Vital Connections
Lou Bergholz
Young people the world over face challenges that prevent them from reaching their fullest potential. Lou Bergholz has spent decades working for children and adolescents from Boston to Zimbabwe, and he found that the caring adult relationship holds the key to supporting them as they navigate their journey to adulthood. More than enrichment programs or activities, young people everywhere need Vital Connections. In this essential resource, Lou offers six powerful techniques that enable youth workers to reach out to, connect with, and positively impact young lives. From using powerful praise and affirmations to making time at the right time, these valuable strategies will foster self-efficacy, healthy decision-making, and resilience. And these tools will help you help young people truly believe they can succeed. What young people need can be varied and complex, whether you’re a counselor, educator, parent, or coach. For many, the stakes are incredibly high. Vital Connections can make all the difference.
Press & Praise
"In the world of youth development, Lou is one of few people who has broad-ranging practical expertise and experience, as well as a grounding in evidence-based approaches. I am delighted to read this book and learn from his experiences working with young people and their mentors from across the globe."
"I can't think of a better person to write on the impact of relationships on young people. Lou's approach to working with child- and youth-serving agencies is an embodiment of all that he believes about the power of positive relationships."
"While the power of relationships may be well understood, for years and across the globe, Lou has been powerfully breaking it down through tools, examples, and captivating stories showing that we can and must prioritize healthy relationship development with our young people to strengthen them, our communities, and our world."
