Tick Tock, Tick Tock
Oh no, here we go again…maybe. Congress has once again brought our government to the verge of shutdown, not because there are wide differences over the spending levels, but rather over a host of unrelated policy issues best handled as stand-alone legislation than attached to annual spending bills.
My Story: Lee Ann Hannaford
Lee Ann Hannaford is the winner of Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut’s (Bridgeport) 2015 Spirit of Inspiration Award, She discusses how she has recently been able to overcome living with a debilitating brain injury and hopes for the future.
Your Quest for the Perfect Gift Begins at Goodwill
How’s your holiday shopping coming? I’ve tracked down a few of my most important gifts, but there is still much to be done on my end before Christmas arrives. In an effort to save money and give thoughtful, handmade gifts, I’ve turned to Goodwill. If you’re in the same boat as me, I thought I’d share a few of my plans for this holiday season in hopes of inspiring yours.
Confessions of a Holiday “Stuff Gatekeeper”
On Cyber Monday, I purchased items from Goodwill’s online retail partners. Upon delivery, I’ll remove my new items, and fill the shipping boxes with my Black Friday donations. Next, I’ll print a pre-paid shipping label at givebackbox.com . Finally, I can send the box of donations to my local Goodwill, and it will sell my donations to generate revenues which support employment, job training and other services that create strong families in my community.
A Christmas Kickoff
Thanksgiving is over, so it’s now officially okay to start celebrating Christmas (if that’s your thing, anyway). It’s always been an important holiday in my family so I’m excited to throw myself into decorating, party planning, and gift buying with all the vigor of a well-rested reindeer on Christmas Eve morning. Join me, will you?
After Thanksgiving, Celebrate Your Community by Taking Part in #GivingTuesday
The holidays spotlight the distinct contrasts within our communities. On one hand, there’s a great deal of consumerism and overindulgence that goes along with the activities and traditions, helping to distract us during an otherwise cold and dark season. The season starts with a day to feast and give thanks and two days to find bargains. On the other hand, there are many among us experiencing poverty. Unlike any other time of the year, the stark contrast motivates many to give back.
Career and Financial Advice for November 2015
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!
When Did Illiteracy Become a Crime?
Lacking an education isn’t a crime, and it surely shouldn’t result in a prison sentence. Yet, research finds that 70 percent of the U.S. prison population can’t read. They are among the 32 million people (or 14 percent of the U.S. population) that read below a basic level. This week is American Education Week, and Goodwill understands the important connection between employment and education. People who lack education face a grim future and bleak job prospects. Meanwhile, employers seek workers that have the skills to perform the technical jobs of today and the aptitude to learn the increasingly technical jobs of tomorrow.
3 UNIQUE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR THANKSGIVING EASIER THIS YEAR
Any time a group gets together, a lot must be planned. Add the chaos of visiting extended family to the struggle that is preparing a Thanksgiving meal and the stress compounds. Take heart though, because there are a lot of little things you can do to prepare that don’t have to be expensive or time consuming! While your holiday plans are likely pared down this year, we still have some suggestions to help ease your stress.
Reflections from a Veterans Day Commute
Like millions of workers, my day starts with a commute. While the mere mention of the word, “commute” is enough to make most workers groan, my ride is a daily highlight because it takes me past a list of must-see Washington, DC sites, starting with the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial, and continuing with Arlington National Cemetery. Whether it’s Veterans Day, Memorial Day or any other day of the year, as my thoughts drift from the wife and kids to my daily to-do list, these adjacent memorials never fail to give purpose to my day by reminding me of the sacrifices made, and being made, by people who have served in the armed forces and their families.
My Story: Justin Hon
Justin Hon was able to use his self-presentation skills in conjunction with additional job training from Goodwill Industries of Southern Oregon (Medford) to find work after facing challenges related to his criminal history. As a result of his job placement, he is now able to be more involved in the lives of his children. Read more and watch as he shares his journey to self-sufficiency.
Making it Yours: Found to Favorite
If you want something done right, you’d better do it yourself. This is a hard idea to swallow because it means putting a lot of elbow grease into everything you do, but, if you think about it, isn’t that the only way you’ll be perfectly satisfied with the outcome? Take clothing, for example, it’s rare to find a shirt that fits you exactly right on the first try. Even if it fits in the store when you by it brand new, after running it through the wash once or twice it can fit very differently! Why not whip out that sewing machine and turn it into something that is just right for your body. You’re unique. Your stuff should be unique, too!