On March 2, Americans gear up to celebrate the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss and the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. This day encourages communities to celebrate one of my favorite things: reading. Being unable to read makes many aspects of life difficult, from ordering on a menu to completing applications for jobs. Many Goodwill® agencies provide resources to help individuals increase their reading proficiency.
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Balance Career, Family and Finances as a Single Mother
Balancing a career, family and finances is one of the biggest challenges facing single mothers today. According to the Women's Economic Security Campaign, the unemployment rate for women who maintain families was 11.3 percent in 2010—the highest rate in the past 25 years. As single mothers look to find jobs and support their families, Goodwill can offer a range of services to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency.
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Plan Unveiled in House to Cut Job Training Funding by $2 Billion
On February 11, 2011, the House Appropriations Committee unveiled a proposal to cut spending by $100 billion including more than $3.8 billion from the U.S. Deparment of Labors job training programs. If accepted by both the House and Senate, the cuts would be likely to take effect immediately. Click here to take action to support job training programs!
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Financial Aid: How to Pay For Your College Education
February is National Financial Aid Awareness Month and Goodwill® wants to make sure every student benefits from the many financial aid rewards, scholarships, and free services available to save on education.
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Career Advancement Starts With Your Education
It’s no surprise that higher levels of education correlate to better jobs and better pay. What’s a little less known are the growing number of educational options available for non-traditional students (e.g. adult learners). Whether you want to earn a GED or obtain an advanced degree, educational institutes and companies across the country offer the means to advance your education and career prospects.
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“Winning the Future” Requires a Win-Today Workforce
Last week, millions of Americans watched the State of the Union. In outlining his strategy for “winning the future,” President Obama highlighted the need to create jobs by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world. He also focused on the need to reduce the deficit. Among budget-cutting strategies he outlined was a proposal to freeze annual spending for the next five years, exempting education, defense, veterans affairs, homeland security, Medicare, and Social Security.
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The Earned Income Tax Credit Puts Money In Your Pocket
Did you know you could be eligible to get more money back -- as much as $5,666 -- from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this tax season? That is money you can use to boost your savings, build your assets, and help you pay for other important household and medical expenses.
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Have You Thanked a Mentor Today?
January 25 marks Thank Your Mentor Day, a chance for everyone to recognize the important role of mentors in their life. Rosemary Hobbs, mentor coordinator for the Goodwill Industries® of South Central California (Bakersfield) GoodGuides® program, shares her firsthand account of how mentors make a difference in the lives of youth in her community.
Take Stock of 2011 Fashion
It goes without saying that every year we make resolutions for the New Year. I am here to propose yet another resolution for you! How about taking a critical look at all of the fashions you already have in your closet?
Do You Have a Dream? Let Goodwill Help You Live It
On Martin Luther King Day, we remember the legacy of an American who dreamed of equality, justice and peace in our country. Here at Goodwill, we also take this day to reflect back on our founder Edgar Helms, who had a similar dream to create equal opportunity for all people - his dream was to eliminate barriers to employment and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
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Make Mentoring Month Every Month Through GoodGuides®
January marks the 10th anniversary of National Mentoring Month. This month, organizations and individuals raise awareness of mentoring in its various forms, with a goal of recruiting individuals to become involved in formal mentoring programs. In November 2009, Goodwill Industries International, along with 56 Goodwills in 38 states, kicked off the GoodGuides youth mentoring program. Today, more than 3,100 youth have been matched with mentors. Across the country, youth, families and referral sources report positive changes in the lives of youth from mentoring. Read about one successful pair matched through the GoodGuides program and learn how you can make a difference in a young person's life as a mentor.
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Twelve Tips to Save Money in 2011
Though the holidays are over, the bills linger into the new year. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck — or even if you're able to save a little money — you’ve probably found yourself looking for new and creative ways to make the most of your current funds. There are always tricks to stretch your dollar, but often simple changes in your habits make the real difference. From changing your entertainment routine to being more aware of your cash flow, here are 12 ways you can stretch your budget heading into 2011.
