Reach Back Reach Back, a statewide program, differs from many similar programs in that it emphasizes education, career planning and mentoring in addition to violence prevention. The program was launched in 1990 when 40 youths from four cities convened in London, Ohio, for three days of intensive interactive presentations and discussions. Reach Back is a community-based initiative that involves youths, church and community leaders, educators, concerned citizens and businesses. The state Department of Health provides financial support and in-kind assistance. Leaders from the target cities identify four adults to serve as coordinators and select up to 40 program participants.
Half are high school students, and half are middle school students.
Over the course of the year, the youth groups are required to attend at least four one-day workshops developed by the health department. Topics include anger and the healing process, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs and alcohol, career planning and economic development, employment and training, family violence and the criminal justice system. Different groups sponsor a variety of additional activities. For example, in Cincinnati, participants commit six hours almost every Saturday to leadership training, spiritual development and workshops on peer mediation, writing a business plan and other topics. Through sponsors' donations, they also attend sporting events, concerts, and community and government functions.