Don’t Let Public Transportation Delays Ruin Your Day — Or Your Career!

Joe from San Francisco, CA, asks, “I just got a new job and will be taking the bus to work. When the bus is supposed to show up and actually shows up are completely different — it can be really unpredictable, and I’m worried I may be late occasionally. How should I address this with my boss?”

My Story – Ryan Barleston

At Goodwill, I learned to come to work on time and work on my reading skills. In 2010, I got a job working at U.S. Security, and now I am doing security work at many locations. I love my job. I am very happy. I am more serious and motivated and a good role model for my four-year-old son.

Back-to-School Buys for Every Age

Whether you are enrolled in grad school or your little one is heading off to kindergarten, thrift shopping for your back-to-school needs is the best way to stick to a budget and prepare yourself for the year ahead. While you are out shopping at Goodwill this month, know that its Community College/Career Collaboration (in partnership with local community colleges) will help increase college and career success for adults with low incomes so that they can access and complete labor market-relevant credentialing programs offered by community colleges.

MN Senators Get a Front-row Seat to the Goodwill Mission

“The workplace and skills that are needed has been changing rapidly. I was very intrigued by the partnership between community programs, technical colleges and businesses that you’ve developed. I’m so eager to hear from you today,” said Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) upon visiting Goodwill/Easter Seals of Minnesota’s construction and automotive training facility.

The Long-distance Job Search: Getting Past the Zip Code Filter

Meredith from Orlando, FL, asks, “I’m willing to move for a job but am afraid I’m being weeded out simply because my address isn’t local. What can I do to increase my chances of success?”

My Story—Paul Rosenstock

The message I would have for employers is to be open minded. I do understand that there’s a huge stigma attached to people who have been incarcerated. That stigma, a lot of times, is generated by what people know, which is unfortunately what they see on television and what they read in the newspaper. That only portrays a very small part of what people who have been incarcerated are.

Thrifting: A Cure for the Rainy Day Blues

On rainy days, I feel the pull of my television, and it’s almost as though my pajamas are a second skin. When I accept these conditions and sink into the couch to pass my day, though, at the end of it I’m left feeling pretty rotten. Here’s my solution to combatting the rainy day blues: pull on your favorite sweater (just as cozy as pajamas!) and head to Goodwill.

Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Programs That Reduce Recidivism

As the nation’s largest provider of job training services, Goodwill knows that work is one of the keys to successful reentry from prison. Congress is on the verge of advancing the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, which expands existing correctional education and employment initiatives; increases the number of grant programs available to nonprofits; and improves accountability. Goodwill supports this bipartisan legislation and urges Congress to pass the bill this year.

Don’t Let Tech Issues Hinder Your Virtual Interview

Sarah from Providence, RI, asks, “I’m moving to a new state next month and have been applying for jobs there in advance. One place invited me to do a virtual interview using my computer and webcam—this is a first for me. Any tips on how to make sure it goes well?”

My Story: Laura Walling

When Laura landed a job at Goodwill’s leadership office out of graduate school, she was excited to be able to advocate on behalf of Goodwill and the people it serves. “I know our democracy works, and I’ve seen firsthand how the collective voice of supporters can influence policymakers,” Laura says. “I am honored to be one of our loudest voices.”

My Story—Dwayne Hodges

When I came to the Goodwill, I had just been released from prison. I had just served 9 years of a 12-year sentence, a federal sentence for crack cocaine distribution. I was actually in the United States Marine Corps. I was in the Marine Corps from 1990 to 1994. When I got out of the […]

Planning the Perfect Picnic with Goodwill

What’s your favorite thing about August? Mine is picnicking! I feel like June is for wrapping up loose ends at work or school before slipping into the excitement of July with fireworks, BBQs, and the beach. But in August, the days seem calmer and quieter, with just the buzz of cicadas to keep time. In my humble opinion, August was made for picnics.