Category: The Goodwill Blog

Wall Street Mission Goodwill Industries (Sioux City, IA) recently celebrated the launch of its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program aimed at finding employment for homeless veterans in Sioux Falls, SD. The Sioux City Goodwill plans to enroll 55 homeless veterans in the program. When many of these veterans return home from active duty, they become chronically homeless, living out of cars, outside or on friends’ couches. Of the Sioux Falls area’s homeless population, veterans make up 11 to 20 percent.

READ MORE from Homeless Veterans to Get Leg Up from Goodwill® in Sioux Falls, SD

Kris, who has cerebral palsy, had a hard time finding an employer who would allow him to prove he could work, until Goodwill gave him a chance. Since getting hired, he's proved his ability as a donor and greeter, and has gained personal and financial independence.

READ MORE from My Story: Kris Jacques

I found this not-so-broken chair at my local Goodwill® store. I thought this chair would look good on the front porch. It's always good to have an extra chair for guests, and if I put it next to the door, it would be a great place to remove muddy shoes. Even though it looked like someone had used it as a step stool and broke the caning, the chair's frame was sturdy. It just needed a new seat.

READ MORE from Give Thrifted Chairs a New Life

With Election Day only weeks away and having just passed a temporary spending measure that averted a government shutdown from occurring at the end of this week, most members of Congress are on the campaign trail convincing voters like you to give them their vote. Goodwill faces more immediate questions about whether policymakers will come together to avoid deep automatic spending cuts scheduled for early January and how vital domestic services and programs will be impacted.

READ MORE from While Election Looms, Bipartisan Efforts Still Needed to Avoid the Fiscal Cliff

Mecca from Fargo, ND, asks, "I got fired from my last job. How do I explain that in a job interview?"

READ MORE from Getting Hired after Being Fired: Job Interview Tips

Low view of football player catching the ballAre you ready for some football? Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake are celebrating the sports season by renewing their relationships with local National Football League (NFL) teams in order to make a greater impact in their communities.

READ MORE from NFL Teams Support Goodwill® Efforts in Detroit, Baltimore

Stephanie separated from her husband and had a hard time making ends meet and supporting her daughters. Goodwill's Beyond Jobs program for single mothers helped connect her to training and employment opportunities, and taught her how to budget. She now has a full-time job and a house for her two girls. She says, "It feels good to know all my hard work has paid off."

READ MORE from My Story: Stephanie Gayle

It’s that time of year again…the weather is changing, and we need to dress differently. Even in Texas where I live, we are wearing long sleeves some evenings already, which is a welcome adjustment from the blazing heat! Each year when you pull out those bulky sweaters and coats or put them away, you have an opportunity to make decisions about what to keep. Your closet is one of the first things you see every morning, and making it easier on yourself to choose clothing quickly and get on your way can make every day start out better.

READ MORE from Get Organized for the Seasonal Switcheroo

On September 13, the House of Representatives passed a six-month extension of government funding that carries federal funding for FY 2013 through next March 27. The funding measure, approved by a vote of 329-91, includes a 0.6 percent increase in funding for most federal programs. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week.

READ MORE from Fiscal Issues Are Congress' September Priority

On September 13, the House of Representatives passed a six-month extension of government funding that carries federal funding for FY 2013 through next March 27. The funding measure, approved by a vote of 329-91, includes a 0.6 percent increase in funding for most federal programs. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week.

READ MORE from Fiscal Issues Are Congress’ September Priority

Bill from El Paso, TX, asks “I have a felony charge from 11 years ago. How do I explain that to an employer?”

READ MORE from Explaining a Criminal Background When Seeking a Job

Goodwill officials pose with B. Howard at donation collection event.It’s official! Goodwill Southern California (Los Angeles) and partners NBC4 and Universal Studios Hollywood set a new world record for the most usable goods donations received in a 24-hour period. The donation drive, which was a promoted as a celebration of Earth Day 2012, recently received confirmation that the 27,290 pounds of items it collected set a Guinness World Record.

READ MORE from LA Goodwill Sets World Record with More Than 13 Tons of Donations