Goodwill GoodGuides of Greater NY & Northern NJ: Youth Mentoring Program

GOODWILL® TO HELP MENTOR TEENS Justice Department Grant to Fight Juvenile Delinquency

Astoria, New York — Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ is proud to launch a new program in Astoria, New York 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 Mrs. Karen Means , Senior Vice President of Youth Services “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 Astoria, New York is made possible through a two-year, $299,723 grant to Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ 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 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 Mrs. Karen Means, Senior Vice President of Youth Services, Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ . “Goodwill will recruit, train and support volunteer mentors to engage youth in promoting their career development and life skills.”

The Goodwill GoodGuides™ program will launch on January 11 in Astoria, New York If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or know of a youth who would benefit from this program, please call 718 777 6443

Contact: Mr. Anthony Whittaker, 718 777 6443

Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ 4 – 21 27th Avenue Astoria, NY 11102