Category: The Goodwill Blog

In a previous blog, I discussed key factors to consider when embarking on a new career path or job search. I also introduced readers to O*Net and My Next Move. I have walked alongside individuals on their journey to success. There are definite opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of job satisfaction. Still, I also understand that this process can bring uncertainty and fear of the unknown. O*Net and My Next Move are websites with tools that will empower you to make well-informed, data-driven decisions. You can proceed on your career journey with confidence and assurance that you are on the right path instead of letting uncertainty and fear hold you back.

READ MORE from Navigating Your Career Path: A Guide to O*Net and My Next Move

We’re happy to share Jose’s story in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. When faced with a problem, you find a solution. That's the mindset that Jose has had his entire life. At just one-year-old, he began to lose his vision. Doctors never told him why, but over time, he progressively became more visually impaired. In 2008, he moved to America from Mexico when he was still young.

READ MORE from My Goodwill Story: Jose Mendoza

There’s a lot we can learn from the Barbie movie, which has caused a resurgence of all things feminine and pink. A celebration of women, friendship, and life, the movie reminds us that we should be empowered to be strong in our beliefs and that pink does go with everything. As the Barbiecore trend continues to be popular into the fall, it’s time to think about ways that you can integrate pink into your everyday life, including home decor and party decor.

READ MORE from Thriftable DIY Barbie Home Decor That Will Help You Dance The Night Away

For many Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer, the start of a new school year, and one last chance to enjoy the nice weather while gathered with family and friends over the long weekend. It’s also a time to take stock of the state of our nation’s workforce and how we can collectively work to improve employment and economic outcomes for all job seekers and career advancers.

READ MORE from A Labor Day Message to Protect Workforce Funding

This blog covers networking. What is it? Who does it? Find out the answers to these questions as well as why it is a good strategy not only for finding work but also for meeting new people and advancing your career, too. If you want to learn more, continue reading.

READ MORE from Why You Should Think About Networking in a New Way, and Put it to Good Use

Damarya Williams is a young woman who was destined for greatness. That’s until she found herself in legal trouble. Like many, she was overcome with peer pressure and succumbed to some unfavorable actions. Damarya paid for her mistakes and started to focus on making things right. When she was assigned to a pre-trial intervention case worker, she heard about the LifeLaunch program at Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (Greenville).

READ MORE from My Story: Damarya Williams

As summer draws to a close, beach days turn into back to school shopping as a new school year approaches. The anticipation of starting another year of classroom learning can cause mixed emotions, for both children and parents. Some children may look forward to seeing friends more regularly, while others may feel more wary about saying goodbye to a summer of fun and returning to a structured learning environment. Either way, as a parent, there are many ways to help your child reignite their love for learning.

READ MORE from Get Your Child Excited About Returning to the Classroom With this Back-to-School Confidence Boost

In part 3 of our blog series on stackable credentials, we will delve deeper into the world of stackable credentials with an overview of Google’s Business certificate programs. Business stackable credentials have become prevalent as individuals seek to enhance their skills to enter or advance their careers in the industry. Google's five business certificate programs include: Google Project Management, Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, Google Data Analytics, Google Business Intelligence, and Google Advanced Data Analytics. This blog will provide an overview of these five certificates and best practices for completion. Join us for part 3 of this 3-part blog series as we further explore the stackable credential world and see how they can be essential to new opportunities.

READ MORE from Start or Advance Your Career With Stackable Google Career Certificates: Google Business Certificates

This week marks the first anniversary of the signing of the CHIPS and Science Act, the bipartisan legislation that invests in domestic semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing to promote America’s global competitiveness. The law also seeks to create job opportunities in high-growth industries and upskill workers to meet the demand.

READ MORE from CHIPS Act Anniversary Spotlights Good Jobs and Workforce Partnerships

This blog covers interview strategies that are beneficial to formerly incarcerated individuals. It can be daunting to think about ways in which to discuss highly stigmatized realities like past imprisonment, but it is not impossible. Being introspective and prepared can both help you to identify creative ways to share these hard truths in a way that won’t hurt your chances of getting hired. To learn more, keep reading.

READ MORE from Preparing and Implementing Effective Interviewing Strategies for Justice-Involved Citizens

On January 10, 2022, Julian enrolled in a program that changed his life. “Before I came to Goodwill, I hadn’t been on a good path and I hadn’t held a job. I got out of prison and didn’t have a plan,” Julian said. In March, Julian began a six-week CDL certification through a partnership with Michigan Works. Shortly following Julian’s successful completion of the CDL certification, he was offered a job position.

READ MORE from My Story: Julian

As Congress enters the August recess, Members have a limited window to pass critical fiscal year 2024 (FY24) appropriations bills before the September 30th deadline. However, significant disagreements between the House and Senate on funding levels are putting the future of essential programs of importance to Goodwill and the people we serve in jeopardy.

READ MORE from Tell Congress to Protect Workforce Development Funding