Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, OCD and a mild intellectual disability, Jennifer McGrath had limited job skills when she was referred to Goodwill. Her father, Donald, shares how she blossomed in the program and. "To see my daughter working at Goodwill has been like a miracle. I didn't expect that she would be able to come so far, so fast."
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Thrift Stores: Where Nothing Is Ever Discontinued
When I registered for dishes all those years ago, I wanted dishes I’d actually use and not just look at. The ones I decided on were simple, adorable and apparently (unbeknownst to me) about to be discontinued. That’s why I nearly had a fit when I spotted a pile of my discontinued wedding dishes NEW WITH THE TAGS for sale on an endcap at the Goodwill.
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Collaboration Is Key to Doing More with Less
In recent years, the pool of resources for human services, including job training, has been steadily evaporating despite increased need. In the case of job training, federal funding for job training has steadily eroded over the last decade. Since 2002, funding for the Workforce Investment Act's (WIA) core funding streams has declined by $1 billion — more than 25 percent. Meanwhile unemployment was 5.8 percent in 2002, compared to 8.1 percent in 2012. As a result practitioners are asking themselves, “How do we do more with less?”
After the Interview: How to Send a Follow-Up Message
Roger from Dallas, TX, asks, “I finished school earlier this year and am applying for jobs in full force this summer. My mom says that I should send a card in the mail after each interview, but a friend in the business says email follow-ups are fine. What do you think?”
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In Orange County, Goodwill Launches Program to Tout the Benefits of Hiring Veterans
On June 28, Goodwill of Orange County (Santa Ana, CA) launched Enduring Independence – a national pilot program focused on highlighting the business justification for hiring young veterans. To kick off the program, the agency hosted a golf tournament and presented an iconic military leader with its first service award.The program educates employers about the 10 advantages that make hiring a veteran a smart business decision.
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My Story: Diane Joiner
After her son was murdered, Diane turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. She was arrested for drug possession in 2010 and went to jail, where she decided it was time to turn her life around. Through her connections, she connected with Goodwill. "They gave me a clean slate, they didn't look at my background and they didn't judge me," Diane says.
Give the Gift of Time with Recycled Clocks
It’s nearly impossible for me to go into my favorite Goodwill® stores and NOT go look at the clock shelf. I guess you could say it’s become my latest obsession. It’s irresistible. There are so many ways to transform orphaned clocks into reworked and restyled fabulous, modern works of wall art. Besides the fact that your own space could benefit from a handmade mod clock, think of how popular you’d be with your friends and family when you start giving these away as your signature gifts! You’ll find oodles of donated clocks at Goodwill stores, as well as all kinds of other found objects to create truly unique, as well as interesting, decorative conversation pieces.
Despite Senate Advancement, FY 2014 Funding Prognosis Uncertain
This week, Senate appropriators are working to advance a bill that would provide $164.3 billion in discretionary budget authority for the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education. Compared to the FY 2013 level, the amount proposed by the bill would result in a $156.5 billion increase. In addition, the Senate bill is nearly 26 percent more than the $121.8 billion provided by the House version. Beyond this week, the prognosis for the bill’s advancement is murky.
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Keep More of Your Money by Avoiding ATM Surcharges
Carmine from Santa Cruz, CA, asks, “I don’t have easy access to the bank and end up relying on ATMs a lot to get cash. I’m tired of paying their fees! What can I do to keep more of my money?”
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My Story: Rosa Barbarito
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rosa was entrusted with top secret information and served her country for three years. After becoming pregnant, she left the military and embarked on a retail career. She found her way to Goodwill, where she's worked for the last four years. "Seeing people's lives change is what makes me happy," she says.
In TX, Goodwill Influences Adult Diploma Legislation from Start to Finish
Thanks in part to the efforts of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) recently signed into law three bills that will benefit adult learners in the state. While the agency worked hard to move all the legislation through, it proposed and had a hand in crafting SB 1142, which enables adults over the age of 26 to earn a high school diploma as an alternative option to a general educational development (GED) certificate.
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DIY: How to Turn a Thrifted Dress into One of Summer’s Trendy Looks
Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! Summer is in full effect and everywhere I look, I see stripes, stripes, stripes! Summer and stripes go hand in hand, whether it’s done in a nautical way or in a seersucker variety.
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