Tax Season Can Also Mean Tax Identity Theft – How You Can Protect Yourself

Reggie from Detroit, MI, asks, "With all of the data breach stories hitting the news lately, I'm getting nervous about filing my taxes. How can I make sure that my personal data and information is kept safe?"

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Local Goodwills Reduce Energy Use, Return Money to Mission

Goodwill Industries International has organized a new Energy Challenge among its members, running from July 2013-June 2014. Forty-seven Goodwill agencies are currently working to reduce their energy consumption and related costs, benchmarking data for more than 700 Goodwill facilities. Read on to learn about some of the benefits that the early adopters of the challenge reaped.

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My Story – Carol Newberry

After a 11-year career with Goodwill, Carol took some time off following the unexpected death of her husband. Goodwill later welcomed her back and she now works as a vocational evaluator / case manager, where she helps people learn about their skills and re-enter the workforce. "I firmly believe that each and every one of us understands Goodwill’s mission, and that we live it each and every day," she says.

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Congress Passes Farm Bill – SNAP Cuts Minimized

After years of wrangling capped by a surprise defeat last year in the House, Congress finally mustered the votes to clear a five-year reauthorization of the farm bill. The bill includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Under the bill, funding for SNAP would be cut by $8 billion over the next decade. The cuts are slightly higher than the $4 billion reduction in the original Senate farm bill but far less than the $40 billion reduction advocated by House Republicans.

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In Tacoma, Art Donation Earns $23,000 to Support Goodwill’s Mission

Tacoma Goodwill Industries (WA) recently raised more than $23,000 from the online sale of a collection of donated African art sold online at shopgoodwill.com. An anonymous donor left 55 artifacts at the Port Townsend Goodwill store in October.

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In Tacoma, Art Donation Earns $23,000 to Support Goodwill's Mission

Tacoma Goodwill Industries (WA) recently raised more than $23,000 from the online sale of a collection of donated African art sold online at shopgoodwill.com. An anonymous donor left 55 artifacts at the Port Townsend Goodwill store in October.

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My Story: Amanda Ferraris and Shayla Cajero

Amanda Ferraris serves as a mentor for Shayla Cajero through Goodwill of Southern Arizona's GoodGuides youth mentoring program.

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Keep Kids Entertained with DIY Games from Goodwill®

After agreeing to host my nephews and niece for a subzero winter overnight, I began to worry about the entertainment possibilities. I was determined that we wouldn’t spend the evening in front of the television, so I bundled up, got in the car and headed up to one of my favorite Goodwill® stores. I thought we could just do a craft of some kind. I would buy some wooden odds and ends and get out paint, glitter, glue, etc. The wood aisle at Goodwill always supplies my needs, so that’s where I headed. But right before my eyes, I spotted a shelf/coat hanger combination piece made from pine, that had three holes in one side. I didn’t spend time trying to figure out what it was used for in the past, but instantly thought of the possibility of making a Goodwill-sourced cornhole game. BINGO! Entertainment idea solved.

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What the President’s State of the Union Address Means for Goodwill® Advocates

The White House has referred to the theme of President Obama’s State of the Union (SOTU) as “Opportunity for All.”  While watching, I was able to identify a number of opportunities for Goodwill® advocates to advance efforts that support the people we serve. Depending on which news channel you follow and which papers you read,

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Dropouts Get a Second Chance at Indianapolis Charter School

Since Indianapolis Goodwill's Excel Center charter school opened in 2010, more than 400 adults have earned their diplomas through the program.

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My Story – Samantha de Roque

After surviving an assault, and bout with breast cancer, Samantha's outlook on life was left with very little hope. Ready for her life to get back on track Samantha took an opportunity through Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program. Through this program Samantha was able to gain employment and rebuild hope for her future.

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Déjà Vu Donations: When Well-Loved Items Hit Thrift Store Racks

Having been a thrifter and thrift store donor for so long-- and having met so many thrifters in my travels-- there's one question I often get: "Do you ever see stuff you've donated out for sale?" And the answer is pretty often, actually.

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