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.

Goodwill: One Stop Shopping

Do you know what my favorite thing about Goodwill is? Well, other than their mission, of course. My favorite thing, after their dedication to providing services that enable people from all backgrounds to obtain and maintain economic independence and an increased quality of life, is the fact that I can find pretty much anything I’m looking for in their stores. Goodwill is the ultimate one stop shopping experience. They have everything!

Helping Older Americans Age at Home

Increasingly, seniors desire to remain at home as they age rather than relocating to assisted living or nursing homes. Their ability to do so often depends on the availability of home and community-based services and other supports. The Older Americans Act of 1965 requires the Administration on Aging (AOA) to promote and support a comprehensive system of services.

Eight Ways to Pitch Your Diverse Background as an Employment Asset

It has become more common to hear employers talk about valuing workplace diversity and inclusion. Today’s Millennial generation prefers “cognitive diversity,” or the blending of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives within a team. As employers seek to hire people with diverse racial, sexual, class or religious backgrounds, you can drive the conversation about the value that your own diversity brings to a company. Here are eight benefits of a diverse workplace that you can cite when talking with employers.

My Story: Justin Newbern

Hi, my name is Justin Newbern and I work at ABVI-Goodwill (Rochester) in Geneseo, NY. I work in the wares department and at the donation door and I love my job! I learned how to pull and push items in the store, take out the garbage and do recycling. Running the donation door is my […]

Bringing The Outdoors In

Although it isn’t officially summer yet, it certainly feels like it. But during these early warm months, a day of rain can really interrupt those long-awaited outdoor plans. I feel particularly annoyed when there is a streak of beautiful weather during the week and then, when my day off rolls around, it’s dreary. To combat those rainy day blues, I’ve thought up some ways to bring the outdoors in and fill my time with summer vibes even if I can’t actually be outside (well, without getting drenched, that is).

Support Our Seniors During Older Americans Month

The very first Older Americans Month took place in May 1963.  While the poverty rate for seniors declined from the abysmal high point of 65 percent, it still hovered around an unacceptable 30 percent. Today the senior poverty rate stands just above 10 percent, about the same as other age groups. Social Security, one of […]

Three Ways to Use Digital Skills in Your Job Search

Computers and information technology have had as much of an impact on the workplace as the steam engine, with incredible change happening tremendously quickly. Having basic digital literacy—using a computer, learning new programs and communicating online—has become an integral part of looking for and keeping a job. Here are three ways that digital tools can make your job search easier and educational.

My Story: Sandra Collins

Hello, my name is Sandra Collins. I’m a new homeowner and the manager of Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainer Region (Tacoma)’s new outlet store in Olympia, WA. My life is fulfilling and very different from just eight years ago.