Can You Hear Me Now? Tips for Getting Your Boss’s Feedback

Question My boss doesn’t talk much, and sometimes I think he doesn’t like what I’m doing. What should I do? – Susan from Baton Rouge, LA Answer Hey Susan, That is a great question and one that commonly arises in today’s workplace.  Having an effective communication relationship with your supervisor is critical to your ability to […]

My Story: Robert Williamson

After serving in the U.S. Army, Robert became addicted to alcohol and lived on the streets for five years. He was referred to a rehabilitation program following some legal troubles, a stint which ultimately led him to Goodwill’s Veterans Integration Program (VIP). With the program’s support and encouragement, Robert was hired to work at the Goodwill, eventually rising to the rank of VIP program manager. “Their belief in me has allowed me to pas along my courage, strength and hope to other veterans facing the same challenges I faced not too long ago,” he says.

Tight Government Budgets Make Nonprofit Sector a Tempting Revenue Source

As the economy slowly recovers, governments at both the state and federal levels are hard pressed to stretch limited resources to cover an increasing number of priorities. Squeezed between the proverbial rock and a hard place, government officials are not only looking for programs that they can eliminate or scale back, but new sources of revenue.

My Story: Tierra Scott

Tierra was hanging around with the wrong crowds before she joined a Goodwill program for youth. In the program, she found the encouragement she needed to apply and land a job and the connections that later helped her find employment with the Goodwill itself. She says, “Goodwill gave me a chance to prove myself and what I can do. I have developed a wonderful extended family, and I have become a successful professional.

Employment-Boosting Legislation Introduced in House of Representatives

Today, Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), and Joe Heck (R-NV), all members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce introduced The Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2012 . While Goodwill is still analyzing the bill’s details, it proposes to consolidate 27 programs into one Workforce Investment Fund. The new proposal is based upon on previous bills introduced last year by the three representatives.

Extend Your Job Search with Social Media

Kellen from Reno, NV, asks, “What is the best way to use social media to extend my job search?”

My Story: Cornelius Furr, Sr.

Following time in prison, Cornelius faced challenges finding employment and was barely making ends meet. He heard about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), managed in his community by Goodwill, where he learned valuable work skills and gained motivation to go to college. He credits the program and Goodwill for helping him get back on his feet.

House Bills Unveiled This Week Have Implications for Job Training

This week, House Republicans unveiled a $3.5 trillion spending plan that proposes to reduce the national debt. The proposal, which aims to balance the budget by 2040, relies heavily on significant spending reductions for a number of popular social programs including Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps. Education and job training programs would also be consolidated.

Crucial Skills to Find a Job at a Call Center

Tom from Des Moines, IA, asks, “I’ve heard that a local employer is increasing its call center staff. What kind of skills do I need to be successful there?”

My Story: Daniel Watson

Daniel Watson, who is deaf, previously owned a vending machine business in Alabama; however, business slowed down and he began losing money. He closed the business and moved to Marietta, GA, where he worked several jobs for short periods of time but could not maintain employment.

Goodwill Is Going to the Hill!

Goodwill Industries International, Inc. (GII) is looking forward to conducting its sixth annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, April 17.  As Congress considers what can be accomplished before the elections, GII is working to ensure that our elected leaders recognize the resources that Goodwill’s enterprise, comprised of 158 community-based organizations, brings to the […]

Education and Practice Can Dispel Your Computer Fears

Alyssa from Roanoke, VA, asks, “I have computer phobia! How do I conquer my fear of using computers so that I’m more employable?”