When you think of vintage style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor or Grace Kelly what comes to mind? Aside from their timeless beauty and sophistication, there is another factor that they all have in common: the scarf. From atop their heads to around their handbags, it was a rare instance that a beautiful silk scarf was not seen adorning one of these ladies’ outfits in one way or another.
READ MORE from Thrift Store Scarves: The Perfect Outfit Accessory
On Wednesday, July 18, the U.S. House of Representatives appropriations subcommittee voted 8-6 to approve its spending bill for FY 2013. Last week, we encouraged you to urge your members of Congress to protect funding for these programs. There is still time to take action.
READ MORE from House Protects Investments in Job Training Programs – Action Still Needed
Eloise from Naples, FL, asks, “I just got offered a promotion, but if I take it, I’ll lose my housing benefit. I don’t think I can swing rent on my own in this city. What are my options?"
READ MORE from Career Catch-22: What to Do When a Promotion Threatens Your Benefits
Low-income individuals with chronic mental health challenges in the Madison, WI, area are benefiting from expanded housing opportunities, thanks to a new apartment building recently opened by Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin
READ MORE from Goodwill Expands Housing for People with Mental Illness in Wisconsin
Francis struggled to maintain a job due to long-term mental health challenges. Goodwill helped him acclimate to working in an office, providing strategies and outlets for him to manage stress. He now works full-time with Goodwill and feels his mental health will stay strong as long as he is working.
When I poke through my local Goodwill® retail stores, I’m often a little sad to see the piles of picture frames that have been donated and are just waiting to find a new home. They once held photographs of family members, collage-d memories or documents of note for an individual or an entire household. This month I set out to find an alternate purpose for some of the members of this picture frame graveyard.
READ MORE from Thrift Shop Picture Frames Offer Oodles of Decorating Possibilities
Earlier this week, NPR highlighted the struggles of low-income people in Reading, PA, and the nonprofit agencies that serve them. The day after the report was released, I visited Reading while visiting Goodwill Keystone Area to tour its new facility and meet people that Goodwill® who are overcoming their employment challenges with support from Goodwill.
READ MORE from Despite Hard Times, Goodwill® Works to Provide Opportunities
Frank from Las Cruces, NM asks “I'm a senior that's just returned to work. How can I stay on top of new technology in the office?"
Thirty-one program participants with developmental disabilities have lost more than 165 pounds since August 2011, thanks to the ‘Get Fit Club’ health and exercise initiative implemented by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast (FL). To combat the weight gain and low energy participants experienced due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise, the Goodwill® has added exercise breaks and nutrition education as part of their six-hour work shifts.
READ MORE from Workers with Disabilities Stay Fit in Florida Goodwill Health Program
When Nikkinta was released from prison, she needed a job but didn't know where to turn. Project Re-entry, an initiative between Goodwill and other organizations, taught her how to look for a job, fill out an application and interview. After finding a job, Nikkinta now says "Never give up on yourself, no matter what happens."
Every time July 4 rolls around, I’m reminded of three things: American flag sunglasses, cakes decorated with berries and watching the sky burst with bright, patriotic colors as I nurse my most recent farmer’s tan. It’s also the time of year that reminds me that so much of what I’ve seen in thrift stores are products made in America as well as items that let us display our national pride.
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This week, members of Congress returned home to their states and districts for the July 4 holiday, a day which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document states that we have certain inalienable rights including life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness; yet, more than 8 percent of the workforce lacks one of the tools needed to pursue happiness – a job.
READ MORE from The Pursuit of Happiness Starts with a Good Job
