GOALS Program Helps Willmar Teen Stay Motivated

Goodwill/Easter Seals Youth Programs help at-risk teens succeed.

For teens like Jose, the GOALS Youth Program can mean the difference between dropping out of high-school and finding success as a productive member of the community. Jose struggled with drug and alcohol addiction when he was referred in February 2010 to Goodwill/Easter Seals’ GOALS Program in Willmar.

As a part of the program, Goodwill/Easter Seals staff assist at-risk youth in identifying and setting goals for their lives. Youth meet with staff to problem solve and determine what goals they would like to set for themselves. In scheduled one-to-one meetings, the staff and volunteers provide support and assistance to the participant in follow through and redevelopment of the plan as needed.

Since being involved in the GOALS program Jose has met 36 of his 37 goals.  He has focused on school-work, not using alcohol or drugs, and getting his driver’s permit.  Recently he also began working at the Goodwill store in Willmar through the School Work Experience Program! He has been there almost four weeks and already his managers and co-workers are very pleased with his performance.  Jose has been and continues to be highly motivated to make positive changes in his life.

The successes of this program have not gone unnoticed and recently the GOALS Program in Willmar has received new attention and public support. Through the Minnesota Department of Education and Economic Development (DEED), the GOALS program was awarded a Youth Innovation Grant in the amount of $100,000 to implement the GOALS and Work Experience Program contracting model with youth with disabilities.  Additionally, GOALS was fortunate to receive a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation for $100,000!