02/17/10

GoodGuides™ Youth Mentoring Program Launched   

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new mentoring program in West Michigan designed to assist youth in overcoming disadvantages and avoiding delinquency. 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.

GoodGuides is made possible through a two-year, $299,723 grant to Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. The donation 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 overall goal of GoodGuides 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.

“GoodGuides will offer expanded mentoring services, with a unique career focus, to the youth of our community,” said Program Manager Kelly Adler. “We are actively recruiting and training mentors to engage youth in promoting their career development and life skills. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor and making a real difference in someone’s life, or know of a youth who would benefit from this program, please call me at (231) 722-7871, ext. 307 or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.”

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