Find My Goodwill

Beyond Election 2016: Opportunities for Advocacy Success

Top-down view of a person in tan boots and jeans standing on a gravel path with arrows pointing left and right.

Regardless of the outcome, this year’s election was hard on our country. There are a number of unknowns concerning what the results at the federal, state, and local levels will mean for the interests of Goodwill, the charitable sector, and those we serve. What we do know is that there is an abundance of opportunity.

My Story: Jody Mooney

Man with glasses in a blue checkered shirt stands with arms crossed in the doorway of a restaurant.

Within 90 days, I lost everything but my life. I lost my career as an executive with the Jacksonville (FL) Chamber of Commerce, my car and my apartment. I now see how mental issues plus my hedonistic, promiscuous lifestyle led me to this point. I struggled with addiction for a decade.

Curating a Capsule Wardrobe Closet

Closet with a row of hanging shirts and jackets in neutral tones, with a mirror on the left.

Have you heard about capsule wardrobes yet? I hadn’t until recently, but I think I’ve just identified my big year-end goal: to create a minimalist closet that works for my style, my lifestyle, and in which every single item feels like a perfect 10. If I plan it well, nearly every piece of clothing will complement the others saving me tons of time getting ready in the morning. Since I’ll be working with a structured number of pieces, my closet will finally have a little breathing room instead of feeling messy and cramped! Interested in joining me? Here’s a little more about the process.

Design Classics Await at Goodwill

Smiling woman with short blonde hair in a black sleeveless top and beaded necklace, against a blue-gray wall.

Some things never change—and for good reason! When a design is neutral enough to compliment a wide array of lifestyles and personality types, but unique enough to not just blend in, that perfect element won’t soon go out of style. Today, let’s celebrate some of the greatest designs of all time the same way we celebrate everything else… by thrifting, of course!

My Story: Amber Thompson

Smiling staff member holds a folded white towel in a busy industrial laundry room with tall stacks of towels in the background.

I am Amber Thompson, a lead worker at the Rappahannock Goodwill Laundry, and I am dedicated to my career here! I began training more than 10 years ago as a transitional employment student right out of high school. I was very shy and didn’t talk much at first but with the help of my job coach I started talking to my coworkers.

Thrifty Life Hacks 101

Colorful shirts on a clothing rack in a closet

Sometimes life can be hard. If we’re lucky, we get to fill our days with family and friends in a home we’ve thoughtfully decorated (with unique thrifted finds, of course!). If we work hard, we can take pride in a job well-done. But between all of the commuting, cleaning, cleaning, etc., a breath of relief is very welcome. That’s where saving time and energy with a few life hacks can really help! Here are some of our favorite tricks for making life work for you

Take Action Now to End Poverty by 2030

Close-up of cupped hands forming a bowl-like shape in soft warm focus.

October 16 and 17 marked World Food Day and the International Day to Eradicate Poverty, respectively. The commemorative events give us a moment this week to reflect on the tools and policies needed to help more Americans get on the path to safe, stable and successful futures with a goal of ending hunger and extreme poverty by 2030. Both instances have decreased in the past five years – but if we intend to meet the eradication goal, we need to pick up the pace.

Leave Your Mark (Part 2): Ideas for Updating Thrifted Items with a Sharpie

Person lying on a pink bedspread, wearing a light pink polo, writing in a notebook with a pink marker.

Last winter we had tons of fun exploring the different delights you can doodle on with Sharpies, everything from dishware to baby onesies, but – to my surprise – the more I browse the internet, the more brilliant permanent marker DIY ideas I find! So I thought it was about time that we revisit this remarkable tool and all of the customization possibilities it offers to thrifty Goodwill shoppers!

Do You Remember Your First Job?

Woman with curly hair in an orange shirt reaching for plates in a busy kitchen.

Lack of prior work experience can be a huge hindrance for young people seeking employment. Find out how Goodwill is working to support the #FirstJob Hiring and Recruiting Compact, a new initiative from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, so that youth can gain the skills and experiences needed to advance in their own careers.

My Story: Jose Luis Robledo

Bald man in a blue polo shirt stands in front of a wooden display with a blue illuminated sign in the background.

I found myself at my lowest point when I lost my father while still in high school. As a result, I felt the burden of needing to step up and fill my father’s shoes by taking care of my mom. Unfortunately, medical issues made this difficult for me to do. Eventually, I was told I was disabled and unable to work so I attempted to get on disability income with no success.