My Story: Mariam Bleuez

After graduating in law, I left Morocco to join my Quebec-born husband in Montreal. Upon arrival, I had difficulty adapting to all the changes because I felt very isolated. Alone at home, I decided to look for work only to be disappointed as doors were closed to me due to my lack of work experience in Quebec. My determination allowed me to land a job in a fast food restaurant, but I was unfulfilled. A colleague spoke to me about Goodwill Renaissance Montreal.

Goodwill is New Grad Headquarters

Right now, plenty of graduates are preparing to embark on an exciting new path. This turning point brings nervousness, high hopes, and, sadly, it often also means a lack of funds. It isn’t easy to start over, so saving money becomes especially important during times like these. That’s one of the reasons why I love supporting Goodwill!

Urge Senators to Co-sponsor Bill to Help People with a Criminal Background

Last week, I received a phone call from Audrey, a woman in Wisconsin who was seeking help for her brother, Frank. He has recently been released from prison after serving a 20-year sentence and needs help finding a job. The harsh reality is that without support and resources, Frank’s chances of recidivating are overwhelming.

Get Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey

If you’re looking for a job or working to build your career and you aren’t a member of GoodProspects, now is a great time to start. We are pleased to announce that a new GoodProspects, built with the wants and needs of job seekers and career advancers in mind, will launch in late July. Read more to learn about the new and improved features, and register today!

My Story: Sean Walker

In 1993, I was convicted of a horrible crime. It not only destroyed the life, hopes and dreams of the victim, but it destroyed mine and those of my family. For the next 21 years, I prayed that God would release me and give me another chance at life. I prayed that if he did, I would dedicate my remaining years on earth to the service of mankind, the community of human society.

Light, Bright and Airy: Gorgeous Goodwill Style

These days I’m in love with all things light, bright, and airy. Maybe it’s this spring/summer season, maybe it’s the latest décor and fashion trends, but I’ve noticed that I feel the most inspired and motivated when my surroundings and apparel feel clean and luminous.

Appealing to Millenials

Results from a recent Pew Research Center study noting that most millennials (61 percent) receive their political news from Facebook, was not surprising. Only 37 percent reported getting their political news through local television. This is further proof that social media may be the most effective way to reach this generation. About a quarter of the millennials using Facebook said at least half of the posts they see pertain to government and politics. They were also less familiar with a number of political news outlets, but no less trusting of those media outlets than other generations.

Understand Your Employment Rights as a Person with a Criminal Background

For people returning to society with a criminal record, it’s important to know the legal environment and how laws affects them. Oftentimes, the sometimes-challenging task of getting a job and building a solid career has just got that much more difficult. Here are some updates on ban the box and other fair chance legislation in states, cities and counties across the United States, and what an ex-offender needs to know about their employment rights.

My Story: Jakelia Dooley-Jones

Like many others in my program at Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s (South Bend) Second Chance @ Work Program, I was enrolled because of a felony I committed in 2009. During this point in my life I ran into many financial issues, so I began selling drugs.

Get Your Kicks at Goodwill

Did you know that 86 percent of women own at least one pair of shoes that they’ve never worn? That statistic is astounding! What’s worse – and I’m a little ashamed to admit this – is that I am one of those women. The allure of fancy feet draws me in more often than I care to admit, but still I rotate through the same five pairs and just stare at the rest while a guilty dialog runs through my head.

Could Private Investment be the Answer to Appropriators’ Prayers?

For the past several years, efforts to advance annual spending bills have broken down. The result is usually end-of-the-year political theater that causes most constituents to shake their heads in disgust and keeps Congressional approval rates at historically low levels. But to be fair, Congressional appropriators face increasingly difficult choices.

Careers in Focus: Construction

Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like fine technical work? Do you like visual art? Building systems? Operating machines? Running a business? There’s a lot of room in the construction field for almost any skill set or interest. Occupations all across the construction spectrum are considered to have a “bright outlook,” and a number are also considered to be on the cutting edge of “green” industry. Here’s a small sample of promising career options in construction, and how you can get started.