Currently, blame for the difficulties facing youth is too often laid on
one particular segment of the community - whether parents, school
personnel or the children themselves. However, the problems of today's
young people are problems for all generations.
In response, the past decade has seen unparalleled proliferation of
planned mentoring initiatives. Across Ages, the multi-faceted and
multigenerational intervention described in this volume, uses older
adult volunteers as mentors for young people. By acting as advocates,
challengers, nurturers, role models and friends, older mentors help
children develop the awareness, self-confidence, and skills they need to
overcome overwhelming obstacles.
Across Ages is cost-effective and feasible even where resources are
fairly limited. Although designed as a school-based model, this program
can easily be adopted to other settings. Each of the four major program
components - mentoring, community service, `life skills' instruction,
and family support - is described in step-by-step detail.