ridge Energy Members Foundation.  Additional grants from other sources are also in progress.

Blue Ridge Energy is an electric cooperative serving some 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and parts of Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties. It also includes a propane heating fuels subsidiary and a business-to-business telecommunications subsidiary. Learn more at www.blueridgeenergy.com.

Photo, L to R: Alan Merck, Senior Vice President, Blue Ridge Energy; Katie Woodle, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge Energy; Jennifer Warren, Executive Director, Western Youth Network; Carolina Davis, Director of Events and Operations, Western Youth Network; and Tasha Rountree, Director of Community Relations and Economic Development, Blue Ridge Energy.