The Problem
The crime rate in Columbia is higher than the national average, with some neighborhoods suffering from higher crime rates and lower income than other parts of the city. Youth who become involved with the criminal justice system are less likely to graduate from high school and more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system as adults and become victims of the cycle of poverty.
The Solution
City leaders recruit volunteers aged 50+ to act as mentors for youth, forming the strong relationships that are necessary for children to succeed and making it more likely that they will complete high school and enroll in college. Citizen volunteers also provide support to parents in the area.