Bringing Thrift to the Masses: A New Take on Goodwill

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

Take one amazing donated city space, add a cultural phenomenon, mix it with charitable organizations, throw in some spectacular secondhand goods and gently stir.

BOOM! What you get is the sweet, sweet taste of Edited, Goodwill of Greater Washington’s three-day pop-up shop that earned rave reviews and temporarily drove hordes of shoppers to Chinatown in downtown DC this week.

Automatic Spending Cuts Threaten Resources that Help People Find Jobs

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

At a time when unemployment remains high, resources that support workforce development and job training are an important part of the nation’s economic recovery and job creation effort.

Unfortunately, automatic spending cuts, slated to take effect in January 2013, threaten to drastically reduce these resources, which support the efforts of local Goodwill agencies in communities across the United States to help people who face employment challenges to find jobs and advance in careers.

Seeking a Job? How to Market Yourself to Employers

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

Judy from Denton, TX, asks “I’m currently unemployed and looking for a job. I have a lot of great skills and experience, but I’m not very comfortable selling myself to potential employers. Any advice?”

My Story: Jorge Nieves

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

Jorge was struggling in school and having a hard time at home when a Goodwill teacher recommended he join a mentorship program. Goodwill paired him with Nate who, like Jorge has interests in film and music. In addition to sharing hobbies, Nate helps Jorge stay on track in school. Jorge says, “My involvement with Nate and Goodwill has made me a better person.”

My Story: Luis Miguel Soto

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

Before coming to Goodwill, Luis had a hard time finding a job with his disability and felt useless. He was referred to Goodwill and, after a year and a half, was placed in stable employment where he gets to help other people. He now feels his life has a purpose.

Thrift Store Scarves: The Perfect Outfit Accessory

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

When you think of vintage style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor or Grace Kelly what comes to mind? Aside from their timeless beauty and sophistication, there is another factor that they all have in common: the scarf. From atop their heads to around their handbags, it was a rare instance that a beautiful silk scarf was not seen adorning one of these ladies’ outfits in one way or another.

My Story: Francis Edwards

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

Francis struggled to maintain a job due to long-term mental health challenges. Goodwill helped him acclimate to working in an office, providing strategies and outlets for him to manage stress. He now works full-time with Goodwill and feels his mental health will stay strong as long as he is working.

Thrift Shop Picture Frames Offer Oodles of Decorating Possibilities

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

When I poke through my local Goodwill retail stores, I’m often a little sad to see the piles of picture frames that have been donated and are just waiting to find a new home. They once held photographs of family members, collage-d memories or documents of note for an individual or an entire household. This month I set out to find an alternate purpose for some of the members of this picture frame graveyard.