As Congress Averts Crisis, Goodwill Helps Heroes Get Hired

This week, Congress has been working to adopt a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will finalize government funding for the remainder of FY 2014. The bill has advanced in an uncharacteristically bipartisan manner, without finger pointing, bickering or threats of a government shutdown. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will not […]

My Story: Liz Morris

When Liz Morris began to lose her vision, she lost her independence. Not one to give up in light of a challenge, she gained the knowledge needed to begin her new life. After 10 years of unemployment Liz reached out to Goodwill for help to jumpstart her professional career.

Stability in Washington—a “Monumental” Task?

Recently, President Obama talked about the need for stability in Washington. I trust he wasn’t talking about the Washington Monument and National Cathedral, both of which became a little wobbly after the earthquake. I’m pretty sure he was talking about the need for Congress to take care of routine business, like passing budgets and appropriations bills, reauthorizing certain laws like the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), generally not terrorizing the world over not raising the debt limit, things like that. And perhaps Congress already got the message.

Lost Your Luggage? Replace Your Suitcase Contents for Less at Goodwill

Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! It’s the holiday season, so that means there’s lots of travel going on. Suitcases get packed — as do the flights home — and sometimes those suitcases don’t make it to the final destination! I was inspired to craft this month’s post about what to do when it’s YOU who doesn’t see your suitcase on the carousel. One of my biggest nightmares is being the last one standing in the baggage claim area, watching the rest of my flight mates head out of the airport with their luggage, and then seeing the carousel stop, wondering, “But where’s my rolling suitcase?”

Here's What This Year's Second Annual Secondhand Sunday Had in Store

Earlier this month, freshly stuffed with turkey and cranberry sauce, millions of Americans mapped out their early Black Friday morning shopping strategies. Just hours after giving thanks for the things they already have, many of them huddled in tents on cold, hard, strip-mall sidewalks — ironically — to get more stuff. Not me. Last year’s first Secondhand Sunday had me looking forward to this year’s post-Thanksgiving trip to the thrift store even more.

Here’s What This Year’s Second Annual Secondhand Sunday Had in Store

Earlier this month, freshly stuffed with turkey and cranberry sauce, millions of Americans mapped out their early Black Friday morning shopping strategies. Just hours after giving thanks for the things they already have, many of them huddled in tents on cold, hard, strip-mall sidewalks — ironically — to get more stuff. Not me. Last year’s first Secondhand Sunday had me looking forward to this year’s post-Thanksgiving trip to the thrift store even more.

My Story: Tanyel Johnson

Tanyel quit her job to attend to the needs of her children, specifically, her son with a disability, while her husband worked. Not working caused her to fall into a depression. She saw a commercial for Goodwill’s services and later connected with the agency in Omaha for a six-month customer service training. She landed an internship,which then led to permanent employment that allows her to still attend to her son’s needs when needed.

What Can Congress Learn from a Shower Squeegee?

This time of year always makes me think about tradition and the fact that winter celebrations are common among most cultures around the world. At the macro level, lights, singing and festivals are all age-old traditions that help to dull the edge of a bleak season of long, dark and cold nights. What I enjoy even more are those quirky traditions that develop at the micro level among families.

Made a Mistake at Work? Five Steps to Recover Quickly

Michael from Portland, OR, asks, “I’ve had so much on my plate at the end of this year that I totally spaced out on an important project timeline at work. I’m so mad at myself! How can I make things better?”

My Story – Cody Pacht

After high school, Cody was excited to start the next phase of his life but didn’t know where to begin. He connected with the Colorado Springs’ “Pursuits” program, where he gained confidence and built his job skills. At the conclusion of the program, he found a job at a local car dealership. “Now that I look back and see how far I have come and how much I have achieved, I realize that there is nothing out of my reach,” he says.

Countdown to the Holidays with This Easy DIY Project

At this time of the year, everyone is counting down to something – Christmas, the New Year, Kwanzaa, etc. But rather than buying an advent calendar that may not exactly suit your celebration or décor style, why not make your own countdown? The holiday season has somehow evolved into a season about the stuff. I wanted a way to bring attention back to community-centered activities that represent the spirit of the holidays (like joining Goodwill in giving back!) So instead of putting toys or candies in my countdown, I’ve written out holiday activities that will allow my family to really enjoy this December.

'Twas the Night Before Congress (Adjourned)

Twas the night before Congress adjourned, when all through the House (and Senate)
Not a person was working, not even a mouse.
The bills were all filed to repeal Obamacare,
In hopes that November soon would be there.