Goodwill a Founding Member of Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce
Numerous times over the past several years, policymakers have considered proposals to drastically reduce or eliminate investments that help educate and train people to improve their skills, find jobs, and advance in careers. In anticipation that this trend will continue, a new effort was launched last week by 35 national organizations including Goodwill Industries. Called the Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce, the initiative engages a diverse coalition.
Advice to Consider before Quitting Your Job
Greg from St. Paul, MN, asks, “Given the economy, is it wise to quit a job I’m unhappy with and treated poorly in?”
My Story: Richard LeCount
Richard LeCount was raised by his grandparents after his mother abandoned him and his father died when he was one. He started using drugs early and became involved in a cycle of substance abuse and incarceration. After deciding to better his life, he got connected with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, where he impressed his supervisors and was gradually given more responsibilities. Today, he is holding down steady employment, has been sober for seven years and has made amends with his family.
Senior Job Seekers Stand to Benefit from New Senate Bill
Senior job seekers stand to benefit from a new bill recently introduced in the Senate to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the bill (S. 2037) on January 26 and highlighted several provisions in the legislation, including those intended to strengthen and expand the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
Get a Job and Go Green
Shawn from Phoenix, AZ, asks, “I’ve heard of green jobs and supported clean energy organizations that create jobs for folks. What other areas create green jobs for workers?”
My Story: Gabi Argotti
Gabi came to Goodwill as a single mom, surviving on welfare with limited work experience, and little computer and office skills. While participating in the agency’s Customer Service Supply Chain program, she gained valuable computer skills that would lead to a job as a part-time receptionist, and eventually as a full-time administrative assistant, at the agency. She is now attending college and is proud to be a positive role model for her daughter.
State of the Union Address Includes Programs for Job Seekers
On Tuesday evening, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress, outlining messages that are likely to form the foundation for his reelection campaign. The president’s speech acknowledged that, at a time when unemployment is stubbornly declining from the highest rates experienced in a generation, growing industries in science and technology can’t find workers with the right skills to perform the jobs they need to fill.
File Your Taxes for Free and Claim the Credits You Earned
Rita from Corpus Christi asks, “How can I get help filing my taxes and be sure that I get all the tax credits that I qualify for?”
My Story: Calvin Okeson
Calvin had retired with a long and successful job history, but realized he wasn’t quite ready to leave the workforce completely. After struggling to use online job search tools and find a job with his criminal background, he sought assistance from Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. There, he acquired valuable job search and networking skills which helped him get hired on to a new position.
Congressional Action Can Prevent Worsening Poverty Situation
A new study released by Indiana University finds that poverty is likely to get worse despite a recovering economy due to long periods of unemployment, continued impact on budget cuts to social programs and the quality of new jobs. The study warns that if Congress does not protect benefits for the long-term unemployed, and continues to make cuts to social safety net programs while reducing state fiscal relief, the poverty situation will worsen.
Need a Job? Consider Work-at-Home Employment
Keiko from San Francisco, CA, asks, “What are good options for work-at-home jobs?”
My Story: Robbie Thomas
Eleven years ago, Robbie was living on the streets of Los Angeles with nowhere to turn. After being referred to Goodwill, she took a free computer class — a move which gave her the skills she needed to be hired as an administrative assistant at the agency. She now works as an employment services specialist, helping people who were once in her shoes empower themselves through work.