Your New Holiday Carol: The Twelve Numbers of Congress

The Thanksgiving holiday fell later this year, which caused retailers great alarm since there would be six fewer shopping days left between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Congress is also running out of time between the holidays to accomplish their year-end goals, and yet they aren’t feeling the same level of angst. There are a number of unfinished items to work on but given that the holidays are upon us, I feel the highlights are best depicted as the Twelve Numbers of Congress. Sing along if you’d like.

Four Steps to Improve Your 2014 Career and Financial Outlook

Andreas from Milwaukee, WI, asks, “I feel a bit lost – like I need to get my job and money under control. I’m thinking these should be my New Year’s resolutions this year. Do you have any tips?”

Your Action Can Give Struggling Americans Something to Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving for most of us means a time for gathering with family and friends, for getting together around the dinner table to enjoy turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, and for relaxing in front of the flat screen to watch your favorite football teams and TV shows. It is a special time—a time to give thanks for all the good fortune we have enjoyed. But for the many who are homeless and hungry in our country, Thanksgiving is just another day.

Nab These Three Holiday Looks for Less at Goodwill

Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! The holidays are within arm’s reach and we all know what that means – lots of sugar cookies and sweet treats in the office kitchen, lots of seasonal commercials for Black Friday deals, and lots of holiday parties! My schedule is already booked full, and I haven’t even thought of what to wear! With multiples soirees on the agenda, a mix of plane tickets to purchase and the handful of family gifts to grab, the budget for looking festive is a tight one. By shopping at Goodwill, not only do I save money, but also at the same time I’m helping to provide job training and job placement opportunities for individuals in my community. I think that’s the holiday spirit that I’m most excited about!

Urge Congress to Protect Charitable Giving Incentives

As nonprofit organizations like Goodwill continue to meet increased demand for services and labor to raise the necessary funds to meet those needs, Congress should seek to encourage everyone, regardless of income, to give more to charitable organizations. Any caps or limits placed on the charitable deduction will undermine the incentive effect, thus reducing charitable giving and hurting nonprofits. At a time when the nonprofit sector continues to see an increased demand for programs and services while public funds are being reduced, our elected officials should support policies that encourage all Americans to give more to charitable organizations and protect the people we serve.

Goodwill Featured in Report Outlining Negative Impact of Funding Cuts

This week, as Congress prepares for another effort to stabilize the nation’s fiscal outlook, a new report illustrates the impact that recent cuts to discretionary programs – including job training programs operated by Goodwill – has negatively affected people. “Faces of Austerity: How Budget Cuts Have Made Us Sicker, Poorer and Less Secure,” was released by NDD United, an alliance of more than 3,200 national, state, and local organizations – including Goodwill Industries International (GII) – working to prevent more harsh cuts to core government functions.

Build a Stronger Team by Using the Three ‘F’ Words

Mario from Omaha, NE, asks, “I was just made a manager in my department. While I’m happy to get a promotion, one of the people I oversee is notoriously negative and attacks his coworkers for no reason. How do I manage this situation?”

How You Can Help People Impacted by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

As people in the Philippines struggle to recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan on November 15, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide relief to those affected.

My Story: Haley Paone

As an adolescent, Haley struggled to progress along her educational path due to her bipolar disorder, but eventually gained her high school diploma and secured a job. Unable to maintain the position, she began working with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, who connected her with Goodwill. There, as part of the “Let’s Go to Work!” program, she built her job readiness skills and was eventually hired in a cashier position. “I know without the help and support of my job coach in Goodwill I would have never been able to move into a competitive job,” she says.

This Thanksgiving, Create a DIY Gratitude Tree

Of all the Thanksgivings I spent at my late grandmother’s house (18 years worth!), there’s one that really sticks out to me. With fragrant wafts of the feast coming our way from the kitchen, she asked each family member to choose something we were really thankful for and mark it on a “gratitude tree” that she had created on her wall. That was the year I realized that this holiday is about much more than just playing with my cousins, and that I was a very lucky girl.

Throw an All-Thrifty Baby Shower

Some college girlfriends called me a few months back and wanted to arrange a baby shower back in my hometown. I was thrilled and excited at a chance to see everyone and show off the bump, but talk of showers always leads to talk of registries. I have to admit– the thought of registering made me a little bit queasy. Babies need so much stuff– but does it all really need to be new? So when I flew back to Missouri last weekend, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I have to hand it to my friends and family– they know me better than I ever imagined. I was treated to a brunch with good friends, family, food, generosity, crafts, love and THRIFTY gifts!

What Legislative Issues Are Important to You in 2014?

Following Election Day, headlines are dominated by outcomes, voter turnout and even thoughts on the next major race.  As important as casting your ballot may be, voting is just one of the many ways we can be engaged in the legislative process. Throughout the year, you can meet with your lawmakers, attend hearings, provide testimony […]