College Degrees Help Young Moms Advance Their Careers
Shauna from Montgomery, AL, asks, “I’m a young mom and would like to go back to college. How can Goodwill help me?”
My Story: Rafael Munoz
Rafael was in New York City when the attacks on 9/11 took place, and later developed health problems and other challenges including PTSD, agoraphobia and depression. After spending time in prison, he found himself homeless and unable to find a job to get his life back on track. While living at a facility for individuals with psychological disabilities, he was referred to Goodwill for support finding a job. He started working two days a week at Goodwill, and is now working full-time and learning to help others instead of focusing on his own worries.
Deficit Reduction Has Implications for Goodwill
The administration’s budget request, released last week, outlines a plan that proposes to avoid the automatic spending cuts required by the Budget Control Act that Congress passed last year. Under the proposal, the automatic cuts – some of which would affect federal investments that support local Goodwill agencies’ efforts to help people find jobs and advance in careers – would be avoided by cutting mandatory spending, and increasing tax revenue.
My Story: Vic King
Vic started his adult life on the wrong track when he didn’t complete high school and started selling drugs to make ends meet. He served time in prison, but thanks to parenting classes he took while incarcerated, he regained custody of his kids upon his release. He began working at Goodwill, where he has gradually been given more responsibilities. He is also taking advantage of financial strengthening classes, and is working towards completing his GED so he can be the best role model he can be for his children.
Goodwill Programs Fare Well under Federal Spending Plan
This week, the Obama administration unveiled its budget request for FY 2013. Goodwill is pleased to report that proposed federal funding remains steady for programs that support our mission. Read more about our priority issues below and click here (PDF) to view ourside-by-side comparison of FY 2012 appropriations to FY 2013 proposals. American Jobs Act (AJA) Obama’s plan proposes […]
Advance Your Career by Earning Certifications
Martin from Roanoke, VA, asks, “How can certifications help me move up in my career, and what should I do to get started?”
My Story: Joette Estep
Joette was working in the retail industry and feeling financially and physically stressed when she decided to contact Goodwill about its medical office skills training program. There, she gained the confidence and computer skills she needed to be successful. As part of the program, she completed an internship, which later led to her finding full-time employment with great benefits at age 60.
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?”