Category: The Goodwill Blog

Many of my favorite summertime memories happened when I was a kid at sleepover camp. When children are little, they don’t often get the freedom that sleeping under the stars (far from their parents!) provides. Even on summer vacations, kids have school project assignments and are often shuffled to and from daycare if their parents have to work. But, in the magical land of summer camp, the drudgery of the everyday melts away. Instead, kids spend their time learning to ride horses, perfecting the back stroke, and forging new friendships. I know my parents had to pinch pennies so I could enjoy the privilege of summer camp and I’m so thankful that they were able to. Here are a few ways you can save money if summer camp is on your kid’s wishlist! Even if you’re not planning on a chorus of kumbayas, you still might want to read on because we’ve got plenty of suggestions for any person who plans on heading outside this summer, no matter the destination.

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Election Day 2018 is less than 90 Days away. And as states across the country wrap up their primaries voters are starting to focus their attention on this year’s midterm elections. With this election right around the corner, Americans should do what’s needed to make sure they can cast a vote this November. One might

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What has long been an undeveloped site at the corner of White River Parkway and West Michigan Street in Indianapolis will soon be home to Indianapolis’ first workforce housing apartment community.

READ MORE from Local Partnership Initiates Indianapolis’ First Workforce Housing Development

You’ve interviewed for a job you’d enjoy, only to receive an offer that’s less than you’d hoped for. We’ve all been there – or will eventually be – as we go through our career. Discussing money makes many of us nervous. We’re taught not to bring it up during the interview, but what do you do when their offer is a bit low? Do you just accept it? Try to negotiate?

READ MORE from Tips for Negotiating a Higher Job Offer

Even though there’s probably at least one in the closet of every person you know, somehow button-up shirts often get labeled as “boring.” I know that in the past I’ve skipped right over entire sections of Goodwill® racks because I’m looking for something special to jump out and I assume that a basic button-up won’t be it. But after noticing the amazing versatility of this very classic garment, I now know that my thinking back then was flawed. After all, when it comes to fashion, it’s not really about what you wear, but how you wear it! Here are three totally not-boring ways to button up…

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The August Congressional recess is well known as a time when DC commuters spend a little less time in traffic, Hill staffers can take lengthy vacations, and those who are in the office can be found in shorts and flip flops. However that isn’t the case this year, at least not on the Senate side. While the House of Representatives is in recess until September 4th, the Senate has only a scheduled a recess until August 15th. Allowing Senators two weeks to return to their home states to host town halls, conduct organizational site visits, and meet with constituents.

READ MORE from The Not So Lazy Hazy Days of Summer

Okay, if you’ve got a boring weekend ahead I know how you can shake things up: take a thrift store challenge! With super low prices and community benefits like how Goodwill® organizations address the unique needs of families by providing financial education and planning as well as coaching and counseling tools to develop and meet financial and asset-building goals, shopping at Goodwill is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. With so many unique finds, I also feel like Goodwill stores have a really playful atmosphere which is perfect for these three thrift store challenges…

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. To celebrate the 28th anniversary of its enactment, visit GII’s Legislative Action Center and ask your legislators to support the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (S.817/HR 1874). This bill would increase the eligibility for Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts for onset of disability from prior to age 26 to prior to age 46 so that millions more people with disabilities can take advantage of this important savings tool.

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Marcus came to Southern Oregon Goodwill through a work experience program at Veterans Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, was hired as a full-time employee, and rapidly advanced to be a key figure in Southern Oregon Goodwill operations. Marcus is building on what he learned in four years and is now a field service mechanic for a trucking company.

READ MORE from My Story: Marcus Wilhite

You’ve looked and looked for a job. An offer finally comes, but it’s not all that great. Take it, try to negotiate, or turn it down? Ever been faced with that scenario? Today I’ll share some points to ponder as you weigh your decision.

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At this point, you’ve undoubtedly seen the banana leaf pattern adorning everything from wallpaper to wardrobe pieces. The trendy and tropical look has caught my eye many times but, as you know, I have a really hard time paying full price for something brand new when I know that by shopping at Goodwill I can save money, lower my environmental impact, and help Goodwill organizations aid in the success of people who are striving to earn paychecks and support their families.

READ MORE from Go Bananas for These Goodwill® Finds

During an event at the White House, President Trump announced commitments from private companies to create jobs for students and mid-career workers and provide training and retraining to more than 3.5 million people over the next five years, while signing an executive order to create a council focused on the issue of workforce training.

READ MORE from Executive Order on Workforce Training