Gradlin grew up in a tough area of Shreveport, LA where gang influence, frequent fights and peer pressure took its toll. After dropping out of high school, Gradlin was arrested for robbery. While incarcerated, Gradlin become involved with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. Hear how Gradlin overcome his criminal background and is now on a path to success.
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Action Needed to Demonstrate Support for Job Training
Federal spending is under an intense microscope this year. Unless Members of Congress hear clear support for the workforce system from stakeholders and others that support job training, it will likely be a tempting target for federal budget cuts. Spending and deficit reduction will likely be fiercely debated during this Congressional session, dominated by election-year
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Climb the Career Ladder by Finding a Good Mentor
Magdalene from Shreveport, LA, asks, "I'd like to move up the career ladder and think a mentor would help. How do I find a good mentor?"
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NC Goodwill® Exhibit Showcases Artists with Disabilities
For the fifth consecutive year, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont (NC) is teaming up with the Charlotte Art League (CAL) to showcase the work of artists from the Goodwill’s Employment Skills Training program. This year’s ‘Color My Dreams’ exhibit, open daily through March 30, showcases more than 70 pieces of art including drawings, paintings and mosaics created by individuals with intellectual, physical and other disabilities.
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My Story: Sarah Carter
Sarah knew that she wanted to work, but wasn't sure where to start and was afraid employers wouldn't understand her disability. After her mom connected her to Goodwill, Sarah learned to identify her skills and target jobs that were well-suited for her. Her job coach helped her apply for and earn a job, and she now looks forward to growing in her position and challenging herself to do more as time goes on.
New TANF Provision to Address EBT Card Abuse Draws Praise, Raises Concerns
In 2010, Goodwills provided services to nearly 160,000 people who received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and received over 112,000 referrals from TANF agencies. With the number of families living in poverty at an all-time high, Goodwill actively seeks opportunities to educate Congress and the public about our programs that assist this vulnerable population.
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College Degrees Help Young Moms Advance Their Careers
Shauna from Montgomery, AL, asks, “I’m a young mom and would like to go back to college. How can Goodwill help me?”
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Goodwill® Simulated Community to Help People with Disabilities Build Life Skills
Beginning in May, Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs will launch a first-of-its-kind life skills program for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities called Possibilities, which will provide them opportunities to build the skills they need to succeed in everyday life in an engaging, hands-on environment.
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My Story: Rafael Munoz
Rafael was in New York City when the attacks on 9/11 took place, and later developed health problems and other challenges including PTSD, agoraphobia and depression. After spending time in prison, he found himself homeless and unable to find a job to get his life back on track. While living at a facility for individuals with psychological disabilities, he was referred to Goodwill for support finding a job. He started working two days a week at Goodwill, and is now working full-time and learning to help others instead of focusing on his own worries.
Deficit Reduction Has Implications for Goodwill®
The administration’s budget request, released last week, outlines a plan that proposes to avoid the automatic spending cuts required by the Budget Control Act that Congress passed last year. Under the proposal, the automatic cuts – some of which would affect federal investments that support local Goodwill agencies’ efforts to help people find jobs and advance in careers – would be avoided by cutting mandatory spending, and increasing tax revenue.
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Taking the GED? Check Out Online Study Options
Luanne from Sacramento, CA, asks "What online opportunities exist to obtain my GED diploma?"
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Goodwill® Game Teaches Kids about Donating and Recycling
Donation Match Game screenshotAttention parents and kids at heart! If you're looking for a fun and educational activity, be sure to check out Goodwill's free Donation Match Game (online and for the iPad). The interactive game, powered by Goodwill's Donate Movement, teaches kids about many of the different items you have in your home that can be donated or recycled.
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