Students remain in the program for a minimum of one year. Successful mentor-youth matches, however, are often maintained for at least three to four years. Since its inception 1991, Across Ages has served almost 1000 middle and elementary school students attending public schools in Philadelphia. Across Ages students live in the city's most economically depressed neighborhoods, characterized by poverty, a high incidence of substance abuse and drug-related crime, and blocks of abandoned houses. Many live with grandparents or other relatives because of their parents' inability to care for them.
Unemployment is high and many of the children know few adults who are working.
Through their involvement with Across Ages, children have acquired more positive attitudes about themselves and their schools, think more about their own futures, are better able to cope with stress and anxiety, and have learned new skills to help them react in safer, healthier situations involving drug us. The impact of Across Ages goes beyond the children, however. The project also helps older volunteers feel more productive, experience a greater sense of purpose and regain a central role in their communities. At first I thought my friends would laugh at me, being out with this old person. But my mentor is all that.