GoodGuides™ Youth Mentoring is a program that provides a structured and supportive relationship with trusted adults or peers. The program helps youth build career plans and skills, complete school, access post-secondary training or higher education and prepare for productive work.

Mentors are encouraging and provide guidance to youth by sharing their experience and skills.

What are the requirements to become a GoodGuides™ mentor?

Complete a written application
Agree to have Goodwill conduct a criminal history check and DOJ National Sex Offender Public Registry check. Note: If you have a felony conviction or a record on the DOJ National Sex Offender Public Registry, it will eliminate you from the program.
Participate in a personal interview with GoodGuides™ staff
Provide three personal references
Complete six hours of orientation and training

What does GoodGuides™ Youth Mentoring expect from a mentor?

A one-year commitment
Spend a minimum of four hours per month with the mentee(s)
Communicate with the mentee weekly
Keep track of and report time spent with the mentee
Communicate with the Program Manager or Youth Mentor Coordinator at least monthly
Attend ongoing training and mentor group meetings
Adhere to all program policies and procedures
Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
Attend special events and recognition events as available
Complete surveys as asked and ensure youth complete surveys as asked

How are the mentors matched?

Mentors are matched based on individual needs, personality compatibility, shared interests and hobbies, geography, availability, personal preferences, cultural/racial/ethnic background and chemistry. There are three different mentoring strategies that will be used based on individual needs and mentor preferences. These include: individual or one-on-one, Group meetings, Peer strategies.

What can I do with my mentee?

Job shadowing
Visit the mentor's place of employment
Assist your mentee in identifying career paths and opportunities
Show your mentee how to balance a checkbook
Teach your mentee how to dress professionally for the workplace
Talk about your career and your experiences (overcoming challenges, etc.)
Make a list of things your mentee(s) would like to learn
Talk about issues or problems the mentee is facing

Note: All one-on-one activities take place at the GoodGuides™ Office, mentee's school location or other site approved by GoodGuides™ staff to ensure the safety of the mentee and mentor.

How are youth referred to the GoodGuides™ Mentoring Program?

Referrals come from parents, schools, and other community agencies. Youth must meet specific criteria in order to be referred. Criteria could include:

Age 12-17
Disability or disadvantage
Limited English proficiency
First time offender involved in Juvenile Justice System
Frequent school absenteeism

A parent or guardian must complete an application and sign a written consent form in order to participate in the program.

What resources are available to support mentors

6 hours of orientation and training
GoodGuides™ Training Manual
Monthly group activities and service projects
Mentor support group meetings
Quarterly match reviews

What if I do not match well with my mentee?

Notify the Mentor Coordinator with your issues or concerns. Additional support and training will be provided to address any issues of concern, and every effort will be made to resolve the issue before making a decision to end the match. If appropriate, youth will be referred to another mentor and the mentor to another youth. All mentors and mentees must participate in closure procedures when their match ends.

What other services are offered by GoodGuides™?

Family and Community Strengthening: The program takes a holistic approach to service delivery by strengthening family, building leadership skills and community awareness.

For more information, contact:

Zylkia Rivera
610.777.7875 x238

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