Category: The Goodwill Blog

When you start trying to pair prints, sometimes it might seem that your attempted ensemble is yelling at you! That may be because you’re pairing two prints that are too similar, instead of playing with proportions. You don’t have to shy away from blending prints in the same family, simply pair a small version with a bigger one. You can also look at the boldness of the pattern, a small subtle plaid can pair nicely with a bolder buffalo check pattern. We were wowed when Stacee pulled together this effortless spring ensemble by matching this colorful striped scarf with the tiny blue stripes on this gorgeous midi dress. It’s a great example of how big and small versions of the same print can complement one another! Then, she highlighted the other beautiful bright shades of the scarf by adding lively orange shoes and a pink crossbody bag to pull the entire look together!

READ MORE from How to Mix & Match Prints this Spring

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.

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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

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

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

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. 

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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