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One of our newest programs is the GoodGuides ™ youth mentoring program which began at the start of 2010, designed to address the needs of youth ages 12-17 for positive role models and career development resources to encourage their planning for productive futures. Our mission is "To empower at-risk youth to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their current and future potential."

Program Director Rich Glover sees it as a "win-win" for both the young mentees and their volunteer adult mentors. Mentors are expected to undergo proscribed training and be able to give of their time at least one hour a week for the first year of the program. In addition to these expectations, each mentor must undergo a criminal background check, participate in other trainings and activities sponsored by the program. Above all else, mentors need to be motivated to be positive role models in the lives of the at-risk youth who are served by GoodGuides™.

Mentees, who can be male or female, aged 12-17, may be those individuals who are facing at-risk situations in their lives such as:

* Exhibiting poor school performance

* In danger of dropping out of school and/or experiencing severe truancy issues

* Those with peer problems

* Using illegal substances

* Having mental health challenges and/or physical disabilities

Those aged 12-14 will be involved in career exploration activities; those 15-17 will be involved in actual job training, internships and job creation.

Mentees may be referred to the GoodGuides™ program through parents, school counselors or administrators, probation officers, clergy or any caring adult who recognizes the value of mentoring to the individual youth. Each mentee must be willing to be a participant in the GoodGuides™ program. GoodGuides™ is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

For more information about GoodGuides™ and/or to refer a youth or to volunteer to be a mentor, contact Rich Glover at (301) 662-0622, ext. 234 or RGlover@gimv.org