PROGRAM PROFILE

AIDS is the number one cause of death among males between the ages of 25 to 44 and fourth among females in the same age group (CDC, February 1995) - most likely their exposure to the HIV virus was during their teenage years. The current tragedy of the HIV virus/AIDS disease is impacting the lives of our Youth. Our Youth are at high risk because of the social behaviors associated with this deadly disease. Awareness of the HIV virus and AIDS is not enough. Youth must find methods for creating behavioral changes. The changes that they personally make provide a model for changing and preserving more Youth.

The Alliance of Latino Mentors against AIDS Youth Mentor Program (ALMA), component of La Familia Counseling Service, utilizes the intensive activities of 9 hired Youth Mentors into behavioral changes in 180 stipend Youth Advocates through a focus-case management process. The content of the Youth training, involvement and activities focus on a dynamic Youth interaction around vital elements of Leadership:

The Youth Mentors are local Youth who live in the community they conduct their outreach - they are also exposed to many of the same cultural, social, and economic pressures their peers experience. The Youth Mentors' input is a significant factor in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program's activities.

All levels of Youth involvement requires, fosters, and strengthens school attendance and enrollment. Through positive activities and responsibility for community service tasks, Youth are able to explore and expand their personal potential. Advocating and working for change will lead to personal change. Critical self-examination in a safe and supportive environment of Peers imparts skills that influence a cycle of positive achievements bearing lasting benefits for the individual Youth, the family, and the community.

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