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.
READ MORE from Goodwill® Simulated Community to Help People with Disabilities Build Life Skills
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.
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.
READ MORE from Deficit Reduction Has Implications for Goodwill®
Luanne from Sacramento, CA, asks "What online opportunities exist to obtain my GED diploma?"
READ MORE from Taking the GED? Check Out Online Study Options
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.
READ MORE from Goodwill® Game Teaches Kids about Donating and Recycling
Vic started his adult life on the wrong track when he didn't complete high school and started selling drugs to make ends meet. He served time in prison, but thanks to parenting classes he took while incarcerated, he regained custody of his kids upon his release. He began working at Goodwill, where he has gradually been given more responsibilities. He is also taking advantage of financial strengthening classes, and is working towards completing his GED so he can be the best role model he can be for his children.
This week, the Obama administration unveiled its budget request for FY 2013. Goodwill® is pleased to report that proposed federal funding remains steady for programs that support our mission. Read more about our priority issues below and click here (PDF) to view ourside-by-side comparison of FY 2012 appropriations to FY 2013 proposals. American Jobs Act (AJA) Obama’s plan proposes
READ MORE from Goodwill® Programs Fare Well under Federal Spending Plan
Martin from Roanoke, VA, asks, "How can certifications help me move up in my career, and what should I do to get started?"
READ MORE from Advance Your Career by Earning Certifications
Valentines created for veteransMore than 400 valentines made their way to veterans in VA hospitals and nursing homes this Valentine’s Day, thanks to the big hearts and helping hands of the staff and program participants at Goodwill Industries of Tulsa. The activity was a voluntary effort conducted in conjunction with the Cherokee Nation’s ‘Valentines for Vets” program.
Joette was working in the retail industry and feeling financially and physically stressed when she decided to contact Goodwill about its medical office skills training program. There, she gained the confidence and computer skills she needed to be successful. As part of the program, she completed an internship, which later led to her finding full-time employment with great benefits at age 60.
Numerous times over the past several years, policymakers have considered proposals to drastically reduce or eliminate investments that help educate and train people to improve their skills, find jobs, and advance in careers. In anticipation that this trend will continue, a new effort was launched last week by 35 national organizations including Goodwill Industries®. Called the Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce, the initiative engages a diverse coalition.
READ MORE from Goodwill® a Founding Member of Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce
February is a time for focusing on LOVE! Beyond whom you love, let's talk for a moment about WHAT you love. When I work with clients, so often we are going through items and they happily exclaim, "Oh, I LOVE this!" They get to say this a few times, but if I hear this sentence used too much as a rationalization for keeping things that are not needed, we have to discuss it. The stuff does not love you back! What is at the root of this love for inanimate objects?
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