It’s Business as (Un)usual when It Comes to the Budget

Once again, the country watches as the government risks having to shut its doors and default on the debt because Congress can’t seem to do it any other way. These dual events of autumn have become so familiar that they seem more usual than not.

Improve Your Public Speaking Skills with These Tips

Aaron from Frankfort, KY, asks, “I’m a hard worker but hate having to present at meetings or talk in front of lots of people. Since this is all some colleagues see of me, I feel like this is jeopardizing my reputation. Can you help?”

My Story: Monique Armstrong

Through Goodwill’s microenterprise program, Monique found the encouragement and training she needed to launch her own cookie company, MLA Gourmet.

Make a DIY Scratching Post and Shelter for Your Cat

It’s common knowledge that cats love small spaces. Put a box down on the floor near a feline, blink your eyes, and when you open them again a furry little body will be smooshed inside (the smaller the space, the more enticing it is). My boys have had a long summer, so I thought it was about time I treat them to a new little hideout. Using things found at Goodwill plus some scrap wood, wood glue, nails and a staple gun, I made them their very own A-frame.

Will Internet Sales Tax Reach into Your Pocket?

When the Internet was invented, few had any idea what its full potential could be. Today, of course, we reap benefits that even a few years ago seemed like science fiction. With the rise of e-commerce and treasuries leaning as a result of the recession, many policymakers are eyeing Internet sales as a tempting revenue source. In fact, Congress is now considering whether it’s not enough that you pay sales tax in the state you live in, but also whether you should be taxed when you buy something over the Internet.

Speak Up! Five Tips to Make Yourself Heard in Meetings

Abby from Oklahoma City, OK, asks, “I’m one of the younger people in my office, and people never let me speak in meetings. It’s a constant competition to be heard and whenever I try to join the conversation, someone else usually talks over me. I’m getting really frustrated – how can I get them to listen to me?”

My Story: Katlyn Napier

Katlyn expected to find a job right out of high school, but found employers were looking for people with more experience. After connecting with Goodwill, she gained the training and support she needed to land a job and enroll in college.

Thrifting from Here to Maternity

There’s a little news to share with all of you this month– there’s a new little thrifter on the way! I have a whole new section of the thrift store to delve into! If there’s one thing you learn from others really quickly when you find out you’re expecting, it’s that you’re going to need a whole lot of stuff for the little one. So my first trip to the thrift store after getting the news, I made a point to start looking early. Off to Goodwill I went, having done some online research first into some items that might eventually need purchasing for me and the little one.

Action or Inaction in Congress Will Impact the Lives of People Goodwill Serves

Congress’s plate of must do legislation is full as we head into the fall.  Spending bills, debt limit increases, and resolutions on Syria, are big bites to swallow in the short time between now and the end of the year.  A number of other issues, pending decisions in Washington, will have real impact on many […]

Make Goodwill a Shopping Source for Dorm Room Décor

When I first spotted these three items at a Goodwill near my studio, I thought I’d have two projects to share. I was going to paint the lamp base a shiny silver, add the magenta shade and call it a day. Then, when I thought about painting the walnut lamp base, it didn’t seem right; nor did it seem like it would improve the lamp in any way.

After consulting with my next door studio neighbor, who happens to be a talented stylist and designer, we decided on a project that included all three items in a high-impact bedside table arrangement that anyone would be proud to show off.

Building a Skilled Workforce Is Crucial to Economic Recovery

A recent column, “Building America’s Workforce,” appeared in a publication commonly read by Congressional members and staff alike. The author, Thomas Hilliard, a senior fellow in workforce development policy at the Center for an Urban Future, discusses the pressures that obstruct our nation’s job training system from producing a workforce with the skills that businesses need to compete in the global economy. These pressures include the skills gap; a disjointed, multi-piece skills-building system; and underfunding.

Tips for Finding a Job When You've Been Unemployed

Frank from the Greater Cleveland area asks, “I have been out of work for more than six months and have had no luck finding a job. I am not even having any success in getting an interview. What do I need to do to get noticed?”