Help End the Nation’s Prison Dependency Problem

In 1971, while struggling to find an exit strategy from the Vietnam War, President Nixon declared a new war – the War on Drugs. He proposed fighting this war on both the supply side, by cracking down on drug pushers, and on the demand side by investing in strategies to rehabilitate people who were dependent on drugs. Unfortunately, drug abuse remains a serious problem. However, tough sentencing for drug-related crime has done little to deter those on the supply side. Instead, incarceration rates have steadily increased from just under 200,000 people in state and federal prisons in 1971, to more than 1.5 million in 2013.

Tips for Narrowing Down Your Career Interests

When you first start working, you may try a number of fields and position types to see what works best for you; when it’s time to start a career track, though, it helps to be certain about what you want to do. Here are some tips for narrowing down your career interests and finding the best opportunities for your long-term career goals.

My Story: Kim Rawls

Through Goodwill, I was able to start [working] in the e-commerce department. A month later I became the leader in that department which was about to go from a $1,500 revenue to a $7,000 revenue within one month. By December 2013, we hit our first $10,000.

Channel Your Goodwill Wanderlust

What’s the first thing you do when you visit a new city? For me, after I’ve settled into my hotel and refueled at a café, I have to track down the closest Goodwill retail store! Since each and every one is stocked with items donated by those who live nearby, individual locations become completely distinct and allow visitors to get a taste for that specific region’s lifestyle.

My Story: Oscar Flores Montes

I was introduced to the Seattle Goodwill Aerospace Program. One day I was just having lunch at my high school and a friend of mine whose name is Oscar as well, he came up to me and asked me if I was interested in aerospace. He knew I was interested in aerospace, so naturally I said yes.

Careers in Focus: Information Technology

There is a wide array of career paths in information technology (IT), including maintenance and support, research/development/design and cybersecurity, among others. IT is also a fast-paced industry that is constantly changing, which provides you the opportunity to continually learn new technologies. Here is a small sampling of positions in IT career pathways.

Goodwill Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the ADA

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and public accommodations. Goodwill has been dedicated to supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities, among others, since its founding more than 113 years ago

DIY Projects for the Perfect Summer Party

It’s July, which means that it’s prime time for backyard parties. With longer hours of sunshine and soft breezes to offer relief from the heat (and from the bugs!), I find myself looking for an excuse to stay outside as long as possible. I’ve also recently found a few super fun DIY party projects that I am eager to try out.

Goodwill Conveys Need for Welfare Reform Before Congress

This week I had the great pleasure of working with Boyd Brown, area director of employment & training of Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota (St. Paul), as he testified before a Congressional subcommittee. The hearing, which was on welfare reform proposals, specifically involved the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. His testimony provided great insight into the journey of an individual on public assistance, struggling to find a job and the challenges faced by case managers trying to put people to work.

Careers in Focus: Advanced Manufacturing

If working in high-tech fields interests you, you may want to consider a career in advanced manufacturing, creating state-of-the art products and components using high-tech equipment. Here are just a few of the career fields and credentials available to skilled workers within advanced manufacturing.

My Story: Lisa Smith

Sixteen years ago, I was a professional vocalist on my way to landing a recording contract. However, my life took a dramatic turn when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The near-fatal wreck left me paralyzed from the waist down.

Mix Patterns Like a Pro

With tons of fun patterns trending out there – chevron, florals, stripes – why choose just one? Heading out of the house with something snazzy on is a great way to up your confidence and make the most of your day. Gone are the days when mixing patterns was considered a faux pas. Today, a great pattern is especially well appreciated when it has found its perfect partner in crime.