State of the Union Address Offers Opportunities to Advocate

President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union (SOTU) address, although he previously spoke to a joint session of Congress in the weeks following his inauguration. While the speech did not include much substantive detail around the proposals put forth, the President did touch upon a number of specific areas of interest to Goodwill and the people we serve.

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The Advantages Employers Receive from Hiring People with Disabilities

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often represent a talented, untapped labor market that employers should consider. Hiring people with IDD doesn’t mean that employers have jettisoned their business interests. On the contrary, hiring people with IDD is good for the bottom line.

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Can I Earn a Living through the Gig Economy?

The gig economy refers to short-term jobs and opportunities that enable you to work for yourself rather than an employer. Websites and apps like Uber, TaskRabbit, Airbnb and Fiverr connect people who have a need with those who have goods or services to offer. The gig economy can certainly offer unique ways to earn money, but before you dive in head first, make sure you understand the reality of its earning potential and the related expenses and risks.

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Add a Pop! To Your Look with Printed Pants

Looking down the shirt racks while I’m shopping, pattern after pattern jumps out at me. Over in the pants section, though…not so much. Why is it that we tend to be more comfortable with basic, neutral pants and prints up on top? Patterned pants do tend to sneak a little more into summery looks, but I’d love to challenge that notion today by highlighting some incredible thrifted ensembles that totally win with prints on the bottom. Let’s see how a few fashionistas wear designs below the waist…

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The Funding Games

Fortunately, the recent government shutdown was short-lived and had a minimal impact on federal workers. However, funding battles still continue and early signs are pointing to another government shutdown may take place following the February 8th expiration of the latest continuing resolution (or stopgap funding bill).

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My Story: Stetson Odom

When I first moved to Panama City, I went to go check out the local Goodwill store and little did I know that was going to be the start of my life. As I was leaving, I saw a sign about Goodwill offering free GED classes. I had dropped out of high school because of testing anxiety and other issues. As a result, I had a hard time getting a job. In fact, I have never even had a job before. Here in front of me was a sign – a sign that I needed to do something with my life.

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Recruiting with Intentionality

The benefits to a diverse workforce are many. Broad and varied perspectives, increased respect for the company brand, and appeal to a wider consumer base are just a few of the benefits reaped by employers who are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. Diversity is a vital component of successful companies, and it requires a thoughtful and intentional plan to recruit and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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Tips to Keep Your Credit from Hurting Your Career

Could a bad credit report prevent you from getting a job? Maybe. How and when an employer can pull your credit report is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). All of the regulations on how an employer can use your credit report for employment screening can be found starting on page 60 of the Federal Trade Commission’s text on the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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Babies of the ‘80s

Hey, remember the ‘80s? Yeah, that time when the hair was big and the clothes were bold. Today we’re diving headband first into some incredible 1980s thrift store finds. If My Little Ponies can make a comeback, these things can, too—right?

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Federal Funding Down to the Wire…Again

At the time of this writing, the government is open. By the time you read this, the government might be shutdown. The federal government is being funded through a continuing resolution until midnight on Friday, January 19th, and has been running on a series of continuing resolutions maintaining spending at 2017 levels since the previous fiscal year expired last September 30. Now Congress is debating the details over passing another continuing resolution to keep the government open for four more weeks before doing this all over again. At issue is how much to spend on defense and non-defense programs, reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), granting relief for Dreamers, and whether or not to build a wall.

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How Community-Based Nonprofits are Responding to Human Needs in our Community

Nonprofits are so entwined in communities that it is easy sometimes to miss the impact they have on daily life. Consider the organizations with which people come into regular contact – churches, day-care centers, arts programs, human services, youth centers, and the many groups that work to improve the quality of life in communities – but can remain quite unnoticed.

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Go Geek Chic with Goodwill®

With discussion of the newest iteration of Star Wars currently on the lips of everyone from boyfriends to bosses, I thought it was high time for a look into some of the nerdier aspects of thrift shopping. So, if cosplay or couch co-op are your things, blow out your cartridges and let’s dive in. Today we’re going geek chic!

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