Out with the Old, In with the New

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

With the coming of the new year many of us like to reflect upon the previous year and resolve to do better in the next: lose some weight, quit smoking, save more, and do more for those less fortunate.

How about considering Goodwill in your New Year’s resolutions? Goodwill generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families and vibrant communities by offering job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others who face challenges to finding employmen

Getting Swept Up in 'Secondhand' Politics

It’s hard to live in DC right now without constantly noticing all of the inaugural preparations going on. The city is buzzing with an influx of political tourists, the streets are lined with patriotically decorated store windows, and of course tons of temporary stores and booths are popping up to sell us all kitschy political souvenirs. Now I don’t like to mix pleasure and politics, but since my city is DC and my pleasure is thrift stores, I couldn’t help myself. Seeing all of these t-shirts and bobbleheads being plucked up brought back a flood of memories of all the political swag that I saw in thrift stores across the country during the great RV trip in 2011.

Getting Swept Up in ‘Secondhand’ Politics

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

It’s hard to live in DC right now without constantly noticing all of the inaugural preparations going on. The city is buzzing with an influx of political tourists, the streets are lined with patriotically decorated store windows, and of course tons of temporary stores and booths are popping up to sell us all kitschy political souvenirs. Now I don’t like to mix pleasure and politics, but since my city is DC and my pleasure is thrift stores, I couldn’t help myself. Seeing all of these t-shirts and bobbleheads being plucked up brought back a flood of memories of all the political swag that I saw in thrift stores across the country during the great RV trip in 2011.

Ways to Serve Your Community through Goodwill®

As we reflect on the legacy of another reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first family has called on Americans to continue the tradition they began four years ago with a National Day of Service. Goodwill Industries International is honored to answer that call. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference through Goodwill on the National Day of Service and throughout the year.

Ways to Serve Your Community through Goodwill

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

As we reflect on the legacy of another reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first family has called on Americans to continue the tradition they began four years ago with a National Day of Service. Goodwill Industries International is honored to answer that call. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference through Goodwill on the National Day of Service and throughout the year.

My Story: Christopher Smallwood

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

Christopher had a desire to be independent and earn his own money, but his disability posed an obstacle in finding and maintaining long-term employment. After connecting with Goodwill, his confidence and attitude began to improve. He now believes in his potential and says, “Because I am successful at work, I feel better about myself.”

Impending Policy Decisions Are More Important than Ever

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

Inside the Beltway, “compromise” has become a 4-letter word, resulting in ongoing gridlock and Congressional approval ratings at record lows. Especially with the economic recovery still fragile, important decisions – and indecisions for that matter – made during the new 113th Congress will have significant long-term implications.

What Your Body Language Says about You

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

Mike from Austin, TX, asks: “Someone at work told me I come off bad in meetings! I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or how to fix it, and I don’t want this to negatively impact my job. Help!”

My Story: Karl Lamont Lee

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

Karl was struggling to find employment that would allow him to support himself and pay child support for his children. After connecting with Goodwill, he found the long-term job he needed. “I can take care of my kids. I am so proud,” he says.

Goodwill Previews Issues on the Public Policy Front in 2013

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

While Congress may have averted the fiscal cliff for now, the new Congress will have its work cut out for it with a number of diverse policy issues vying for attention. In the midst of these discussions, organizations like Goodwill continue to take advantage of opportunities to educate new members about our mission of providing job training and other community based programs to people with barriers to employment.