All Eyes on Washington as Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Begin

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 high-low […]

My Story: Latonya Thomas

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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

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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

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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 […]

My Story: Sarouet Ouk

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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

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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.