My Story: Justin Newbern

Person in a red hoodie posing excitedly beside a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments.

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

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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

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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

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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

Blue wall with 'CHANGING ROOMS' sign and five doors numbered 1–5 in colored circles.

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.

Top Three Things Your Mom Wants For Mother’s Day

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This Sunday will be my first Mother’s Day as a mom and my new perspective has me looking at the years ahead. I imagine the man I hope my two-month-old will grow up to be: a kind, responsible, and loving person who honestly enjoys his time with me. If your mom is anything like I am, there are the three things she’ll want most this Mother’s Day.

Advocacy through Community Engagement

Close-up of two hands clasped together, one younger hand holding an elderly person's hand.

I recently had the privilege of leading a series of discussions with a small group of Goodwill employees during a conference hosted by Goodwill Industries International. Our topic was community engagement and advocacy. We began our conversation by considering who makes up the community in which Goodwill belongs and how we engage the group.

Tips for Getting the Best Job References

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It can be hard to figure out who to use as a reference whether you are just starting to work, returning to work after some time off or just in need of someone new and reliable, as you need to know that a reference will provide quality information on your work ethic, experience and character. Help your career grow with these tips.

My Story: Steve Hennessey

Two workers in red vests lean over a workstation, focused on a task in a tiled room.

Steve Hennessy began with Goodwill Omaha more than 37 years ago. For 35 of those years he has worked in Lincoln, NE as a custodian.

Customize Your Thrifting Experience

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One of the things I love most about shopping at Goodwill is the way it encourages me to think outside of the box. I always try to keep an open mind about the items that grace Goodwill’s aisles, and it looks like I’m not alone! Today I’ve got a great collection of refashions from others who, like me, try not to feel limited by the intended purpose or look of an item.

Congress Set to Move Budget, Spending Bills While Challenges Loom

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For the first time in 15 years the House and Senate Budget Committee chairs announced a deal on a ten year budget resolution that sets the broad parameters of spending and revenues. If approved, outlays (another word for spending) grow from $3.88 billion for FY 2016 to just over $5.0 billion in FY 2025. Revenues would also increase slightly more than outlays by 2024, meeting the GOP goal of achieving a balanced budget within ten years.

Thanks for Everything! Seven Tips for Leaving Your Job the Right Way

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When the time comes to move on from your current job, you’ll want to go through the process with the same care and consideration that you put into getting hired for it in the first place; no matter why you’re leaving, you want to do so with a good reputation and positive feelings from co-workers. Follow these to make sure that you’re leaving the right way.