In 1993, I was convicted of a horrible crime. It not only destroyed the life, hopes and dreams of the victim, but it destroyed mine and those of my family. For the next 21 years, I prayed that God would release me and give me another chance at life. I prayed that if he did, I would dedicate my remaining years on earth to the service of mankind, the community of human society.
These days I’m in love with all things light, bright, and airy. Maybe it’s this spring/summer season, maybe it’s the latest décor and fashion trends, but I’ve noticed that I feel the most inspired and motivated when my surroundings and apparel feel clean and luminous.
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Results from a recent Pew Research Center study noting that most millennials (61 percent) receive their political news from Facebook, was not surprising. Only 37 percent reported getting their political news through local television. This is further proof that social media may be the most effective way to reach this generation. About a quarter of the millennials using Facebook said at least half of the posts they see pertain to government and politics. They were also less familiar with a number of political news outlets, but no less trusting of those media outlets than other generations.
For people returning to society with a criminal record, it’s important to know the legal environment and how laws affects them. Oftentimes, the sometimes-challenging task of getting a job and building a solid career has just got that much more difficult. Here are some updates on ban the box and other fair chance legislation in states, cities and counties across the United States, and what an ex-offender needs to know about their employment rights.
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This year the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) will distribute 5,000 school supply kits across more than 20 counties in eastern North Carolina as part of a partnership program with schools and youth programs. This is a demonstration of the GCF goal to create opportunities for a better life through supporting the academic success of children in eastern North Carolina, especially those living at or near poverty.
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Like many others in my program at Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s (South Bend) Second Chance @ Work Program, I was enrolled because of a felony I committed in 2009. During this point in my life I ran into many financial issues, so I began selling drugs.
Did you know that 86 percent of women own at least one pair of shoes that they’ve never worn? That statistic is astounding! What’s worse – and I’m a little ashamed to admit this – is that I am one of those women. The allure of fancy feet draws me in more often than I care to admit, but still I rotate through the same five pairs and just stare at the rest while a guilty dialog runs through my head.
For the past several years, efforts to advance annual spending bills have broken down. The result is usually end-of-the-year political theater that causes most constituents to shake their heads in disgust and keeps Congressional approval rates at historically low levels. But to be fair, Congressional appropriators face increasingly difficult choices.
READ MORE from Could Private Investment be the Answer to Appropriators’ Prayers?
Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like fine technical work? Do you like visual art? Building systems? Operating machines? Running a business? There’s a lot of room in the construction field for almost any skill set or interest. Occupations all across the construction spectrum are considered to have a “bright outlook,” and a number are also considered to be on the cutting edge of “green” industry. Here’s a small sample of promising career options in construction, and how you can get started.
Just in time for Earth Day 2015, Goodwill Industries Suncoast (St. Petersburg) became the first Goodwill in Florida to partner with Michigan-based Greener Grads, a company devoted to keeping graduation gowns out of landfills and affordable.
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