President Proclaims April as Second Chance Month

President Joe Biden recently issued a proclamation marking April as Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness of the challenges facing people with criminal backgrounds and to spotlight the important work being done by community-based organizations like Goodwill® to empower second chance individuals to achieve career and life success.

READ MORE from President Proclaims April as Second Chance Month

My Story: Alicia Murphy

Alicia Murphy came to Goodwill seeking her GED to provide new opportunities for her family. A young mother of two children, Alicia had dropped out of high school when she was 17 and had held several jobs including warehouse and waitressing positions, but what she really wanted was financial stability. Working in a warehouse was draining her both mentally and physically— and she knew she needed to further her education in order to kick start her career. Alicia had the drive to succeed, but like many people lacking education and work experience, she felt lost. She strived for independence, financial stability, and her own place to live.

READ MORE from My Story: Alicia Murphy

Van-to-Work Pilot Program Aims to Reduce Homelessness in Louisville Area

In an effort to reduce poverty and homelessness in the Louisville area, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky will soon be offering a new way for unhoused individuals to earn money and connect with Goodwill's life-changing resources.

READ MORE from Van-to-Work Pilot Program Aims to Reduce Homelessness in Louisville Area

White House Focuses on Jobs and Infrastructure

Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden Administration has turned to other economic recovery measures with the unveiling of the American Jobs Plan. While a long way from actually becoming law, the $2.25 trillion proposal focuses on transportation, caregiving, manufacturing, housing, schools, water, broadband, and the power grid. A second package, planned for release in the coming weeks, could top $1 trillion and expand social policies.

READ MORE from White House Focuses on Jobs and Infrastructure

7 Tips to Land a Job Interview

If you had one hour to land a job interview, what would you do to secure an interview? To help you land a job interview, we asked business leaders and HR experts this question for their best tips. From doing your research to leveraging your network, there are several tips that may help you secure an interview. 

READ MORE from 7 Tips to Land a Job Interview

Reflecting on Women’s History Month

While celebrating the contributions made by women to all fabrics of life during Women’s History Month, it is troubling to do so at a time when the historic gains that women have made in the workforce are becoming history. Prior to the pandemic, unemployment rates for women and men were fairly equal.  However, as the virus raged on, and schools and businesses closed, there was a disparate impact on women in the workforce. According to the National Women’s Law Center, female workforce participation has already dropped to 57%—the lowest level since 1988.

READ MORE from Reflecting on Women’s History Month

DIY: 6 Ways to Create Unique Flower Planters from Your Upcycled Items

Spring is here!  That means it’s time to get your garden spaces—both indoors and out—-looking good. Here’s a super easy, fun activity that honors Mother Nature and her many talents: upcycle items into unique planters. These fun and funky containers will make your herbs, flowers and other plants become even more charming!

READ MORE from DIY: 6 Ways to Create Unique Flower Planters from Your Upcycled Items

My Story: Guadalupe

At the encouragement of her close friend, Guadalupe moved from New York to Charlotte to find better opportunities and an improved lifestyle for herself and her 15-year-old daughter. Little did she know the COVID-19 pandemic would cause stay-at-home orders and hiring freezes just as they arrived.

READ MORE from My Story: Guadalupe

In Florida, Goodwill and United Way Partner to Provide Free Tax Prep

Goodwill Manasota is partnering with United Way Suncoast to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing services in Sarasota County to households with low to moderate incomes. Until April 14, volunteers will assist with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s North Sarasota, Venice and North Port locations.

READ MORE from In Florida, Goodwill and United Way Partner to Provide Free Tax Prep

How to Connect with a Potential Employer on LinkedIn

You might wonder if it’s appropriate to contact the hiring manager after you applied for a job, and in most cases it could benefit you to send a message over LinkedIn expressing interest about the position. However, there are several things to consider before pressing send. 

READ MORE from How to Connect with a Potential Employer on LinkedIn

A Higher Education Bill that’s Focused on JOBS

Access to high-quality credentialing opportunities and continued education and training beyond high school have become essential pathways to the middle class and rewarding careers for most Americans. This comes at a time when the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have left millions of displaced workers who need to reskill to reenter a rapidly changing workforce. And for many low-income students, the ongoing crisis of affordability has created high barriers to postsecondary enrollment and completion in traditional higher education.

READ MORE from A Higher Education Bill that’s Focused on JOBS

Goodwill of South Central Ohio Partners with Scouts for Good Turn Day

On March 20, scouts across Ohio will be visiting Goodwill stores to earn special patches for the spring Good Turn Day, providing them an opportunity to do a “good turn” in their community by collecting used clothing, books, housewares and other items to donate to Goodwill.

READ MORE from Goodwill of South Central Ohio Partners with Scouts for Good Turn Day