National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently conducted a monitoring site visit with Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and the findings highlight outstanding work being done by the local team behind the Go! Guiding Others youth mentoring program made possible by a grant from the national organization. The visit allowed NRPA to learn more about the program, assess management, and gather qualitative data on its community impact.
Go! Guiding Others offers group mentoring in various settings and serves as a cornerstone of APR’s youth services programs, seamlessly integrating into existing APR Afterschool programs, with dedicated APR team members serving as mentors. This natural fit has been met with enthusiasm from staff, parents, and youth alike.
Expansion Into the School System
Go! Guiding Others Mentoring Program Coordinator Angel Redmond also facilitates a program at Asheville Middle School. Initially conceived as an alternative to suspension for students caught vaping, it’s now open to all interested students. This program takes place during school hours and focuses on substance use education and prevention, creating a safe space for frank, direct, and open conversations. As Principal Blair Johnston shared with NRPA, Angel has done a “remarkable job building strong, trusting relationships” and helping students make “noticeable progress in their confidence and decision-making.”
The program has also expanded to alternative learning high school WIlliam Randolph Campus, demonstrating its adaptability and reach. Students who face behavioral and attendance challenges benefit from additional support and mentorship including partnerships with mental health programs like Project ALERT. Principal Carrie Buchanan noted, “Our students love meeting with Go! Guiding Others mentors each Monday morning. They appreciate them and their sincere, direct work with them…they are cultivating resilience, confidence, and a sense of community.”
Programs for Youth by Youth
A truly inspiring outcome of these mentoring efforts is the creation of youth advisory group TEENS: Teens Encouraging Each Other’s Needs & Strengths, allowing teens to shape programs and have their voices heard. Despite initial challenges like Tropical Storm Helene, this group’s formation is a testament to APR’s commitment to youth-led initiatives.
The NRPA report also underscores the robust administrative and programmatic management of the grant. APR has strong policies in place for youth programs, ensuring child safety and appropriate staff interactions. Excellent record-keeping practices safeguard participant information and mentors, who are APR team members, undergo thorough screening processes. The team also demonstrates a commitment to collecting program data to continuously improve.
Continuing to Guide
Beyond the structured programs, APR has learned invaluable lessons, emphasizing flexibility and patience. Building trust and consistent relationships with youth is paramount, as Angel shared, “Relationship building is a slow process that must happen first.” This dedication to genuine connection ensures that the program truly resonates with its participants.
“We are incredibly proud of Angel’s team for their innovative and impactful work with the Go! Guiding Others program,” according to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “This is more than just a professional accomplishment for them and this program is full of love and care. Their commitment to fostering positive relationships, promoting healthy habits, and empowering youth is truly making a difference in our community. I can’t wait to see the continued impact as the program grows through their coordination, partnerships, and work with young people.”
Looking for More?
Go! Guiding Others is just one way APR works to keep the city happy, healthy, and connected. Check out these resources for more programs and activities including free games and clubs, exercise and sports, festivals and special events, arts and crafts, and more: