Translate Your Volunteer Experience Into Employment

Did you know that working for free can help you transition into your dream job? Volunteering increases your chances of employment. One 2013 study showed that “volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers.” That number almost doubles for certain groups, such as those without high school diplomas. Here’s how volunteering ups your employment odds.

My Story: Lew Davis

My name is Lew Davis and I have been associated with Goodwill of Monocacy Valley (Frederick, MD). Prior to coming to Goodwill, I was struggling with intellectual and learning disabilities and dealing with my father’s illness. I am a very shy person and it takes me awhile to open up to people.

Join the #GoodwillOnHill Virtual Advocacy Day

This week, Goodwill advocates from around the country will visit Capitol Hill and meet with hundreds of lawmakers to advocate for federal investments in programs that leverage Goodwill and benefit the people we serve, and increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. You can help bolster the success of their visits and help strengthen Goodwill’s public policy influence.

Color Trends: Great Finds in Blue

Would you judge me if I said that I was so inspired by the bold, rich color of Goodwill’s logo that I’ve decided to actively seek it out for clothing and home décor? No? Great!

Goodwill Provides Support for People Who Seek Career Advancement Through Educational Attainment

Since 1902, Goodwill has been helping people find jobs despite employment challenges. Much has changed since our founder, Edgar Helms, opened the first Goodwill store in south Boston, providing jobs and much needed wages to people in the economically distressed neighborhood. Back then, a solid education was certainly nice to have; today however, access to education is an absolute necessity if one is to succeed in a job and advance in a career.

Learn Career Skills Online Using MOOCs

For free or a relatively small fee, you can learn everything from coding to ancient history without having to leave home, and often on your own time. A popular model is the Massive Online Open Course, and it works for career skills training, too. Learn more about how these courses work and where to find them.

My Story: Gail Brown

My name is Gail Brown and I have been a Veterans Affairs (VA) operator with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Shreveport) for the last five and half years. I have post-polio syndrome. I am also a Hurricane Katrina survivor.

Build Your Maternity Collection at Goodwill

You know that thrilling retail therapy feeling? The excitement of making a great purchase? That feeling eluded me last fall when my growing belly screamed out for maternity-wear. Staring at big price tags on pieces of clothing that would only fit for a few months, I cringed as I made those first few maternity-wear purchases. Then, the face-palm moment struck and I realized that I could be saving money by getting some great barely-worn maternity items at Goodwill!

Never Stop Learning: Obtain Credentials to Grow Your Career

Turning a job that you enjoy into a meaningful career is the way to ensure long-term financial security and professional fulfillment. Taking the time to lay your career and educational groundwork today — including stacked credentials — can ensure that you succeed in a lifelong career that fits your skills and interests.

My Story: Antoinette Watson

My life fell apart when my job suddenly ended and the unexpected death of my mother made everything seem worse. Everything that I had worked so hard to achieve had just slipped away. This was the lowest point in my life and I felt I had nothing to live for.

Spring into a New Season of Thrift Projects

We’ve waited long enough and in most parts of the U.S. and Canada, spring has finally sprung! Let’s celebrate by creating outdoorsy home décor projects and pulling together new looks inspired by this highly anticipated season. One great way to do this and to give back to your community at the same time is to shop for the necessities at Goodwill!

House and Senate Budgets – A Case of Vote and Run

Both the House and Senate are due to complete work on their respective budget resolutions this week, right before leaving town for a two week recess. The budget resolutions don’t become law, but they do set the spending targets for the current fiscal year, creating one possible blueprint for spending and tax policy for the next 10 years.