This conference address discusses New York State programs for children and families, focusing on a mentoring program. New York State has 44 rural counties, which comprise 80% of the state's total area. Rural schools face limited financial resources and access to services. Rural school children are more likely to face failure than urban or suburban children because of rural economic stress, crime, substance abuse, and parental abuse and neglect. With 65,000 children in foster care, New York State has initiated the following efforts to improve the lives of children: (1) New York's Family Album compiles photographs and a profile of children available for adoption; (2) the Pre- and Postnatal Parenting Education Hospital Program provides parent education in every New York State Hospital with a maternity unit; (3) the Nutrition for Life curriculum for K-12th grade is free to every school in the State; and (4) the New York State Mentoring Program is a school-based program aimed at preventing school drop out. The mentoring program links at-risk children with caring, responsible adult volunteers from businesses and organizations. These volunteers help children with school work, personal problems, and development of self-esteem and self-confidence so that they can stay in school and reach their full potential. Mentors make a 1-year commitment to spend about 4 hours a month with a child. Technical assistance is available to help schools locate, screen, and train mentors. (KS)