For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010
Contact: Michelle Smith
michelle.smith@goodwillnne.org
(207) 774-6323 x2288
Goodwill to Help Mentor Teens
Justice Department Grant to Fight Juvenile Delinquency
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is proud to launch a new program in Claremont 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.
“Goodwill has a long history of helping people find work,” said Michael Coughlin, Executive Director. “A crucial part of that history is making sure that families are strong. Goodwill GoodGuides can help keep youth who are at-risk get on the right path, away from trouble and toward a better future. That’s good for everyone involved.”
The Goodwill GoodGuides program in Claremont is made possible through a two-year, $299,723 grant to Goodwill of Industries of Northern New England. 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. Goodwill is partnering with the Claremont School District.
The overall goal of the Goodwill GoodGuides 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.
“With Goodwill GoodGuides, we will be able to offer expanded mentoring services to the youth of our community,” said Edda Cantor, Goodwill’s Workforce Solutions Regional Director. “Goodwill will recruit, train and support volunteer mentors to engage youth in promoting their career development and life skills.” Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is also managing GoodGuides programs in Portland, Maine and Springfield, Vermont. Goodwill will recruit close to 75 mentors and serve 100 youth over the next two years.
The Goodwill GoodGuides program will launch this month in Claremont. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or know of a youth who would benefit from this program, please call (207) 347-3229 for the Portland program. Please contact (603) 477-8121 for the Claremont and Springfield programs.
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Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 77-year history of providing innovative services that help individuals with disabilities or other barriers achieve social and economic independence. Goodwill’s Workforce Solutions helps people find good jobs and supports individuals through our development disability services, deaf services and brain injury programs. In 2009 we helped over 7,000 individuals with education, job training, and support services as they work to achieve their independence. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail stores, grants, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
