Looking at how I could move forward in life and what my next step was, I knew that education was something that had to be done. As far as what I could do, I wasn’t sure. I knew that I had little money and I had little time, but I needed something that would catapult me into a career where I could support my children and move forward in life.
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Five-Minute Fixes (Part Two)
Are you ready for another adventure in thrifting? This week, let’s talk about how it’s possible to be incredibly busy (and even a little bit lazy, if you’re anything like me…) and still accomplish your own DIY projects! The secret is to find thrift store treasures that are mostly cool, but just need a little love. Then with a few minutes and a plan, you’ll be able to turn it into something really special. When I spot something at Goodwill that interests me, but needs a facelift, I often consider doing one of the following: painting it, repurposing it, or trimming it. One of those three options usually yields a unique project that I am really proud of.
Job Seekers Win In President’s Final Budget
On Tuesday, President Obama put forth his final budget, for FY 2017, in which he proposed increases in several workforce programs. Overall, the budget tops the four trillion dollar mark at $4.15 trillion, higher than his last budget but most of the increase is allocated toward Social Security and Medicare.
Mini-Documentaries Tackle Big Topics of Race and Diversity
“Work for All,” is a collection of 11 mini-documentaries (each running between approximately 3-15 minutes). Produced by the National Film Board of Canada and with the participation of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the examines topics of racism and diversity in the workplace through multiple lenses.
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Mid-Century Marvels
So I must admit I was late to hop on the Mad Men train. Ever the mid-mod fan, people kept telling me the show was right up my alley, yet for some reason I resisted. When I finally made the effort to watch, I instantly felt right at home.
“Make the Call” Following Super Bowl 50
This week’s Iowa Caucus and the upcoming New Hampshire primary on February 9 bookend the biggest sports spectacle in history - the NFL Super Bowl. On February 7, 190 million people are expected to watch this year’s game. Even people who don’t like football, or sports in general, usually find themselves drawn to the phenomenon that is pro football’s showcase event.
Fostering Diversity of Thought for Creative Business Solutions
What if the next best idea or great app for your company is just waiting to be revealed, but the employee who created it is not a part of the conversation because their title just doesn’t fit with your idea of who should be in the room? Gallup surveys show that 68 percent of U.S. employees are either “not engaged” or “actively disengaged”—resulting in lost organizational productivity and industry competitiveness. Keeping this in mind, a growing number of companies have open platforms for anyone in or outside of the organization to submit ideas.
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My Story: Martha Lugo
Martha Lugo is a graduate of Goodwill of San Antonio’s (TX) Good Career Academy. Prior to joining the program she was a Class B truck driver, but lacked the confidence to obtain a Class A license. Below she shares the experience, which led her to Goodwill and on a path toward home ownership.
Show Some Love for Valentine’s Day with Goodwill® Finds
How will you spread the love this Valentine’s Day? Of course choosing a sweet card for your love and spending time together is a must. If you’re rocking the single life, doing something special to love yourself is essential. But spreading a little love with your community is a great step to take, too, and it’s as easy as shopping at Goodwill! Every 27 seconds of every business day, a person served by Goodwill earns a good job. Every three seconds, another person accesses Goodwill opportunities to build careers and strong families. You can be a part of that just by shopping at Goodwill for Valentine’s Day goodies like these.
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The Earned Income Tax Credit Works for You
We work hard every day. Doesn’t it only make sense that your hard work shouldn’t be punished by the federal government? Well last December Congress approved a sweeping set of tax policies affecting businesses and individuals. After months of difficult negotiations the final bill was set for passage. Among the tax policies Congress approved was a change that made permanent Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Goodwill is supporting the EITC during Assets & Opportunity Network’s Week of Action, and this Friday, January 29 is EITC Awareness Day.
Leave Your Mark: Ideas for Updating Thrifted Items with a Sharpie
Time, energy, and money are three things that, if you’re anything like us, are always lacking. So we’re constantly looking for quick and easy ways to update thrifty items into one of-a-kind treasures. When our belongings and surroundings look good, we feel better about them and are able to live a more inspired life. That’s why I’m so excited today to share a few ideas for updating almost anything with one inexpensive tool that you probably already own: the sharpie.
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Secure Your Financial Present and Future with a Week of Action
We have all heard about how the economy is growing, how the recovery has created millions of new jobs and how unemployment is plummeting to historic lows. So then, why do so many Americans not just feel, but know, that all is not as the numbers would indicate? Next week, join Goodwill® as we partner with the first Assets & Opportunity National Week of Action, along with the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and Credit Builders Alliance (CBA).
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Build A One-Of-A-Kind Halloween Fit With Our Costume Planner

