Category: The Goodwill Blog

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."

READ MORE from My Story: Nikkinta Murphy

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.

READ MORE from Feeling Patriotic? Show Your Pride by Shopping at Thrift Stores

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

Pia from Santa Cruz, CA, asks, “I put in 110 percent at work and overtime almost every day and have reputation as a hard worker. Now that my kids are out for the summer, I’d like to be better and balancing my work time and family time. Any suggestions?"

READ MORE from Seven Tips for Finding a Better Work-Life Balance

More than 100 teens from 29 parishes in north and central Louisiana got a little taste of reality during Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana’s (Shreveport) Reality City event. During the event, youth encountered real-life scenarios, including buying a car, renting or buying a house, applying for car insurance and health insurance, buying groceries and clothing, putting children in daycare, going to the doctor and more.

READ MORE from LA Teens Experience Life as Adults at Goodwill® Reality Event

After leaving a longtime janitorial position, Troy -- an Army veteran -- had a hard time finding another job and feared losing everything he had worked toward. He connected with Goodwill and learned valuable employment skills such as how to operate a cash register. He's now been employed with Goodwill for over a year and is happy with the new life he has build for himself.

READ MORE from My Story: Troy Wilkinson

With my closets bursting at the seams, I knew that I really needed some more storage for clothing, and I was going to have to be creative about where I was going to put that storage. I headed to my local Goodwill thrift store and, when I found this old buffet and dresser, I fell in love. I measured them and they were perfect. The only problem was they were really beat up.

READ MORE from A Tale of Two Dressers: How to Turn Thrift Furniture into Signature Pieces

Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.

READ MORE from Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let’s Not Forget about Jobs

Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.

READ MORE from Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let's Not Forget about Jobs

Leanne from Burlington, VT, asks, "I need to do community service to meet my high school requirement. Will this help me build my résumé?”

READ MORE from How to Include Volunteer Experience on Your Résumé

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest (based in Spokane, WA) recently collected an estimated 256,000 pounds of televisions, computers, monitors and other household electronics -- more than they process in two months -- in a single day, thanks to a partnership with its regional NBC affiliate.

READ MORE from WA Goodwill Collects Two Months of E-Waste in a Single Day