Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois has many ways to make the future brighter for young people in Peoria IL. We offer youth mentoring, youth workshops, youth education and work experiences, all free through our youth services programs.
Youth Mentoring | Youth Education
In 2009, Goodwill Industries began its GoodGuides program. Funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, this program helps give young people important guidance and direction via regular mentoring sessions. Mentors volunteer at least one hour of their time each week to work with youth and give them a positive role model in their lives.
The ultimate goals of mentors in the GoodGuides program are to:
- Help students improve and keep up their grades
- Motivate them to stay in school until graduation/completion
- Give useful information on post-secondary education or careers
- Offer youth advice on important life issues
- Become a positive role model
Mentors are comprised of peers (ages 16 and up) and adults (18 and up), who volunteer for a minimum of one year in order to provide consistent guidance for youths in the program. This regular mentoring provides young people a sounding board and helping hand they might not otherwise have in their lives.
Career Workshops
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois wants youth to know what careers are out there and what it takes to make those careers their own. We offer career workshops which feature speakers who work in specific fields and can provide insight on the training and day to day duties. Our workshops also include hands on activities to give the students an idea of what the job entails.
Job Experience
Goodwill offers a retail training program to youth in the Peoria, IL area called The Retail Project. This week-long program gives students a chance to work in a Goodwill retail store. They learn the basics of retail work, customer service, interaction with customers, and how to work well with fellow employees. This experience can be added to a resume and in turn help them in finding a job.
Get Involved with Goodwill Youth Services!
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is proud to serve the local Peoria, IL community! It’s an important part of our mission to support the young people of Central Illinois through our youth education programs. For more information on the youth services we offer in Peoria and how you can get involved, visit our website or contact us at (309) 682-1113!