Thrifty Ladies Work the Runway at Goodwill Fashion Show and Gala

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Goodwill’s The Art of Fashion Runway Show and Gala here in DC for the first time. Just walking in, it was obvious this wasn’t going to be your typical fashion show. Past a gaggle of valet parking staff and the tables brimming with hors d’oeuvres, up the stairs at Artisphere and past the Andy Warhol exhibit, there they were — racks and racks of curated thrift store goodies!

DIY: Make This Halloween-Themed Cupcake Stand

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, as people look to get creative and put together the “be-all, end-all” Halloween costume, an area that gets overlooked is housewares. If you’re hosting a Halloween bash, there’s no need to spend lots of money on decorations. It may take a little planning, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can get in and out of there for under $20. Since you never know exactly what you’ll find, it’s a good idea to have a couple of options, and know what items you’ll need to find in order to execute your Halloween décor.

Act Now to Support the Rights of People with Disabilities

Goodwill agencies around the country have joined the efforts to promote October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As the month comes to an end, you have the opportunity to continue to support the rights of people with disabilities by urging your Senator to support the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

My Story: Liera Williams

Liera, a single mother of three, found herself struggling to find a job and support her family — at times staying with friends and family when her housing situation became unstable. Through the Seattle Goodwill’s Green Corps program, she is building skills that will help her advance her career and provide for her family. “If you’re a single mom that’s looking for work, don’t listen to people that tell you can’t do it. I can be your motivation,” she says.

Skip the Big Box: Thrift Stores Offer Halloween Costume Options for Less

My favorite month has arrived – it’s October (woo!!) and that means one thing: costume time! Halloween is on the bend and costumes need to be picked out. This is a very serious time for me because there is nothing that I love more than dressing up. Honestly, there really is no better place to costume shop than thrift stores. Whether you have an idea of what you want to dress up as and need to grab assorted pieces to complete your look, or you’re completely clueless and need a last minute get-up, secondhand stores are the place to sort out the perfect costume!

Congress Averts Economic Armageddon, but Shutdown Impacts Felt by Communities

Once again, Congressional leaders have reached a temporary last-minute deal to avert economic Armageddon. In other words, with Congress punting the ball, the game has been extended into another overtime period. While the media’s focus on these political dramas appears like bad reality TV, the real-world realities are felt in local communities served by Goodwill agencies. From employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities, veterans services, low-income housing, income tax assistance programs and more, local Goodwill agencies, their employees, and the people Goodwill serves are experiencing the pinch caused by the recent government shutdown.

Beyond the Title: How to Talk about the Job You Do

Travis from West Orange, NJ, asks, “I hate when people ask me what I do for work. I like my job just fine, but most people think it’s boring and it usually grinds the conversation to a halt. What should I say?”

My Story: Vincent Barnes

Vincent, a sixth generation military service member, faced unemployment and homelessness after transitioning into civilian employment. He got a new start after connecting with Goodwill Industries of Houston. He says, “This program is a blessing, it really is. It has helped so many different people out in so many different situations. It’s a life‑changing experience. You get to start all over. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would have such a big heart or that a program out here in the United States would exist.

Recreate Three Fall Trends Using Thrift Store Finds

Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! New York Fashion Week is over and the spring 2014 looks have made their way down the runway, however we’re just starting to gear up for fall! I’ve put together three big fall trends using pieces acquired at Goodwill. Mission impossible? Nah, just like Tom Cruise, I was successful — and I didn’t have to scale any walls.

How to Make a Decision

Clement from Akron, OH, “I am horrible at making decisions. I spend way too long researching information and weighing all of my options trying to make the right decision. How can I get better at this?”

My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez

After transitioning out of the military, Rebecca tried to get an administrative job using the same skills she honed while in service, but encountered employers who were reluctant to hire someone without a degree. She connected with Goodwill in Orange County, where she found employment and regained her sense of self-sufficiency. “Goodwill provided me not only financial stability, but also training and education. I’m learning new skills every day and I’m honestly really happy to be there,” she says.

Set a Spooky Scene with This Easy Halloween Craft Project

I’ve had many people tell me that they don’t have a creative bone in their body. For some people, creating art is easy; making things comes as naturally as breathing. For others, even if the intent and effort is there, it seems that crafting is just difficult. I like to share ideas that everyone can find success with, which is why we’ve got a fail-proof “easy art” project in this post. Try this painting technique with a spooky image (like a black cat) if you’re decorating for an upcoming Halloween party or just choose something that inspires you for regular year-round décor!