Young people learn by example which makes who they learn from so important. January is National Mentoring Month and matching young people with mentors is something Goodwill of Central Illinois takes pride in doing all year long.
Goodwill’s GoodGuides Youth Mentoring program began in 2009 and has matched hundreds of kids with mentors. The program is for ages 12-17 and provides each participant with a volunteer mentor who offers guidance, support and wise decision-making, one conversation at a time. Beyond the here and now, our mentors also focus on the future. Is continuing education right for someone or is joining the workforce the best course?
Each mentor makes a yearlong commitment - this gives the relationship time to grow and for trust to really take hold. They are required to spend at least one hour a week with their mentee and this time isn’t only about going places or doing things. Most kids just want someone to talk to, someone to spend time with them. They just want someone to listen.
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, GoodGuides also provides group mentoring. This takes place in a school setting and gives each young participant a sense of unity, knowing they are not the only ones going through a challenging time.
“This program is so important because it involves our future,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Education Officer, Betsy Delgado. “To foster the next generation of leaders, we must start with our young people and that’s what GoodGuides is all about.”
As adults we struggle with so many things, but we forget how tough it actually was growing up. Many young people have someone in their lives to support them, but unfortunately, many don’t. Goodwill’s GoodGuides exists just for them. By supporting Goodwill through shopping and donating, you’re changing the life of a young person. You’re creating a future full of confidence and support.
To find out more about GoodGuides and all of Goodwill of Central Illinois’ mission programs visit Goodwill of Central Illinois.