January is National Mentoring Month - a time to celebrate the power of guidance, encouragement, and showing up for others. Mentorship changes lives. It builds confidence, opens doors, and reminds people, especially young people, that someone sees their potential and believes in them. That belief can sometimes be the deciding factor in a person living up to their true potential or not.

At 828 Real Estate, mentorship isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something our team lives out in meaningful, hands-on ways throughout the year. From advocating for children in crisis, to supporting future business leaders, to investing in local youth programs, our team is proud to support the next generation of the High Country.

Corrinne: Advocating for Children Through Guardian ad Litem & Foster Care

Corrinne serves our community as both a Guardian ad Litem and a foster parent—two roles that speak volumes about her heart for mentorship and advocacy.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to represent the best interests of children involved in abuse, neglect, or dependency cases. GALs spend time getting to know the child, their circumstances, and their needs, then advocate on their behalf within the legal system. It’s a role rooted in listening, consistency, and standing up for children during some of the most uncertain moments of their lives.

In addition to her 10 years working as a GAL, Corrinne has also been a foster parent for 5+ years, opening her home to children who need a safe, stable, and supportive environment. Foster parenting is a profound form of mentorship, providing not only basic care, but also reassurance, structure, and encouragement during times of transition. It’s about helping children feel seen, valued, and supported, even when the future feels unclear. In a recent news article, Watauga County DSS warned that “kids are suffering” due to a dire shortage of foster care. Click here to see how you can be involved.

Through both roles, Corrinne embodies what mentorship truly looks like: showing up, advocating fiercely, and offering steady support when it matters most.

Sarah with one of her previous mentees.

Sarah: Mentoring Future Leaders at Appalachian State

Sarah is currently in her third year of mentoring students in the Appalachian State University College of Business through the Women of Walker – Watauga Women in Leadership program.

This mentorship program connects professional women in the community with female students pursuing business-related degrees, offering guidance as they navigate college, career paths, and leadership development. As a mentor, Sarah supports students through one-on-one conversations, goal setting, professional development, and real-world insight into life after graduation.

Mentorship at this stage can be transformational. For many students, having access to a professional woman who has built a successful career, and who is willing to share her experiences honestly, helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Sarah’s involvement reflects a deep commitment to empowering young women, fostering confidence, and strengthening the future leadership of our community.

Supporting Youth Mentorship Through Western Youth Network

Beyond individual efforts, the entire 828 Real Estate team is proud to annually support the Western Youth Network (WYN), an organization dedicated to mentoring children and youth in our region.

WYN provides one-to-one mentoring, group programs, and family support services for children facing adversity. Their mission focuses on building strong, positive relationships that help young people grow emotionally, socially, and academically. By investing in WYN, we’re helping ensure that children in the High Country have access to mentors who offer stability, encouragement, and opportunity.

Mentorship Is Community Building

Real estate is about homes, but it’s also about people, families, and the future of the communities we serve. Mentorship strengthens all of those things. It creates ripple effects that extend far beyond one relationship, one child, or one student.

As we recognize National Mentoring Month, we’re proud of the ways our team gives back and grateful for the organizations and programs making a lasting impact here in the High Country. Investing in people, especially young people, is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build a stronger, more connected community.

At 828 Real Estate, that’s a commitment we carry with us all year long.