Category: The Goodwill Blog

A new study released by Indiana University finds that poverty is likely to get worse despite a recovering economy due to long periods of unemployment, continued impact on budget cuts to social programs and the quality of new jobs. The study warns that if Congress does not protect benefits for the long-term unemployed, and continues to make cuts to social safety net programs while reducing state fiscal relief, the poverty situation will worsen.

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Keiko from San Francisco, CA, asks, “What are good options for work-at-home jobs?”

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For most single mothers in the Bronx, their number one priority is to keep their children safe. Many of these women do not thrive in traditional school settings, so Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey focused its Good Jobs program on turning job seekers into job holders in high-growth industries such as health care, retail and hospitality.

READ MORE from Single Mothers Seeking Jobs Turn to NY/NJ Goodwill®

Eleven years ago, Robbie was living on the streets of Los Angeles with nowhere to turn. After being referred to Goodwill, she took a free computer class -- a move which gave her the skills she needed to be hired as an administrative assistant at the agency. She now works as an employment services specialist, helping people who were once in her shoes empower themselves through work.

READ MORE from My Story: Robbie Thomas

While jobless claims and the unemployment rate are showing some improvement in the overall employment picture, it’s interesting to look behind these numbers and examine just who is suffering – and benefiting — the most during this modest recovery. In consonance with these findings, GII’s 2012 Public Policy Agenda was drafted in close consultation with Goodwill members and leaders of GII’s mission advancement team.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Sets Agenda to Support Job Seekers in the Recovery

Ron from Austin, TX, asks, "I’m 61 and facing discrimination against older workers in my workplace. I don’t want to leave my job, but want my colleagues to see the value that I bring to our office. Any advice?"

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In an age of high unemployment, people with disabilities continue to have a harder time finding jobs than most. In Hamilton, Ontario, Goodwill's "Youth at Work" Program helps young adults ages 16-30 with disabilities prepare for work through job training opportunities, work placement and assistance finding permanent work.

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Before joining the Goodwill Processing Center in South Korea, Jungsoo Jung faced daily anxiety working for an employer who was not sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities. He joined Goodwill after hearing about it through his church group, and now reports being treated well and enjoying his daily work He says he looks forward to continuing to build his job skills, and saving money to buy a house and give back to his family. He also hopes to one day be able to visit the United States.

READ MORE from My Story: Jungsoo Jung

굿윌 물류센터에 취직하기 전에는, 정정수씨는 매일 긴장하며 출근했습니다. 전 상사는 장애를 갖은 사람들에 대한 배려가 없었기때문입니다. 정정수씨는 교회 청년부를 통해 굿윌에 대해 알게 되어서 최근에는 일을 즐기면서 잘 지내고 계신답니다. 정정수씨는 자신의 기술을 쌓고, 돈을 많이 벌어서 집도 사고 가족분들께 나누고싶다고합니다. 또 미국으로 여행도 가시고싶답니다.

READ MORE from 나의 이야기: 정정수

When the 112th Congress wrapped up its first session in December, it left behind a legacy of partisanship that caused public approval ratings to reach historic lows. As the second session kicks into gear this month, lawmakers will have to work quickly on payroll tax relief, emergency unemployment benefits, and reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), all of which were only extended through February .Goodwill® looks forward to Congress addressing several other issues of importance to the enterprise and the people we serve.

READ MORE from Congress to Resume Spending Bill Discussions on Heels of 2011 Logjams

Kiara from Omaha, NE, asks, "I'm 15 years old and trying to find my first job. What's your advice?"

READ MORE from First-Time Tips for a Teenage Job Seeker

Herbert Garvin was working as a baggage handler at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport in 2005 when he experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm. After brain surgery and hospital rehabilitation, Garvin was unable to care for himself and moved back home with his parents. Motivated to provide for his family and daughter, Herbert came to Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire’s ADVANCE Acquired Brain Injury program. The program, an award-winning day program, provides assistance to people who experience a brain injury or other neurological disability.

READ MORE from People with Brain Injuries Get Back to Work in Goodwill® Program