My Story: Gina Moore

“I relocated to Clarksville, TN a little over a year ago and needed to find work immediately. I had no resume, no high school diploma or GED, no transportation, needed updated computer skills and was unsure what to do or where to turn.”

Techniques to Grow on the Job

When starting a new job, most people expect that they’ll have a bit of a learning curve before getting comfortable and eventually excelling. But the learning doesn’t end there. Growing on the job is part of having a job—the trick is to grow quickly, developing to fit the position and performing its duties as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Apprenticeship Week Celebrates Opportunities for Workers and Businesses

In 2015, President Obama proclaimed the week of November 2 as the first annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). Between November 14-20, 2016 the U.S. Department of Labor will celebrate the second annual National Apprenticeship Week. NAW offers registered apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices, and gives employers, education, industry associations, labor, elected officials and other critical partners the opportunity to highlight how registered apprenticeship meets their needs for a skilled workforce.

Industrial Interior Design at Goodwill

Bright, plant-filled studio with large grid windows, a hanging lamp, shelves, and a metal ladder on the right.

I love the utilitarian look of industrial interior design. It seems like peppering my home with sturdy, durable pieces somehow grounds the space so I love to add pipes, cement, and wood accents when I can. For that worn look that adds authenticity to industrial pieces, buying or creating your own décor in this style from second-hand goods is really the best way to go. Don’t you think that one of the best aspects of industrial décor is that everything seems to have a story? Why not start with items that have already lived before you bought them then do some updates to make them your own?

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