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GoodGuides Mentoring Program Launches To Help Youth
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Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is launching a new program designed to assist youth in overcoming disadvantages and plan careers. The effort is part of a national mentoring program known as Goodwill GoodGuides that helps teens finish school and transition into productive careers through the guidance of trusted adults.
“If we can keep these youth who are at risk out of trouble now, they will be less likely to face even greater hardships down the road,” said Michael Elder, President and CEO. “Most importantly, they will have a brighter future.”
The Goodwill GoodGuides program, which will serve 100 youth locally, is made possible through a two-year, $299,723 grant to GISP. The grant is part of a $19.1 million award to Goodwill Industries International from the U.S. Department of Justice and dispersed to 56 independent Goodwill agencies around the country. The funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The goal of the program is to help youth build career plans and skills, and prepare for school completion, post-secondary training and productive work by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted adult mentors. It targets youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who are at-risk for dropping out of school, facing legal troubles, or are at risk for delinquency due to issues such as abuse, disability, drug or alcohol dependence, or gang membership.
“If you know a caring and responsible adult who would like to be a friend and role model to a young person, we want to meet that person,” Elder added. “A mentor is someone who truly believes young people can make a positive difference if given the chance.”
For more information on becoming a Goodwill GoodGuides volunteer mentor or if you know of a youth who would benefit from this program, please call 704-372-3434 or go to www.goodwillyouthservices.org.
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