Category: The Goodwill Blog

While “omnibus” isn’t the way most people spell relief, in our nation’s capital nothing short of a huge sigh of relief was felt as the $1.1 trillion FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill that funds every nook and cranny of the federal government passed the House and Senate by significant margins and headed for the president’s desk last week. And like most things that manage to pass Congress these days, there was a little something for everyone to like — and dislike — about the bill.

READ MORE from How Does Washington Spell Relief? O-m-n-i-b-u-s

David learned more than he bargained for when he volunteered at his local Goodwill making phone calls. He quickly started to realize the impact he was having on those in his community. After only six weeks he had gained an an understanding and perspective that would change his life.

READ MORE from My Story – David Majors

It’s common knowledge that weddings are expensive. But until I began planning my own, I didn’t realize how expensive. Stunned by the ridiculous sums I was facing, I proclaimed almost immediately that Ryan and my wedding would be thrifty and do-it-yourself. There is so much to think about from big things like location and menu to the little things that are easily overlooked (but can be surprisingly pricey) like tablecloths, ceremony programs and even cake cutting fees! Goodwill® to the rescue!

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This week, Congress has been working to adopt a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will finalize government funding for the remainder of FY 2014. The bill has advanced in an uncharacteristically bipartisan manner, without finger pointing, bickering or threats of a government shutdown. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will not

READ MORE from As Congress Averts Crisis, Goodwill® Helps Heroes Get Hired

At the Urban Career Academy, a partnership between Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas and the University of Missouri Institute for Human Development, students with disabilities explore careers in accounting, human resources and retail.

READ MORE from Career Academy Offers Students with Disabilities Hands-On and Classroom Learning

When Liz Morris began to lose her vision, she lost her independence. Not one to give up in light of a challenge, she gained the knowledge needed to begin her new life. After 10 years of unemployment Liz reached out to Goodwill for help to jumpstart her professional career.

READ MORE from My Story: Liz Morris

Recently, President Obama talked about the need for stability in Washington. I trust he wasn’t talking about the Washington Monument and National Cathedral, both of which became a little wobbly after the earthquake. I’m pretty sure he was talking about the need for Congress to take care of routine business, like passing budgets and appropriations bills, reauthorizing certain laws like the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), generally not terrorizing the world over not raising the debt limit, things like that. And perhaps Congress already got the message.

READ MORE from Stability in Washington—a “Monumental” Task?

Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! It’s the holiday season, so that means there’s lots of travel going on. Suitcases get packed -- as do the flights home -- and sometimes those suitcases don’t make it to the final destination! I was inspired to craft this month’s post about what to do when it’s YOU who doesn’t see your suitcase on the carousel. One of my biggest nightmares is being the last one standing in the baggage claim area, watching the rest of my flight mates head out of the airport with their luggage, and then seeing the carousel stop, wondering, “But where’s my rolling suitcase?”

READ MORE from Lost Your Luggage? Replace Your Suitcase Contents for Less at Goodwill®

Earlier this month, freshly stuffed with turkey and cranberry sauce, millions of Americans mapped out their early Black Friday morning shopping strategies. Just hours after giving thanks for the things they already have, many of them huddled in tents on cold, hard, strip-mall sidewalks -- ironically -- to get more stuff. Not me. Last year’s first Secondhand Sunday had me looking forward to this year’s post-Thanksgiving trip to the thrift store even more.

READ MORE from Here's What This Year's Second Annual Secondhand Sunday Had in Store

Earlier this month, freshly stuffed with turkey and cranberry sauce, millions of Americans mapped out their early Black Friday morning shopping strategies. Just hours after giving thanks for the things they already have, many of them huddled in tents on cold, hard, strip-mall sidewalks -- ironically -- to get more stuff. Not me. Last year’s first Secondhand Sunday had me looking forward to this year’s post-Thanksgiving trip to the thrift store even more.

READ MORE from Here’s What This Year’s Second Annual Secondhand Sunday Had in Store

Tanyel quit her job to attend to the needs of her children, specifically, her son with a disability, while her husband worked. Not working caused her to fall into a depression. She saw a commercial for Goodwill's services and later connected with the agency in Omaha for a six-month customer service training. She landed an internship,which then led to permanent employment that allows her to still attend to her son's needs when needed.

READ MORE from My Story: Tanyel Johnson

High school sweethearts Rachael and Sean came together at Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley as transitioning youth looking to build a career foundation for their future and reach their dream of living independently. While at Goodwill, the two gained valuable skills, both professionally and personally as they matured into early adulthood. That knowledge supported them along their journey and helped each gain employment. With steady well-paying jobs, the two were well on their way to achieving the goal they had set for themselves.

READ MORE from Goodwill Helps MD Couple Get New Home for the Holidays