Tell Congress to Remember Key Job Training Programs in Fiscal Cliff Discussions

This week, Congress reconvened in a lame-duck session in order to wrap up unfinished business. Its most pressing responsibility is finding a solution to reduce the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years in order to avoid automatic spending cuts that will otherwise take effect at the beginning of next year. Goodwill supporters can take action now by urging Congress to support a balanced and bipartisan approach to deficit reduction.
Find a Job On the Go with These Mobile Apps

Gene from Warwick, RI, asks, “I’ve been unemployed for over half a year now. I don’t have a computer, but get on the Internet through my smartphone. Can you recommend some apps to increase my career and financial chances?”
My Story: Steven Escamilla

Steven suffered permanent injuries in a car crash and, without a job, felt hopeless and like he wasn’t contributing to society. After connecting with Goodwill, he regained hope and found employment that allows him to feel fulfilled and earn a paycheck.
Give Your Holiday Gifts a Second Chance

Because we have already created buzz around Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, why not fill in the only day after Thanksgiving that’s been sadly overlooked in the moniker department? That’s why right here, today, before all of my blogosphere witnesses, I propose Second Chance Sunday–when everyone goes to Goodwill and finds the most awesome gifts ever.
Looking to Help People This Thanksgiving? Be an Advocate for Change!

Today, Thanksgiving Day, most of us will take a brief moment to pause to reflect upon and to be thankful for important things like freedom, food security, places to call home and jobs. The harsh reality is that many people in the U.S. lack these basic needs today.
Find a Job by Putting a Creative Spin on Your Résumé

Tan from Muskegon, WI, asks “I’ve sought help on making sure my résumé contains the right information – now I want to make it look visually appealing so it stands out in the sea of résumés. Do you have any tips?”
My Story: Pearline Haley

Pearline was two and half credits short of receiving her high school diploma when she connected with the Goodwill headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI. Thanks to their Life Guides program, she received the support she needed to be successful and return to school.
All Eyes on Washington as Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Begin

As President Obama and Congressional leaders meet for the first time tomorrow to begin negotiations about avoiding the fiscal cliff — the combination of spending cuts and tax increases that will go into effect in 2013 if Congress does not act to avert them — Goodwill Industries International is monitoring the developments to see how key workforce programs and other services that support people we serve fare in the proposed solutions.
Advice for Parents Whose Children Want to Drop Out of School

Ruthie from Cheyenne, WY, asks, “I’m a single mother, and my 16-year-old son recently told me he wants to drop out of high school. I’m devastated. Do you have any information about the importance of high school diplomas that might persuade him, or any other resources that might help keep him in school?”
For Vets with PTSD, Finding the Right Job is Key

Sean from Houston asks, “I separated from the military three months ago, and am searching for my first civilian job. I experience PTSD from my time in Afghanistan, and it could impact my work occasionally. How should I bring this up with an employer? I want to be honest, but don’t want to risk not getting hired.”
What Election Results Could Mean for Goodwill

With the election behind us, Beltway insiders are spending the week trying to understand what happened, why, and how it will shape the legislative landscape. This year, despite the expenditure of about $1 billion and a lot of talk about voter dissatisfaction, the post-election landscape looks pretty much as it did before election night. So what does this all mean for Goodwill?
Recreate a Fashion Trend — the Asymmetrical Skirt

Just as there are numerous fashion looks each season that can be thoroughly replicated with vintage pieces, there are also styles that can be recreated with a few simple DIY steps. Check any women’s section of a fast fashion retail store right now and I guarantee you’ll find more than one version of the […]