Page 103 – Goodwill Industries International

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.

Direct Deposit, a Smart and Easy Way to Protect Your Paycheck

Direct deposit—or the electronic transfer of your paycheck from your employer directly into your personal checking or savings account—is a smart idea for several reasons.

Working an Emergency Fund into Your Budget

When planning your monthly budget, it may seem difficult just to make ends meet, let alone save for emergencies. But life is full of unexpected surprises that can leave you stranded financially.

Goodwill Advocates for People with Disabilities During NDEAM

Technician in a teal apron and cap repairing a desktop computer inside a cluttered workshop.

Goodwill recognizes and commemorates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October and urges all employers, including the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to hire people with disabilities. As an advocate, you can explore ideas that can be implemented in your workplace and community to raise awareness.

DIY Ghostbusters Proton Pack

Proton Pack prop from Ghostbusters leaning against a brick wall

When you’re in need of an awesome Halloween costume idea, who ya gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS! Super inspired by Evette Rios’s awesome Ghostbusters costumes (#squadgoals), I decided to make my own proton pack. I mean, when one of my favorite childhood movies is rebooted with several of my favorite actresses, what else am I to do? Dress up as a Ghostbuster for Halloween, of course! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, too – here’s my secret to creating a DIY proton pack so you can take Halloween by storm this year.

The Difference Between Your Credit Score and Your Credit Report

Part of being financially savvy is knowing the difference between a credit report and your credit score. They are related, but it can be easy to confuse the two, their purpose and their effects on your financial health and goals.

Banking Basics: Manage Your Money Securely with Online Banking

Thanks to technology, you can manage your money, pay bills and, in some cases, deposit checks from almost anywhere, whenever you think of it. Following a few helpful hints can keep your information and money secure while banking online.

DIY Family Costume: Become Your Own Circus

Three people pose in costumes against a white backdrop, wearing top hats, a tiger onesie, and feathered accessories.

Sometimes life feels like a circus. We’re constantly trying to keep all of our balls in the area, maybe wrangle wild animals (aka children), and still smile through it all. This Halloween, my family decided to embrace that theme and, quite literally, be our own circus. So, naturally, I somersaulted into Goodwill for costume supplies!

Increase Financial Security in Your Community

Mother and daughter cuddling on a porch swing, resting with eyes closed against a light blue house backdrop.

This week, I am representing Goodwill at the Assets Learning Conference, a biennial convening of practitioners, researchers, and advocates (that’s me) dedicated to improving the financial well-being of individuals and families. Goodwill, and you, work every day to expand opportunity and reduce poverty, which is why we’re here. So, where are we, and where do we go from here?