The Real Experiences for Alternatives in Living Program (REAL) employs three components in an attempt to alter positively the lives of inner-city male youths and to provide indigenous role models within a day care setting to school-age children enrolled therein. These components are informal and formal on-the-job inservice training in child development, provision of services such as consumer and legal education, physical exams, nutrition information, and formalized training in child development. Two hypotheses are tested as part of the program evaluation: that the work training experience is beneficial to the trainees, and that the day care children will identify with the youth and benefit from the cross age relationships. Results obtained from interviews with trainees, agency staff, and children are considered to indicate that the program is beneficial to both youth and children, that the children relate positively to the youth, and that the program expands the life chances of all the participants. Criticisms of the program center around the quality of service provided to the youth. Both staff and youth agreed on the need for increased counseling and the need for followup at the end of the program. (Author/AM)