Goodwill Industries of Western CT has launched a new program designed to help youth overcome disadvantages and avoid delinquency. The effort is part of a national mentoring program known as Goodwill GoodGuidesthat helps teens finish school and transition into productive careers through the guidance of trusted adults.

The Goodwill GoodGuides program is funded through a two-year, $300,000 grant to Goodwill Industries of Western CT. Made possible through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 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. The grant aims to strengthen families by empowering them through positive role models and exposure to the world of work.

 Goodwill's goal is to have 100 youths and 60 mentors in the program. Mentees can apply or be referred to the program. Anyone 16 and older can apply to be a mentor. There will be screening and a background check on mentor applicants. Those who pass will be put in the program to be matched with a youth and asked to do four hours of mentoring per month. Mentors will receive six hours of training from Goodwill.