Category: The Goodwill Blog

I have the honor of attending the Research Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (#RECS2018) this week – a conference that brings together researchers, policy wonks, practitioners and leaders in human services to present information, data, opinion, debate and geek out on the latest strategies to help propel people out of poverty. We weren’t an hour into the first plenary before sparks began to fly – and lucky for us, this is a group that enjoys the discussion.

READ MORE from Cautious Optimism Prevails at TANF Conference

For many years, Goodwill® organizations have been providing programs and opportunities for older workers. In 2016, Goodwills across the country touched 60,000 lives through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and they have affected nearly 50,000 lives so far for the 2017 program year, which ends July 2018. SCSEP is a community service job-training program focused on serving older Americans and older job seekers who have low incomes, are unemployed and need training in order to return to the workforce.

READ MORE from Transforming Lives for Disruptive Times

Most every company will want to check your references at some point. As a job seeker, you know they’ll ask for those names, but how can you help your references really make you stand out? Let’s take a look.

READ MORE from Coaching Your References

Your home is a reflection of yourself. What does your decor-style say about you? I’d like to think mine is a carefully curated collection of crafts and curios. But, if we’re being completely honest here, it’s probably a little closer to “nostalgic chaos.” Look around you—what does your home say? Is it cluttered, juvenile, or bland?

READ MORE from Statement Seating Steals

For 55 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s elders. This year’s OAM theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes the importance of being active and involved, no matter where or when you are in life. You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotion well-being.

READ MORE from Older Americans Month 2018: Engage at Every Age

Not many people would be ecstatic to spend their 50th birthday on the job, but considering a year ago Paula doubted she would ever work again, this day marks a major accomplishment. When her probation officer pointed her to Goodwill of Central Iowa’s skills training programs, she had no idea the journey she was bout to embark on.

READ MORE from My Story: Paula

Without a doubt, the single biggest source of frustration for my job seeking clients is the lack of communication from recruiting firms and employers. Let’s explore some reasons why you may not be hearing back, especially when you feel you’re a solid candidate. Recruiters, whether in-house recruiters or staffing firm folks, wish they had enough hours in the day to be able to personally respond to every candidate’s application or follow up inquiry. They simply don’t. That’s the short story.

READ MORE from Why Don’t I Hear Back from Recruiters?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) remains as-is for now as a several-day process attempting to pass a new Farm Bill (H.R. 2) finished with a “no” vote from the House of Representatives.

READ MORE from Farm Bill Does Not Pass House of Representatives

Floor treatments cover so much of our homes that they make an enormous impact on our styles, whether we realize it or not. Because they’re wall-to-wall in every room, they’re also one of the most expensive aspects of decorating our homes—until now! The three thrifty influencers I’ll be mentioning today have found some inexpensive and eco-friendly solutions to their flooring woes. Read on to find out how!

READ MORE from Update Your Floor Decor For Less

Across the country, older Americans – a rapidly growing population – are taking part in activities that promote wellness and social connection. They are sharing their wisdom and experience with future generations, and they are giving back to make enrich their communities. They’re working and volunteering, mentoring and learning, leading and engaging.

READ MORE from Older Americans Month: Engage at Every Age

Technology has impacted our daily lives in more ways than we can probably count. One area is how we interact with each other online – social media. Social media is a complex topic. While I’ll be writing future articles on it, today’s focus is on why it’s important for job hunters to be active on social media.

READ MORE from Social Media and Your Job Search

With farmer’s market season just beginning, I’ve got flowers, produce, breads, and a host of other market-fresh goodies on my mind. Strolling through a park ripe with crates of colorful fruit and hand-scrawled price signs atop gingham picnic cloths is just how I want to spend my weekend mornings. So, for today’s post, I’ve tried to channel that mood. Here are a few of my favorite farm-fresh Goodwill® finds

READ MORE from Goodwill’s Farm-Fresh Finds