Find My Goodwill

Congress Finds a Lost Art —The Possible

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

I’ve written before about how this Congress seems to have started to move past the intensely bitter ideological battles that marked much of the past three years. Another sign of that came this week as the GOP-controlled House and the Democrat-led Senate approved a one-year extension of the nation’s borrowing authority, otherwise known at the debt limit. What made this event so newsworthy wasn’t the passage of the legislation, but rather what didn’t happen.

My Story – Carol Newberry

Two coworkers in an office share a desk; a woman in a red sweater points at a computer monitor while her colleague looks on.

After a 11-year career with Goodwill, Carol took some time off following the unexpected death of her husband. Goodwill later welcomed her back and she now works as a vocational evaluator / case manager, where she helps people learn about their skills and re-enter the workforce. “I firmly believe that each and every one of us understands Goodwill’s mission, and that we live it each and every day,” she says.

Congress Passes Farm Bill – SNAP Cuts Minimized

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

After years of wrangling capped by a surprise defeat last year in the House, Congress finally mustered the votes to clear a five-year reauthorization of the farm bill. The bill includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Under the bill, funding for SNAP would be cut by $8 billion over the next decade. The cuts are slightly higher than the $4 billion reduction in the original Senate farm bill but far less than the $40 billion reduction advocated by House Republicans.

Keep Kids Entertained with DIY Games from Goodwill

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

After agreeing to host my nephews and niece for a subzero winter overnight, I began to worry about the entertainment possibilities. I was determined that we wouldn’t spend the evening in front of the television, so I bundled up, got in the car and headed up to one of my favorite Goodwill stores. I thought we could just do a craft of some kind. I would buy some wooden odds and ends and get out paint, glitter, glue, etc. The wood aisle at Goodwill always supplies my needs, so that’s where I headed. But right before my eyes, I spotted a shelf/coat hanger combination piece made from pine, that had three holes in one side. I didn’t spend time trying to figure out what it was used for in the past, but instantly thought of the possibility of making a Goodwill-sourced cornhole game. BINGO! Entertainment idea solved.

What the President’s State of the Union Address Means for Goodwill Advocates

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

The White House has referred to the theme of President Obama’s State of the Union (SOTU) as “Opportunity for All.”  While watching, I was able to identify a number of opportunities for Goodwill advocates to advance efforts that support the people we serve. Depending on which news channel you follow and which papers you read, […]

My Story – Samantha de Roque

Group of workers wearing high-visibility vests standing in front of a loading dock.

After surviving an assault, and bout with breast cancer, Samantha’s outlook on life was left with very little hope. Ready for her life to get back on track Samantha took an opportunity through Goodwill’s Work Adjustment Training program. Through this program Samantha was able to gain employment and rebuild hope for her future.

How Does Washington Spell Relief? O-m-n-i-b-u-s

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

While “omnibus” isn’t the way most people spell relief, in our nation’s capital nothing short of a huge sigh of relief was felt as the $1.1 trillion FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill that funds every nook and cranny of the federal government passed the House and Senate by significant margins and headed for the president’s desk last week. And like most things that manage to pass Congress these days, there was a little something for everyone to like — and dislike — about the bill.

My Story – David Majors

Group of workers wearing high-visibility vests standing in front of a loading dock.

David learned more than he bargained for when he volunteered at his local Goodwill making phone calls. He quickly started to realize the impact he was having on those in his community. After only six weeks he had gained an an understanding and perspective that would change his life.

Ideas for Throwing an All-Thrifty Wedding

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

It’s common knowledge that weddings are expensive. But until I began planning my own, I didn’t realize how expensive. Stunned by the ridiculous sums I was facing, I proclaimed almost immediately that Ryan and my wedding would be thrifty and do-it-yourself. There is so much to think about from big things like location and menu to the little things that are easily overlooked (but can be surprisingly pricey) like tablecloths, ceremony programs and even cake cutting fees! Goodwill to the rescue!