Congressional Job Training Debate Focuses on a False Choice

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The editorial page of this Sunday’s Washington Post featured the article, “Congress debates the future of job-training program.” Rather than presenting a refreshing and balanced perspective on an important, yet long-delayed, piece of legislation, the editorial rehashed an old partisan debate over a false choice: Should the nation’s network of job training programs be consolidated or not?

My Story: Kyle Plaza

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After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, Kyle faced new challenges in finding and maintaining a job. Through a special program at Goodwill, Kyle made the connections he needed to land an internship at an auto shop, which later translated into a permanent job. He has regained his driver’s license and now enjoys more freedom.

When Will Our Generation Take a Stand for Jobs?

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My Facebook feed was filled this week with posts and pictures of people commenting on the recent cases before the Supreme Court. I walked past the people who lined up for days in order to get a glimpse of the oral arguments, and I started to think about what motivates them to take action. Why aren’t people showing the same level of engagement when it comes to issues before Congress?

My Story: Dustin Broshar

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Dustin, who has a hearing impairment, shares how Goodwill’s Prosperity Center in Eugene, OR, helped him find stable employment and access financial and educational opportunities.

No Wire Hangers! Why Wooden Hangers Hold the Key to Closet Organization

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I am a messy person. For a few years I’ve been trying to find ways to intercept messes before they take root, and one thing that has really helped is having an exposed closet. When I dress, I need to see all of my options before me. In the past, my closet led to piles on the floor and the disappearance of my bed beneath clothing, but once I built an exposed closet it was much easier for me to manage the would-be mess because suddenly I didn’t have to pull everything out in order to see it.

For Workforce Stakeholders, It’s March Madness

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For workforce stakeholders, March has been an eventful month. Early in the month, Congress failed to avert automatic spending cuts, commonly referred to as “sequestration,” from taking place. This cut is resulting in a 5 percent cut to job training and other programs that allow Goodwill to do more to help people to find jobs and advance in careers. Further, the cut will feel deeper since it is being applied late in the fiscal year.

Thrift is SO Having a Moment Right Now

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As your self-proclaimed “thrift culture” blogger, I feel it’s my responsibility- nay – my duty this month to point one simple fact to the blogosphere. Let’s all join hands and bow our heads– thrift stores are really having a bit of a moment right now.

This Tax Season, Take Advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit

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During last year’s tax filing season, more than 27 million American families were refunded in excess of $62 billion by taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, or the Earned Income Credit (EITC or EIC). However, each year, millions of families fail to take advantage of billions of dollars in EITC refunds that they are eligible to receive. If your family is considered low-income or medium-income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), your family may be losing out on potential tax refund dollars.