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.

Lincoln’s Words Remind Us of Our Duty 150 Years Later

At the end of President Lincoln’s second inaugural address, he implored a war-weary nation “…to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan….” All the country was aware of the sacrifice. From big cities to small rural towns, there was either direct destruction because of the civil war or their soldiers had been lost or wounded in battle. As in most of his addresses to the nation, Lincoln spoke to both current and future generations.

Hit the Beach with Iconic Thrift Finds

Throughout the year, I look forward to summertime. Not only for the obvious reasons: the warmth, the sun, and the generally leisurely attitude that many people adopt, but also because summer brings trips to the ocean. I realize, of course, that we could go to the ocean any day, but what is the fun in going when it’s cold out? It’s summer now, so the time has come for this girl to plan a trip to the seaside!

Five Considerations When Creating a Digital Portfolio

While job seekers will always need a good résumé and cover letter, increasing numbers of job applicants are creating digital portfolios to showcase their experience and skills. A digital portfolio can make sure that hiring managers see relevant, work-appropriate information if they research you, too. Here are five steps to consider when creating your digital portfolio.