My Story: Latonya Thomas
Latonya Thomas separated from the military at the time the economy was melting down, making it hard to find civilian employment. She had lost many of her assets and felt her life had plateaued when she was referred to Goodwill. She’s now exploring new careers and working with staff to meet her educational and career goals and is optimistic about her future.
Four Ideas to Give Old Tins a New Life
I’ve been staring at this Ritz container my entire life. On sick days, my mom would reach into this tin and pull out a sleeve of crackers to keep me and my ginger ale company on the couch while we watched Little House on the Prairie. This year, while doing spring cleaning, she asked me if I wanted the old Ritz tin, and I couldn’t help but say yes. That got me thinking about how useful, versatile and gosh darn cute tins can be. So I set out in search of others (obviously I went to Goodwill first!).
Goodwill Leverages Pell Grants to Help People Advance in Careers
More Americans are going back to school, and more students than ever are qualifying for Pell Grants, the primary federal grant program that provides funding for low- and moderate-income students. As Goodwill works to help the people it serves to not only find jobs, but to advance in careers, Pell Grants are becoming increasingly important to our efforts.
Goodwill Offers Resources for People Devastated by Hurricane Sandy
Updated November 9, 2012 Flood, fire, massive winds and mass destruction have impacted thousands of communities along the East Coast, the Northeast United States and Caribbean region. Goodwill extends it sympathy to the individuals and families who have been left without support and shelter as a result of this devastating storm. The caring people that […]
Advance Your Career, Education Opportunities with ESL Classes
Juanita from Las Cruces, NM, asks, “My brother said I should take ESL classes to help me get a job, but I don’t know. Tell me about the classes. Do they really help?”
My Story: Sarouet Ouk
With Goodwill’s support, Sarouet is making progress towards earning her GED diploma. She has received college preparation and job training support, and now feels connected to her life and the direction she’s going.
Adventures in Outlet Shopping: The St. Louis Edition
The last time I was in Missouri, I had a chance to take a tour behind the scenes at the new St. Louis Goodwill outlet, probably one of my favorites in the country. The light alone in this place is amazing, unlike a lot of outlets I’ve seen — or thrift stores in general. The exposed brick and giant windows make it feel like shopping in a gorgeous loft that happens to have the most random things you could ever love.
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Resale of Copyrighted Items
On October 29, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could dramatically alter the way Goodwill stores across the United States handle the resale of donated copyrighted materials. The case, Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is on appeal from the 2nd Circuit Court and will highlight the conflict between the First-Sale Doctrine and U.S. copyright laws as they relate to imported goods.
Finding a Job with a Disability: Explaining Workplace Accommodation Needs
Aaron from Omaha, NE, asks, “I’m currently looking for full-time work. Because of a physical disability, I require some modifications to my workspace. At what point should I bring this up to my employer? I have good qualifications and want to make sure they give me a chance.”
Debate Question Sparks National Conversation about Women in the Workforce
The question of the evening during the debate last Tuesday, as often times is the case, came not from a senior citizen wise with experience or a veteran who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. It came from one of the youngest people in the audience to ask a question that night, 24-year-old Pre-K teacher Katherine Fenton, who asked about women in the workforce.
My Story: Isis Truman
Working at Goodwill has given Isis more than a chance at a paycheck — it has given her a chance to advance her career and provide for her family. Programs such as leadership training and educational support have helped her come a long way in her life. She says, “I feel really good about the work I do. My work pays off every day.”
Five Tips for Building Good Credit
Elise from Dover, DE, asks, “I started college this year. I’m starting to hear more people talk about how it’s important to have good credit, but I don’t know the first thing about finances. Any tips?”