What Can T-Shirts Tell You about Your Community?

You get them for doing a 5K. You get them at concerts. You get them for applying to credit cards and for supporting a political candidate. You get one on vacation to show off where you’ve been, as well as from the school you just got accepted to to tell everyone where you’re going. T-shirts are like getting a peek into your community’s real identity.

Building Jobs on Capitol Hill: What Goodwill Does and How You Can Help

When I tell people I’m a lobbyist, they usually recoil (it’s even worse when I tell them I’m also an attorney). But when I tell them I advocate on behalf of Goodwill Industries they smile and say, “That’s great! I love Goodwill!” And then it hits them…Why does Goodwill need a lobbyist? What type of issues does the organization work on?

Never Worked Before? Find Your First Job with These Tips

Marco from Claremont, CA, asks, “What’s your advice for someone who has never worked before? How do I get job training?”

My Story: Earl and Christel Hurley

Doctors advised Earl Hurley and his wife to put their daughter Christel, who has a developmental disability, in an institution. They rejected the recommendation and became committed to helping their daughter lead a full life. Christel became involved with Goodwill in 1994 and has since proved her capabilities, earning promotions and raises. Although Earl says he worries about what will happen to her when he and his wife pass away, he no longer has to worry about keeping her employed, thanks to Goodwill.

Look Smart By Saving on Spring’s Biggest Skirt Trend

Key 1960s shapes and silhouettes are appearing on the retail market this spring thanks to popular television shows like Mad Men, and if you’re not shy about showing some leg then the pleated miniskirt trend might be for perfect for you. While big name retailers are charging upwards of $50 for pleated chiffon skirts, the savvy Goodwill shopper knows that this look can be easily emulated with something pulled right off the thrift store racks.

Public Programs Leverage Goodwill to Address Long-Term Unemployment

A recent piece in The New York Times, The Human Disaster of Unemployment, noted that the number of people who have been out of work for longer than six months has increased significantly due to the recession. As the economy slowly recovers from the recession, Goodwill has a firsthand understanding about the impact that long-term unemployment will have for years on the people, families and communities that our member agencies work to strengthen every day.

Found Your First Job? Get a Strong Start with These Tips

Elizabeth from Reno, NV, asks, “I am 17 and worked hard to get my first job. What do I need to know to be successful?”

My Story: Lonnie Willis Jr.

After growing up in a life of alcohol, drugs and violence, Lonnie found himself incarcerated. During his time in prison, he decided to turn his life around for the better – a decision which eventually led him to Goodwill. Lonnie benefited from employment training programs and is now proud to work as an attendant at one of Goodwill’s attended donation centers.

Keep Your Home Bright by Decorating with Christmas Lights

As summer approaches, I find myself itching to decorate with twinkle lights! I love the clean and simple look of a string of white lights, and although a lot of people think Christmas when they see these, I think of summer because it is then that I’m looking for every excuse in the world to stay outside among the stars, fireflies and fresh air.

Congress: Remember Your Moms as You Consider Funding for Older Workers

May not only heralds Mother’s Day, it’s also Older Americans Month — and a perfect time for Americans to demonstrate how we value the moms, grandmothers and other older adults in our community and in our workforce by funding services that can make a difference in their lives.

Help! I Work with Lazy Coworkers and My Boss Doesn’t Notice

“I sometimes notice that my coworkers aren’t doing their jobs, but my manager doesn’t notice. What should I do?” – Ronald from Hoboken, NJ

My Story: Will Place

Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Will faced a childhood of broken bones followed by bone cancer which caused him to lose his left arm. Employers were reluctant to hire him with these disabilities. At Goodwill, Will learned to be more independent and successfully train for call center work with simple accommodations. He looks forward to an impending job interview and entering the workforce.