20 Years Since Welfare Reform: The Safety Net Needs Repair

When the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program program (TANF) was created, work and family supports were cited as priorities to provide a safety net and promote work, but over the years flaws in the program’s structure have become apparent. As a result of multiple barriers fewer families in poverty are being helped. In 2014, 23 out of every 100 families in poverty received TANF benefits, as opposed to 68 out of 100 in 1996. Currently, fewer than one in five poor children receive help through TANF. In addition, states spend very little – 8 percent — of TANF funds on work-related activities that necessary for people to succeed.

Back to School Scores for Every Crowd

As you surely remember, schools – especially high schools – are known for their cliques. During their pre-teen and teen years, kids are constantly exploring different facets of themselves trying on different personas to see what feels right (Am I a jock? An artist? A member of band? Some unique combination of all of those?). This back-to-school season, help your child find their niche without throwing your budget out the window by shopping at Goodwill where you can find necessities for every interest.

Can You Save Social Security?

We’ve all said or thought, ”I could do a better job than (name the member of Congress)” at one time or another,  and with Congress’s approval ratings in single digits, who can blame us?   But is it really that easy?  Well here is your chance to find out. We all know the importance of social […]

My Story: Charles Jackson

I love my family. But I was failing them. I wanted some quick money, and I got mixed up in illegal drug activity. I hurt everyone I loved – including me. It cost me a lot, 26 months in federal prison. But more than that, it cost me my ability to work. When I got out, no one would hire someone with a felony record. Every job I applied for said no, even if I was the best-qualified guy.

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Super Nintendo

In August of 1991, with the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), kids across the United States squealed with delight as they carefully unpacked that gleaming box to begin their inaugural run of Super Mario World or SimCity. Many parents looked gleefully on, happy to have provided their children with a safe new pastime (then waited for bedtime so they could take the SNES out for a spin themselves!) probably not realizing how much the brand new gaming console would influence their kids’ childhoods. Fast forward to 2016 and at its 25th anniversary, you’ll still find members of the Millennial generation plugging in those old familiar controllers for a nostalgic walk down SNES’s memory lane.

If Voting Were An Olympic Sport, Would America Win?

As our country faces a contentious election, having my nights filled with the Olympics is a welcome distraction. President Obama noted in an interview which aired just prior to the opening ceremony that the Olympics is an event that can unite our country. The event also serves as a way for people to learn about other nations and share in the struggles that are faced by athletes around the world.

Get Ready for the 2016 Olympics

When I hear those first big booms of the Olympic theme song, my heart rate always quickens and I swell with national pride. Every two years when that torch is lit again, I’m reminded of the sense of community that prevails whenever we support one another’s dreams. Today is the day that the 2016 Summer Olympics open in Rio, and because the dream of working hard toward a personal goal is an idea that’s well-known worldwide, I want to celebrate the event with you, too.

What Remains for the 114th Congress?

The major party conventions are behind us and Congress is in recess until after Labor Day. However, when they return, much work still needs to be done, and there will be a push to do so before the lame duck (following the election). Of course members of Congress will need even more time back in the district to campaign closer to the election, thus making the time frame to pass a budget and reauthorize major legislation even shorter – a total of eight weeks to be exact. Learn more about some of the issues that are important to Goodwill and still on the table.

Gilmore Girls Style at Goodwill

With the Gilmore Girls revival expected before the end of this year, I can’t help but head back to Stars Hollow with a little weekend binge watching. Although it originally aired 16 years ago, something about the warmth of small towns, the excitement of academia, and the comfort of steaming mug of coffee just calls me to this heartfelt TV dramedy. If you, too, are a friend of Rory, Lorelai, Sookie, and Luke, then get ready to rekindle your love just in time for the new episodes. Never seen it before? Let me catch you up!

The Democratic National Platform and Goodwill’s Priorities (Part Two)

Last week’s blog highlighted some of the key points of the 2016 GOP National Platform and as the Democrats head out of Philadelphia, take a look at key parts of the 2016 Democratic Platform that pertain to Goodwill’s priorities.

Career and Financial Advice for July 2016

The Goodwill blog’s career and financial advice posts have all moved to GoodProspects, but you can still get great advice on your job search, learn about career fields and connect with virtual career mentors. Here are some recent articles published this month—read each piece, share your thoughts, and join GoodProspects to take advantage of everything at Goodwill’s online career navigation portal!

My Story: Tiarra Barrera

Six years ago, I was a single mother raising two young children while living in a low-income housing community. Determined to support my family, I enrolled in Goodwill’s Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program.