Youth Mentoring

An Investment in a Youth’s Future

The Goodwill Youth Mentoring program provides youth, ages 8-19 in Franklin County, VA the opportunity to develop the skills needed to live a successful life. Mentored youth experience greater confidence, decision making abilities, and skills needed to achieve goals and potential. Through placements with adult mentors, youth receive guidance, support, and encouragement needed for character development through activities which are educational, recreational, and relationship building.

Youth are referred to the Youth Mentoring program by community agencies or the local school systems. The program is funded through the Comprehensive Services Act for At Risk Youth and Families (CSA).

Mentor role

Mentors will undergo extensive screening to include interviews, criminal background, reference, and DMV checks. The mentor will:

  • Be a responsible, caring adult who, in partnership with the parent and legal guardians, provides support, counseling, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example.
  • Be a good listener with a desire to bring out the strengths of the youth.
  • Provide an in-depth assessment of the individual youth’s needs.
  • Become involved through one-on-one interaction with the youth.
  • Provide follow-up services for a period of 6 months following program completion.

Mentoring Benefits Everyone

Mentoring programs are designed to help youth learn to lead successful, responsible lives. Mentors help them learn to resolve conflicts and accept responsibility. At the same time the youth is gaining this experience there are also positive outcomes for the mentor and community.

  • Benefits for youth: improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, increased communication skills, improved peer/family relationships, and improved self esteem.
  • Benefits for mentors: happier and feel more productive, more appreciative of youth from diverse backgrounds, loyal and have greater pride in their community, and feel better about themselves for having affected a child’s life.
  • Benefits for employers: improved image in the community, increased community awareness of mission, prepared workforce, and advanced diversity goals.
  • Benefits for communities: experience a decrease in substance abuse, teen pregnancies, school dropout, and juvenile crime.
  • Services are provided as needed in a variety of community settings at times that are agreeable to the youth and his/her family.

For more information on Goodwill’s Youth Mentoring Program, e-mail info@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 483.0296 ext. 107.