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Briefly describe what the program expects to achieve and why. The narrative should address each of the items (1) Identify the staff and their responsibilities to the program, (2) describe the physical facilities in which the services will be delivered, (3.) discuss any' areas of concern that could affect the success of the program (4.) discuss why these resources used in the manner described should be expected to alter inappropriate behavior, (5) describe the referral, screening and admission procedures. (6) describe the means of working with youth and families, (7) describe the daily program activities and, (8) describe the termination procedures and (9.) interaction with juvenile court. The Champions of Youth program is staffed by a full-time Program Director. The Program Director is responsible for the everyday activities of the program. These activities include: home visits with referred and matched youth, progress notation, state reports, fundraising, contacts with referral agencies, planning group activities, in-service and pre-service trainings and offering assistance to the mentors throughout their volunteer commitment. The Program Director reports directly to the YMCA's Vice-President of Programs and Membership. The Program Director is also required to work with an advisory committee made up of community representatives that monitor the program and report quarterly to the YMCA Board of Directors. The Champions of Youth program is housed at the Cannon Memorial YMCA located in Kannapolis. The facility includes fitness areas, locker rooms, a pool, childcare rooms and a front desk and office area. The Program Director's office is located in the office area, which is equipped with computers, fax machine and copier. The office has space to offer volunteer/staff interviews. In addition, the Cannon Memorial YMCA has several large meeting rooms available for in-service and pre-service trainings. An ongoing concern that the program has is volunteer recruitment. The program uses radio and television public service announcements. The program also continues to build relationships with the local newspapers to ensure coverage of program needs and events. Finally, using the program's advisory committee, the program regularly presents speeches to local civic clubs, schools and other referral agencies. A mentoring program that provides at-risk youth with consistent, one-on-one positive interaction with adult volunteers can alter youth delinquency patterns. By developing long-term relationships with youth, the volunteers impact on every aspect of a youth's physical, emotional, social and intellectual lives. Interaction bet~'een youth and volunteer that leads to a reduction in at-risk behaviors can include but are not limited to: teaching ways to channel energy constructively, tutoring to improve school grades, encouragement to stay in school, teaching better social skills and providing preparation for and help in finding a job. All of these activities increase a youth's self-esteem, resulting in the youth altering delinquency patterns and leading a more productive llfe. Referrals are accepted from the local office of juvenile justice, law enforcement, Department of Social Serxqces, Mental Health, the school system and other youth serving agencies. The referral is made through a standard referral form, which includes information regarding the youth. Once received the referral source is notified and a home visit is scheduled beP, veen the program director, youth and their legal guardian. This visit is to go over the program's structure and to assess the youth's needs and problems to be addressed. The youth referral form and an overview of the home visit is then presented to the advisory committee which makes their recommendation to accept the youth or refer the youth elsewhere. Once the youth is accepted the family is notified and the youth is then placed on the waiting list for a mentor. Mentors are screened through six steps before being matched ~vith an assigned youth. 1) An Application, 2) four reference check, 3) interview with the program director, 4) criminal Background check, 5) driving background check and 6) complete a six-hour training course. Once the youth has been placed on the waiting list and a possible mentor has completed their screening process, a second home visit is scheduled to include the volunteer. This home visit is to 5