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For release January 6, 2010

Goodwill Program Pairs Teens with Caring Mentors

Mentors sought to help guide teens to promising futures

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – Goodwill Industries-Suncoast is proud to launch a new program 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 with the guidance of trusted adults.

The program, which kicks off during National Youth Mentoring Month, targets young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who face risk factors such as school failure, family violence, homelessness or other challenges. Youth will be paired with a volunteer mentor who will lend a supportive ear and lead them to resources that will help them build career plans and set educational goals. The local GoodGuides program serves teens in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The Goodwill GoodGuides program is funded by a $19.1 million grant to Goodwill Industries International by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Goodwill-Suncoast is one of 56 Goodwill organizations across the country participating in this national effort.

Mentor Information Sessions

Find out how you could help guide a teen to a successful future by volunteering as a GoodGuides mentor. Goodwill will hold information sessions for prospective mentors at the following times:

St. Petersburg – Tuesday, Jan. 19, 5:30 p.m., at the Goodwill Business Center, 10596 Gandy Blvd. (just east of Derby Lane Dog Track).

Tampa –  Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m., at the Goodwill Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Center, 6800 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 130.

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by calling (727) 423-1379 or e-mailing goodguides@goodwill-suncoast.com.

If you would like more information or know of a teen who would benefit from the program, please call the GoodGuides program manager at (727) 423-1379 or e-mail goodguides@goodwill-suncoast.com.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast was founded in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1954. The organization's successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties, including employment services for people with all types of employment barriers, training centers for people with disabilities, affordable apartment communities, and community corrections programs. Goodwill is consistently ranked among the nonprofits most deserving of support based on the high percentage of revenue funneled to its programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.