While he maintains a certain level of independence through his three-day job at McDonalds in Berwick and involvement in drama and sports, Keith's goal is to one day move out of home.

Mentoring Connections, an initiative for adults with Down syndrome, is a collaboration between government, business and the community sector, and which is aimed at assisting participants set and achieve goals.

With funding from the Department of Human Services and The Jack Brockhoff Foundation, Down Syndrome Victoria has brought together senior business people from a range of industries who will contribute their time and expertise to the program.

Mentoring Connections ambassador Ann Sherry said the program would improve awareness about the capabilities of people with Down syndrome and encourage greater community inclusion. "Many adults with Down syndrome live productive, independent lives.

"They work and cook and have relationships.

"They need to recognise their own worth and have that worth recognised by others, just like everyone else,'' she said.

Over a five-month period, those involved in the program will meet with their mentors fortnightly and work together towards achieving a goal set by the adult with Down syndrome.

Keith's mother, Judy, said she was excited to be part of the program, which would help to widen his world.

Mentors meet with participants to discuss hopes and dreams, and determine what they want out of the partnership.

They then extract specific goals to work on.

Mrs Giles said Keith was already heavily involved in the community through his job and social activities, but hoped to benefit from the advice and experience of an independent mentor.

Launching the program on June 20, Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said the aim was to foster an understanding within the business community of the employment potential of people with Down syndrome, and which would eventually lead to more employment opportunities for young people.