My Story: Nick Vaughan
After receiving post-secondary training, Nick was unable to find a job and was contemplating moving back to where he grew up, where he’d have to give up his friends and his independence. He was referred to Goodwill, where an employment counselor helped him update his resume and submit applications. He landed a seasonal part-time job at Lowe’s and was later hired full time. He now loves his job and the independence it affords him.
Goodwill Urges Congress to Support Employment for Veterans and Military Families
On November 16, Goodwill took to Capitol Hill to brief Congress on our work with military families and present our latest white paper. Given the stubbornly bleak job market and constrained federal budgets, Goodwill calls for a continuum of coordinated services that address the unique needs and complex employment challenges facing veterans and military families. We also urge greater collaboration among the community-based providers, federal agencies and veteran service organizations.
How Employers Work With Goodwill to Hire Job Seekers
Don from Tacoma, WA asks “As an employer, how I can work with Goodwill to hire someone who needs a job?”
My Story: Traci McMartin
Before coming to Goodwill ,Traci was in an abusive relationship with her children’s father and spent time in prison for helping him distribute drugs. She transitioned to a halfway house after prison, and learned about Goodwill’s training programs from a co-worker. Through employment with Goodwill and support from her colleagues, Traci began building a steady life and career, and now plans to become an advocate for the rights of women and children.
Goodwill, Policymakers Make Veterans Employment a Priority
On November 16, 2011, Goodwill will release its new white paper “From Deployment to Employment: Goodwill’s Call to Action on Supporting Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families” at a briefing on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, as Veterans Day approaches, policymakers have been unveiling proposals that aim to support veterans who are struggling to find civilian jobs.
Job Resources to Help Military Families Succeed
Lisa from Ft. Knox, KY, asks “My spouse is in the military. We move around every one to three years, and it is tough getting a job, much less advancing my career. What resources are available to help me?”
My Story: Jerry Jackson
Jerry is a Vietnam with more than 20 years of service in the Marine Corps and Army National Guard. After retiring from service in 1995, he was unable to find work due to physical ailments. The VA suggested he find a training program to get back into a routine, which led him to Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA. There, staff helped create a customized curriculum for Jerry that taught him how to use a computer, the Internet and a digital camera. He now uses these skills in his everyday life and is thankful for the training he received.
Stand with Goodwill in Supporting Funding for Job Training Programs
Action is needed to prevent Congress from drastically cutting funding for job training programs that support Goodwill’s efforts to help people with employment challenges in your community to find jobs and advance in careers. Send a letter to your members of Congress and ask them to support the Senate version of the FY 2012 spending bill that funds the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
How to Get a Job If You Have Been Out of Work for a While
Justin from Irving, TX, asks, “What can I do if I’ve been unemployed for an extended period of time?”
My Story: Jackie Weimer
After ending her 30-year career in the loss prevention industry due to health issues, Jackie decided to focus her attention on working on her ranch and training racehorses. However, because of her physical limitations, she was having a hard time staying active and independent. Goodwill Industries of Denver’s AgrAbility Program helped connect her with the equipment she needed to perform all of the tasks on the farm, including a utility task vehicle and a manure vac, and keep her farm running.
Finding Jobs for Veterans Is a High Priority for White House, Goodwill
On Tuesday, October 25, President Obama announced two executive actions that aim to help veterans find jobs. Goodwill commends efforts to create more jobs for service members, veterans and their families in light of the continuing challenges this population faces in transitioning to the civilian workforce, and plans to release a white paper next month to help stakeholders understand the current employment situation and support systems for this population.
Six Strategies to Make Employers Read Your Résumé
Tara from Albuquerque, NM, asks, “I am stuck trying to write a résumé and worried it won’t stand out with the hundreds of résumés I’m sure the employer is receiving. Do you have any suggestions for how I can make mine stand out?”