Category: The Goodwill Blog

As President Obama and Congressional leaders meet for the first time tomorrow to begin negotiations about avoiding the fiscal cliff — the combination of spending cuts and tax increases that will go into effect in 2013 if Congress does not act to avert them — Goodwill Industries International is monitoring the developments to see how key workforce programs and other services that support people we serve fare in the proposed solutions.

READ MORE from All Eyes on Washington as Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Begin

Ruthie from Cheyenne, WY, asks, "I'm a single mother, and my 16-year-old son recently told me he wants to drop out of high school. I'm devastated. Do you have any information about the importance of high school diplomas that might persuade him, or any other resources that might help keep him in school?"

READ MORE from Advice for Parents Whose Children Want to Drop Out of School

In the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, headquartered in Astoria, NY, has rallied to support local relief efforts. The agency is working with New York radio station WPLJ and Modell’s Sporting Goods Stores to collect goods in over 90 store locations and distribute much needed clothing throughout the Greater New York and New Jersey area. The NY/NJ Goodwill is also working with United Way and other organizations and shelters throughout the Northeast to receive and distribute much-needed items such as temporary mattresses, blankets, and basic survival items including water and blankets.

READ MORE from New York Goodwill Supports Recovery Following Hurricane Sandy

When Laura landed a job at Goodwill's leadership office out of graduate school, she was excited to be able to advocate on behalf of Goodwill and the people it serves. "I know our democracy works, and I've seen firsthand how the collective voice of supporters can influence policymakers," Laura says. "I am honored to be one of our loudest voices."

READ MORE from My Story: Laura Walling

Sean from Houston asks, “I separated from the military three months ago, and am searching for my first civilian job. I experience PTSD from my time in Afghanistan, and it could impact my work occasionally. How should I bring this up with an employer? I want to be honest, but don’t want to risk not getting hired.”

READ MORE from For Vets with PTSD, Finding the Right Job is Key

With the election behind us, Beltway insiders are spending the week trying to understand what happened, why, and how it will shape the legislative landscape. This year, despite the expenditure of about $1 billion and a lot of talk about voter dissatisfaction, the post-election landscape looks pretty much as it did before election night. So what does this all mean for Goodwill?

READ MORE from What Election Results Could Mean for Goodwill®

  Just as there are numerous fashion looks each season that can be thoroughly replicated with vintage pieces, there are also styles that can be recreated with a few simple DIY steps. Check any women’s section of a fast fashion retail store right now and I guarantee you’ll find more than one version of the

READ MORE from Recreate a Fashion Trend — the Asymmetrical Skirt

Goodwill's services for veterans and military families include job training and employment placement services to help them reintegrate into civilian society. But our support doesn't stop there. Many of our 165 Goodwill agencies in the U.S. and Canada provide support services to help these individuals overcome a variety of challenges and circumstances. In Spokane, WA, Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest works in conjunction with the Spokane County Veterans Enhanced Treatment Court to run the Spokane Veterans Forum (SVF). The program is the therapeutic side to the court and offers veterans that have become involved with the legal system an alternative to traditional sentencing.

READ MORE from WA Program Helps Vets with Trauma, Combat Histories Overcome Criminal Backgrounds

Latonya Thomas separated from the military at the time the economy was melting down, making it hard to find civilian employment. She had lost many of her assets and felt her life had plateaued when she was referred to Goodwill. She's now exploring new careers and working with staff to meet her educational and career goals and is optimistic about her future.

READ MORE from My Story: Latonya Thomas

I’ve been staring at this Ritz container my entire life. On sick days, my mom would reach into this tin and pull out a sleeve of crackers to keep me and my ginger ale company on the couch while we watched Little House on the Prairie. This year, while doing spring cleaning, she asked me if I wanted the old Ritz tin, and I couldn’t help but say yes. That got me thinking about how useful, versatile and gosh darn cute tins can be. So I set out in search of others (obviously I went to Goodwill first!).

READ MORE from Four Ideas to Give Old Tins a New Life

More Americans are going back to school, and more students than ever are qualifying for Pell Grants, the primary federal grant program that provides funding for low- and moderate-income students. As Goodwill® works to help the people it serves to not only find jobs, but to advance in careers, Pell Grants are becoming increasingly important to our efforts.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Leverages Pell Grants to Help People Advance in Careers

Juanita from Las Cruces, NM, asks, "My brother said I should take ESL classes to help me get a job, but I don’t know. Tell me about the classes. Do they really help?”

READ MORE from Advance Your Career, Education Opportunities with ESL Classes