With Memorial Day falling on a Monday this year, the official kick off of summer may seem more like a soft launch. But with a loud outfit that shows your patriotic spirit and self-expression, you can head into a summer full of warm weather, beach days, and barbeques in style. Whether your summer goals are to travel to a new destination, finally make the first move and go on that date you’ve been dreaming of, or to live it up with your friends in your favorite city, these Memorial Day Weekend outfits can be repurposed throughout the coming months and make any occasion special.
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Older Americans Month 2023: Aging Unbound
Since 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed every May to recognize the many contributions that older adults have made to our country and in their communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living, organizations, service providers, policymakers, community and business leaders, and individuals are celebrating OAM 2023 with the theme of Aging Unbound. OAM offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
My Story: Valerie and Kathy
In May, during Older Americans Month, Goodwill® celebrates the contributions that older workers make both inside and outside the workforce. At a time when employers need to build resilience, older workers can play a critical role. They bring experience, reliability and perspective to every workplace setting. Your purchases and donations make stories like Kathy’s possible. “I want others to have the same opportunity I did,” says Valerie as she sits in the congressional offices of Indiana Representative Andre Carson in Washington, D.C.
Lightbulb Moments While Thrifting Goodwill Furniture
As the seasons shift, the urge to clean and make room for new space starts to rise. More than decluttering clothes and that one kitchen junk drawer that’s always too full, there’s a lot to be said about the décor atmosphere in each room of your home. Tackling this corner by corner can help you see your space with a new perspective. You may have thought something was off for a while, but you might not have realized exactly what until you focus in on it. Sometimes, it’s a small shift that can make all the difference.
READ MORE from Lightbulb Moments While Thrifting Goodwill Furniture
New Workforce Initiatives Announced at Department of Labor’s Vision 2030 Conference
Goodwill Industries International representatives joined other stakeholders for an invitation only event focusing on how to leverage investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to develop talent pipelines and career pathways.
READ MORE from New Workforce Initiatives Announced at Department of Labor’s Vision 2030 Conference
Need a Job? Consider Attending a Virtual Career Fair
Terrence from Detroit, MI, asks, “I saw an ad on Yahoo! the other day for a virtual career fair. I really like some of the companies participating but have never gone to a career fair like this – is that even right? Do you 'go' to virtual career fairs? Any tips for someone who’s never attended one of these?”
READ MORE from Need a Job? Consider Attending a Virtual Career Fair
Last Minute Thrifted Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is an important day dedicated to celebrating the mothers and mother-figures in our lives. If you find yourself running short on time or budget this year, but still want to show your love and appreciation for your mom, consider thrifting for a unique and thoughtful gift. Thrifted gifts are not only much more budget friendly than retail-priced gifts, but they’re also eco-friendly as they give new life to pre-loved items. Plus, when thrifting at Goodwill, you never know what vintage or designer treasures you might find.
Public Health Emergency Ends
As the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) officially comes to an end, nonprofits may receive questions from program participants regarding the continuation of a number of benefits put in place during the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, states and the federal government declared various types of emergencies, enacted multiple laws and issued numerous regulations. Some of these measures were tied directly to the (PHE) and therefore ended jointly.
Thrifted Party Favors – Bookish Edition
Celebration season has kicked off, and that means figuring out party planning logistics is in full swing. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or baby shower, the end goal is likely the same – to create a beautiful, personalized day that makes the VIP of the day feel loved and special. There can be a lot of pressure on creating the perfect celebration, down to the centerpieces and party favors, and it can easily get costly too. But with a little creativity, and the help of smart second-hand shopping at your favorite Goodwill stores, you’d be amazed at what you can put together without breaking the bank.
Goodwill Week Celebrates the Power of Work
Every year during the first full week of May, local Goodwill® organizations across the U.S. and Canada celebrate Goodwill Week to shine a light on the Goodwill mission — transforming lives through the power of work.
My Story: Kathy Kotch
In May, during Older Americans Month, Goodwill® celebrates the contributions that older workers make both inside and outside the workforce. At a time when employers need to build resilience, older workers can play a critical role. They bring experience, reliability and perspective to every workplace setting. Your purchases and donations make stories like Kathy’s possible.
My Story: Arnaldo Arista Mendoza
This National Skilled Trade Day, we acknowledge Arnaldo’s journey and millions of others currently working in and pursuing a career in the skilled trades. When Arnaldo started the Electrical Helper program at Goodwill Career and Technical Academy (GCTA), he knew little about the field. Not knowing what it would take to become a certified skilled trade worker, he knew there were many great job opportunities in this field, and he wanted to become an electrician. Despite not knowing where his efforts would lead him, Arnaldo worked hard and never gave up on his goal.