Some struggle with learning disorders that can lead to emotional illness and academic failure. Others lack a nurturing home life or a network of adults outside the family to provide the encouragement and support they need in times of stress and crisis. A few may even suffer from severe abuse and neglect. These children need not become victims. In virtually every community, through programs at schools, churches, and community groups, concerned and committed volunteers are making a difference one life at a time.
Older persons have a unique opportunity to help children at risk.
You have lifetimes of experience and knowledge to share. You are skilled parents, homemakers, teachers, citizens, consumers, and workers. Most of all, you can pass along life's lessons to another generation. The perspective of a caring older person who has actually lived through many of life's challenges is precisely what many children need as they try to find their own way into adulthood. Perhaps you have always been active in your community, and the idea of volunteering to help young people seems natural.