Jobs Talk at the Conventions: Is It All Just “Promises, Promises”?

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

At the Republican and Democratic conventions, we’ve heard a lot of promises about jobs — how many jobs each candidate will create, how jobs many they’ve created in the past, and how many jobs they have saved. So, is it–as one 1960s musical quipped–all just “promises, promises?”

My Story: Dalton Henretta

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

Dalton, who has Asperger’s and bipolar disorder, had trouble in school and wasn’t sure he’d be able to succeed in a job. With support from Goodwill, he now works full time in their e-books department and says he’s learned “you have to give respect to get respect.”

Goodwill® Stores: Breaking the Thrift Shopping Mold

It’s been a few years since I took a little stroll through the thrift stores of Florida, so a few weeks back on my trip down to the Goodwill Summer Conference, I got a chance to pop in and check out some I locations I hadn’t been to before. I’ve always said, I’d fly back to Florida just to thrift — and the stores I went to only reinforced that statement. Yes, folks. It’s that good.

Goodwill Stores: Breaking the Thrift Shopping Mold

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

It’s been a few years since I took a little stroll through the thrift stores of Florida, so a few weeks back on my trip down to the Goodwill Summer Conference, I got a chance to pop in and check out some I locations I hadn’t been to before. I’ve always said, I’d fly back to Florida just to thrift — and the stores I went to only reinforced that statement. Yes, folks. It’s that good.

Employment Tops GOP Convention Discussions

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

As Hurricane Isaac plows into the Gulf Coast, the Republican Convention in Tampa, Florida, has been underway, with the economy and jobs among the list of issues being addressed. The following is excerpted from the GOP platform and mirrors almost exactly the ideas by some Senate GOP members and GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Make a Good First Impression in 30 Seconds or Less

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

Benny from Lexington, KY, asks, “I’ve been out of work for three months and am attending networking events in hopes of increasing my chances. Someone told me I should have an elevator speech ready. Can you tell me what that means?”

My Story: Jennifer Mayfield

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

Jennifer has been a Goodwill employee for 14 years, hanging clothes that get sent out on Goodwill sales floors. With her co-workers’ support, she has increased the number of pieces she can produce and is a smiling and cheerful colleague.

Three Ideas for Reusing Old T-Shirts

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

There’s nothing like an old T-shirt; it’s cozy, comfortable and familiar. But what can you do with T-shirts that are becoming a little worn out or kind of stained? Here are three ideas that can transform your old T-shirt into something new.

Act Now to Keep Funding for Key Workforce Programs on the Table

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

Time is ticking for Congress to act on automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect in January 2013. These cuts threaten key programs that help people in your community find work and advance in their careers. Goodwill is committed to protecting these critical workforce investments and urges you to contact your senators and representatives.

My Story – Crystal Guidry

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

Following a stroke as a baby, Crystal experienced challenges with motor control and motor skills. She intended to pursue a career in the movies; however, she faced a hard dose of reality after moving to California and eventually ended up back in Texas. Hear Crystal’s story of how she linked up with Goodwill and is now giving back to her community.