Find My Goodwill

My Story: Martha Lugo

Smiling woman in red sweater against a blurred backdrop.

Martha Lugo is a graduate of Goodwill of San Antonio’s (TX) Good Career Academy. Prior to joining the program she was a Class B truck driver, but lacked the confidence to obtain a Class A license. Below she shares the experience, which led her to Goodwill and on a path toward home ownership.

The Earned Income Tax Credit Works for You

Smiling woman with curly dark hair sits at a wooden conference table in a bright meeting room.

We work hard every day. Doesn’t it only make sense that your hard work shouldn’t be punished by the federal government? Well last December Congress approved a sweeping set of tax policies affecting businesses and individuals. After months of difficult negotiations the final bill was set for passage. Among the tax policies Congress approved was a change that made permanent Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Goodwill is supporting the EITC during Assets & Opportunity Network’s Week of Action, and this Friday, January 29 is EITC Awareness Day.

Leave Your Mark: Ideas for Updating Thrifted Items with a Sharpie

Close-up of colored marker pens arranged diagonally on a white surface.

Time, energy, and money are three things that, if you’re anything like us, are always lacking. So we’re constantly looking for quick and easy ways to update thrifty items into one of-a-kind treasures. When our belongings and surroundings look good, we feel better about them and are able to live a more inspired life. That’s why I’m so excited today to share a few ideas for updating almost anything with one inexpensive tool that you probably already own: the sharpie.

Secure Your Financial Present and Future with a Week of Action

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We have all heard about how the economy is growing, how the recovery has created millions of new jobs and how unemployment is plummeting to historic lows. So then, why do so many Americans not just feel, but know, that all is not as the numbers would indicate? Next week, join Goodwill as we partner with the first Assets & Opportunity National Week of Action, along with the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and Credit Builders Alliance (CBA).

Easy Elegance

Elegant white chandelier with multiple glowing candle bulbs indoors

When you were a child, did you ever imagine that the “adult you” would effortlessly stroll down a red carpet? Would she be one of those people who could throw on just about anything and still catch the eye of everyone she passed? Or, in your mind’s eye, did you picture yourself gliding around in sleek black heels, walking as comfortably as if you were barefoot? It’s easy to feel like those thoughts are far-fetched now, but I promise you that there are lots of ways to obtain an easy elegance.

My Story: Erin Starnes

Yellow sticky note on a corkboard reading I love my job with a red heart.

Erin Starnes is the director of workforce development for Goodwill Industries of Tenneva (Kingsport, TN). She also worked closely with Matthew McCurry was recently featured on the My Story blog.

Three Ways to Create Succulent Planters

Assorted succulents in ceramic pots arranged on a wooden tray indoors.

Every year at about this time I start to really miss greenery. Although I can see plenty of trees from my windows (the cold generally keeps me inside), their dreary, skeletal branches do nothing to refresh me. So, in an effort to enjoy some greenery, the winter months tend to introduce new plants into my home. With a busy schedule and my black thumb, I need to choose plants that don’t require a lot of care. Enter the super popular succulent!

Get to Know Goodwill's Legislative Priorities and Become an Advocate

US Capitol dome against a clear blue sky

For policy wonks like me, 2016 is off to an exciting start. Congress wrapped up 2015 without shutting down the government, a threat of falling off a “fiscal cliff” is no longer looming, and there is a new speaker of the House. Of course this year there is a presidential election and a number of lawmakers have announced their retirements at the end of this congressional session, providing an opportunity for Goodwill advocates to make new connections with policymakers.

Get to Know Goodwill’s Legislative Priorities and Become an Advocate

Young woman in a red top smiling at an older woman with gray hair and large circular earrings.

For policy wonks like me, 2016 is off to an exciting start. Congress wrapped up 2015 without shutting down the government, a threat of falling off a “fiscal cliff” is no longer looming, and there is a new speaker of the House. Of course this year there is a presidential election and a number of lawmakers have announced their retirements at the end of this congressional session, providing an opportunity for Goodwill advocates to make new connections with policymakers.

Find Success in 2016 with Any Resolution

Two hands rest on a spiral notebook open to a page with blue 2016 doodles and a marker.

It’s the first day of a new year. 365 days stretch out before us with all the shimmering promise of good intention. In a few weeks, you may find yourself hitting a wall and slipping back into old habits no matter how much you swore you would do better this year to work toward your goals (whatever they may be). To help you combat that mid-January battle to keep your resolutions, we’ve got a few tips.

My Story: Matthew McCurry

Row of colorful shirts and garments hanging on a metal clothing rack

Goodwill Industries of Tenneva (Kingsport, TN) program participant and employee Matthew McCurry shares how his life has changed since being introduced to the organization.