Find My Goodwill

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.

Career and Financial Advice for December 2015

Two men seated outdoors in conversation; one wears a blue dress shirt and striped tie, the other a gray t-shirt.

Here are some career and financial advice 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!

May the Force Awaken in Congress

Desert scene with a mud-brick hut, arched doorway, and a weathered metal device beside rolling sand dunes.

Last week, as Hollywood celebrated the much-anticipated film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, people in Washington, DC (or as I like to call it, “Hollywood for Geeks”), celebrated the end of the year’s Congressional session with the passage of a $1.1 trillion spending bill along with a tax extenders bill. Having just purchased my tickets for The Force Awakens, the DC geek in me can’t help but feel as though the credits are rolling on the second part of a three-part Congressional trilogy.

Bright New Beginnings for 2016

Colorful party poppers with confetti on a bright yellow background.

As the end of 2015 approaches, it’s natural to begin contemplating changes and improvements for the new year ahead. The ringing in of 2016 isn’t just about throwing a great party – although, let’s be honest, going the extra mile to find fun dress and décor is a wonderful way to start on a positive […]

Taxpayers Receive a Special Gift Just in Time for the Holidays

A brown paper-wrapped gift tied with a red and white gingham ribbon on a white wooden surface.

Tis’ the season of giving, and it appears that Congress has delivered a gift to individual taxpayers and the charitable sector this week. While negotiating a budget deal to keep the government open, lawmakers were also negotiating the extension of a number of tax provisions (52 to be exact), which were set to expire at the end of the year. The tax agreement passed the House on Thursday. The Senate is likely to pass the bill on Friday. Some of the provisions in the agreement were made permanent while others would be reinstated through 2019, reinstated through 2016, or phased out over time.

Take a Goodwill Challenge

Assorted holiday felt decorations on a wooden table, including a reindeer, stitched trees, and snowflake ornaments

It isn’t often that I get sucked into YouTube, watching one video after another, but I have to admit that I get hopelessly lost whenever I start watching $5 Goodwill Challenge videos. Tonight was especially bad because two of my loves were combined: Goodwill and Christmas. But how could I help myself? It turns out that there are some truly posh holiday displays shared online designed around Goodwill finds. Here are a few.