Goodwill and the Juvenile Justice Department

People everyday are talking about how to change this country. They are debating which Presidential candidate to vote for come November, based on who can fix America’s ailing problems. But what people all over the country and even here in the Tampa Bay Area don’t realize is that the true future of America and the country’s foundation is our youth.
In Hillsborough County at the Juvenile Justice meeting on September 19, 2008, a group of citizens and board members gathered to discuss ways to help the county’s kids achieve success and stay out of trouble. In tough economic times it is very easy to worry about one’s self first, how to put food on the table, how to fill up the gas tank, but Stephanie Anna, a representative from goodwill laid out a plan to help struggling families not forget or ignore their children.
Goodwill has a program in tact for the areas troubled youth that focuses on three areas that include providing employment skills, increasing academic performance, and providing industry specific training. “The goodwill role in the project, we have case managers, we have counselors, and we have staff that go out specifically and engage employers because without employers this project can’t succeed,” says Anna.
From a parents point of view, submerging their children in these programs cost time and money, but the origination did consider that as well and they will provide financial assistance. Anna assures the group, “We pay for transportation, training, support. If they want to go to college we can help pay tuition costs. If they need appropriate interview clothes, work boots, things like that, we can pay for all of that.
Goodwill wants to keep kids engaged in the program so they offer them incentives. After they complete certain components of the program they are often awarded with cash to keep them coming back. What they don’t know is that they are given a much bigger reward, a second chance.
For a child to qualify for this goodwill funded project, they must be between the ages 16 and 21 and they much have a Department of Juvenile Justice background. But just because a kid started down the wrong path does not mean that he cannot turn around. One of the first steps the organization takes is to enroll the participant in job ready classes. The Boys and Girls club of America developed content to guide a three week program. It will teach the child everything from how to properly shake hands with an employer to how to correctly write a resume. “It’s a great program. It’s a building block for us. It’s the beginning, and it really sets the tone for the entire project,” urges Anna.
Stephanie Anna than provided proof. Jamal dropped out of high school in the tenth grade but his education level was significantly below that of a tenth grader. But after participating in Project Bridge, Jamal is now enrolled in college. Goodwill helped him graduate high school and taught him to drive a car. He completed an internship and was even offered a full time job. Anna said she ran into Jamal this morning and said “actually, he is happy.” That is what our country needs.
While the economy seems to be crumbling around us, it is imperative to help our youth. Once a child starts heading in the wrong direction, it is vital to intervene and give them the guidance they need to become an asset to the community and the country as a whole.