I’m Marisa Lynch and I’m the blogger behind newdressaday.com and author of New Dress A Day: The Ultimate DIY Guide to Creating Fashion Dos from Thrift-Store Don’ts where I turn lots of not-so-hot thrifted and garage sale-d garments into fashion beauties. I’m thrilled to be a part of Goodwill’s blogging community and bring fab fashion finds your way all through the magic of Goodwill and its mission. I owe many thanks to Goodwill for allowing me a place to sift and sort through racks of color-coordinated goodies as well as for being my go-to spot to donate things that I’m just not using anymore.
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Goodwill Urges Policymakers to Protect Job Training Investments
When Congress failed to avert automatic spending cuts, otherwise known as “sequestration,” in early March, it felt like a non-event for many. While the airwaves were littered with the news and predictions of its impact, for people on Main Street USA, life went on pretty much as usual. This week, however, the airwaves and headlines were full of content about automatic spending cuts, causing air traffic controllers to be furloughed, resulting in flight delays.
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Find a Job at Goodwill’s Virtual Career Fair
Ryan from Columbus, OH, asks, "I'm really in need of a job and feel like I've exhausted my options. I've looked in the papers, on online job sites and through social media with little luck. Is there anything I'm overlooking? I'm close to giving up."
Find a Job at Goodwill's Virtual Career Fair
Ryan from Columbus, OH, asks, "I'm really in need of a job and feel like I've exhausted my options. I've looked in the papers, on online job sites and through social media with little luck. Is there anything I'm overlooking? I'm close to giving up."
Volunteer-Based Financial Literacy Program Empowers Goodwill® Employees
A couple years ago, Goodwill Industries International instituted a program to help low-income individuals gain financial stability thanks to a grant from the Charles Schwab Foundation. In 2010, as part of this Schwab grant, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana (Indianapolis) partnered with the Indianapolis Charles Schwab office to pilot the volunteer-based financial education program, Good Assets. Local Charles Schwab employees, as well as Goodwill® staff, teach financial education in a group setting. They also serve as financial coaches, meeting one-on-one with participants to advise on financial needs and goals. A financial coach’s roles include facilitating realistic goals, enhancing accountability and providing opportunities for practice so that participants can ultimately develop their own financial goals.
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My Story: Jeremy Davidson
When Jeremy graduated high school, he knew he wanted to find "a job he liked forever," but wasn't sure what it was. Goodwill helped him zero in on his career goals and he now says he wants to work at Goodwill for the rest of his life. "My job has shown me how wonderful it is to give to others," he says.
From Tragedy to Resiliency: Incorporating Stories into Advocacy Efforts
Like many Americans, the Boston Marathon bombings have led me to experience a roller coaster of emotions. One journalist noted that marathons are a place where news bumps into you. One doesn't have to seek out a story. A colleague from another organization asked me if I had a standard presentation on incorporating stories into advocacy and I pointed him in the direction of our My Story initiative. I ask you to share your uplifting story, think about how you weave those stories into your advocacy, and be sure to recognize when news bumps into you.
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Tweet Your Way to Your Next Job Opportunity
Madison from Miami, FL, asks, “I’m having zero luck applying for jobs through regular job sites. I’m thinking I need to try something new. Should I try to do something on social media?”
‘All Thrifty States’ Comes to the East Coast with Goodwill Industries® as Educational Partner
Jenna Isaacson—independent visual journalist, Goodwill® blogger and lover of all things thrift—recently left Washington, DC, on a thrifting expedition for her documentary photo project All Thrifty States: A Visual Journey through America’s Collective Closets. Goodwill Industries is an educational partner and sponsor of the project and upcoming book that demonstrate how purchasing used items is not only environmentally friendly, but a healthy alternative to the consumerism that has pushed Americans’ spending habits to the max.
My Story: Faith Weaver
Faith, who has a musculoskeletal birth defect, had been looking for full-time work for five years when she came to Goodwill. After completing vocational rehabilitation training, she was hired full-time as an administrative assistant and now dreams of going back to school and owning her own business.
Give Old Furniture a New Life with Fabric and Mod Podge
So, you thrifted a piece of furniture that you love, but it needs a serious facelift. If the size, design, and functionality are perfect for your needs, but the unfinished or outdated surface could use a little work, here’s an idea for you: add fabric instead of paint! This is such a fun way to
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Project Declutter: Spring Cleaning Challenge!
What if a magazine sent a professional organizer to your home for a huge makeover? This April’s issue of Woman’s Day kicked off the first in a four-part series called “Project Declutter.” I worked with two families, one in Illinois and one in Michigan, and we tackled their closets, kitchens, home offices and other trouble spots. I’m so excited to share the results!
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