“Children are our most valuable resource.”

-Herbert Hoover

Our Mission, Their Voice

ASSESMENT

We begin by listening. By connecting with students, educators, and community partners, we uncover the real social, emotional, and academic challenges students face. Through honest conversations and thoughtful observation, we ensure every step forward is shaped by those living the experience.

AID

W.I.N. offers direct support to students through resources, mentorship, and wellness initiatives. Whether it's access to school supplies, emotional support, or connection to local services, we provide aid that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. Our responsive approach ensures that each student receives the help needed to feel seen, safe, and supported.

PLAN

After listening and assessing, we partner with students to create action plans they help lead. Their voices shape every step—making each initiative relevant, empowering, and built to last. Whether it’s mental health support, peer tutoring, or safe spaces, our plans are student-driven and designed for real impact.

The Three C’s

Collaborate

Collaboration ensures that no student faces challenges alone. By working together—students, educators, families, and community partners—we create integrated supports that help youth thrive across all key areas of life.

How Collaboration Supports Our Mission

  • We listen, validate, and support students’ needs around mental health, career exploration, and access to nutritious food.

  • Student leaders partner with peers and community mentors to co-create workshops, resource hubs, and outreach efforts.

Organizational Alignment

  • Expand partnerships with schools, mental health providers, food pantries, and workforce organizations to bring W.I.N. programs to underserved areas.

  • Strengthen referral pathways so students can access timely mental health services, career training opportunities, and reliable food support.

Connect

Clear, compassionate communication ensures students feel safe, heard, and understood—especially when navigating sensitive issues like stress, uncertainty about the future, or food insecurity.

How Communication Supports Our Mission

  • We share information with clarity and empathy, allowing students to express concerns and access relevant support.

  • Program updates, resource guides, and peer-led discussions keep students informed about mental health workshops, career-readiness events, and food assistance programs.

Organizational Alignment

  • Use a robust evaluation framework to measure improvements in mental well-being, student engagement, career confidence, and stability in food access.

  • Collect youth feedback to refine support groups, skill-building sessions, and resource distribution so programming truly meets students’ goals.

Communicate

Connection builds the networks and relationships students need to thrive—emotionally, academically, and practically

How Connection Supports Our Mission

  • We connect students to mental health resources, mentorships, internships, and community-based food support.

  • Peer networks help students feel less isolated, more confident, and more prepared for long-term success.

Organizational Alignment

  • Diversify funding through partnerships with health organizations, workforce development agencies, and food security programs.

  • Invest in staff and student leadership development to strengthen our capacity to deliver high-quality mental health, career readiness, and food support programs.

  • Build governance and operational systems that support sustainable expansion and greater community reach.

Why do the Three C’s Matter?

The Three C’s help us bring our student-led mission to life:

  • Collaboration makes sure students get well-rounded support—whether they need help with mental health, career goals, or food resources.

  • Communication keeps our programs clear, caring, and shaped by what students actually need.

  • Connection builds strong relationships and creates opportunities that help students grow now and in the future.

With the Three C’s guiding us, we create a supportive, empowering environment where every student can learn, thrive, and succeed.

A man and a woman engaged in conversation at a booth promoting mental health awareness. The booth has a blue tablecloth with a logo that features an elephant and the words 'Ellie Mental Health'. On the table, there are signs that say 'My Therapist Knows What You're Thinking' and 'Everybody Sucks Sometimes', along with various informational pamphlets, a fishbowl filled with colorful items, and a small elephant figurine. The scene is in a well-lit indoor space with yellow brick walls and large windows, and a wheelchair is visible in the background.
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