Despite Hard Times, Goodwill Works to Provide Opportunities

Earlier this week, NPR highlighted the struggles of low-income people in Reading, PA, and the nonprofit agencies that serve them. The day after the report was released, I visited Reading while visiting Goodwill Keystone Area to tour its new facility and meet people that Goodwill who are overcoming their employment challenges with support from Goodwill.
Tips to Stay Up to Date On Office Technology

Frank from Las Cruces, NM asks “I’m a senior that’s just returned to work. How can I stay on top of new technology in the office?”
Feeling Patriotic? Show Your Pride by Shopping at Thrift Stores

Every time July 4 rolls around, I’m reminded of three things: American flag sunglasses, cakes decorated with berries and watching the sky burst with bright, patriotic colors as I nurse my most recent farmer’s tan. It’s also the time of year that reminds me that so much of what I’ve seen in thrift stores are products made in America as well as items that let us display our national pride.
The Pursuit of Happiness Starts with a Good Job

This week, members of Congress returned home to their states and districts for the July 4 holiday, a day which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document states that we have certain inalienable rights including life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness; yet, more than 8 percent of the workforce lacks one of the tools needed to pursue happiness – a job.
Seven Tips for Finding a Better Work-Life Balance

Pia from Santa Cruz, CA, asks, “I put in 110 percent at work and overtime almost every day and have reputation as a hard worker. Now that my kids are out for the summer, I’d like to be better and balancing my work time and family time. Any suggestions?”
My Story: Troy Wilkinson

After leaving a longtime janitorial position, Troy — an Army veteran — had a hard time finding another job and feared losing everything he had worked toward. He connected with Goodwill and learned valuable employment skills such as how to operate a cash register. He’s now been employed with Goodwill for over a year and is happy with the new life he has build for himself.
A Tale of Two Dressers: How to Turn Thrift Furniture into Signature Pieces

With my closets bursting at the seams, I knew that I really needed some more storage for clothing, and I was going to have to be creative about where I was going to put that storage. I headed to my local Goodwill thrift store and, when I found this old buffet and dresser, I fell in love. I measured them and they were perfect. The only problem was they were really beat up.
Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let's Not Forget about Jobs
Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.
Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let’s Not Forget about Jobs

Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.
Beat the Summer Heat with DIY Cut-Off Jean Shorts

Most of us live in shorts and t-shirts all summer long. After all, who wants to fuss with a complicated outfit when that mercury starts to rise? Novelty shorts are back in fashion, so get a little bit creative and head straight to the pants rack of your nearest Goodwill store to get started.
Tell Congress You Support Programs That Create Employment Opportunities

The House is soon expected to mark up its version of the Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill. The House seeks an overall price tag that is $7.7 billion less (5 percent) than the amount agreed to by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the circumstances, House appropriators may be tempted – as has been the case in years past – to put job training funding on the chopping block. Take action now by urging your representative to support job training programs that help put people back to work.
Four Questions to Find Greater Job Satisfaction

Rick from South Bend, IN, asks, “I do my work and do it well, but I don’t really get much satisfaction from my work. Am I in the wrong job?”