My Story: Karen Owens
For 23 years, Karen Owens spent her life caring for others as an RN. She was proud to help those who were critically ill and support their families through difficult times. After being diagnosed with a psychological disability, Karen found the demands and stress of her job too difficult to continue. She decided to find an alternate path to make a fresh start for herself by going back to school for ultrasonography, and began taking computer courses at Goodwill Industries of Knoxville to help prepare for her return to college.
Host the Perfect Fall Dinner Party with Items from Goodwill
I’m Julia, a lifestyle blogger from New England, and I’m here today to show you how to host a fall themed dinner party with nearly everything purchased at my local Goodwill stores in Maine.
From setting the mood with the right music to setting a festive table with dinnerware from Goodwill, read on to check out my tips for making sure your party goes off without a hitch.
Congress Continues Jobs Legislation, Funding Limbo
One week after President Obama’s American Jobs Act (S 1660) was blocked in the Senate, Democratic leaders have been working to dissect and move segments of the comprehensive mix of tax cuts and spending proposals. While the prospects for passing a jobs bill are bleak, Congress must also take up measures that could cause problems for existing job training programs. The future is also unclear for the bill that funds the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
My Story: Sam Olmo
As a high school student, Sam participated in a work experience program with Goodwill that taught him valuable job skills. He continued to work with Goodwill after graduation, and his great work ethic earned him the position of team leader. An employee specialist at his local agency saw how hardworking Sam was and helped him advance in his career by connecting him with a position as a mail clerk at Medco. Sam says he now enjoys being able to provide for himself and his mother, and is proud of his newfound independence. Read on to hear Sam tell his story.
Helping People Return to Work Remains a Priority for Goodwill
On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, the American Jobs Act was defeated in the U.S. Senate after it failed to attract the 60 votes needed to conclude debate. At Goodwill, we stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to put Americans back to work and is hopeful that some of the promising aspects of the act will move forward, including increasing employment opportunities for veterans, people who are long-term unemployed, low-income adults, individuals with disabilities and youth.
Job Search Advice for Spanish-Language and Bilingual Speakers
Alfredo in Oklahoma City, OK, asks, “I’ve been told over and over again that I have a better chance of finding a job because I’m bilingual, but I‘ve been unemployed for six months. How can I find an employer that will value my ability to speak both English and Spanish?”
My Story: Misty Robertson
An automobile accident changed Misty’s life when she was 18. She was left in a coma, lost her skin from head to toe and could no longer see out of her right eye. After extensive rehabilitation – physical, occupational and speech – Misty completed school and received her diploma.
Now, Misty has new challenges and opportunities ahead: “Through Goodwill, the things I have learned and am still learning helped me overcome all of my challenges.”
Goodwill Supports National Disability Awareness Month
Goodwill Industries is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s NDEAM theme is, “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” For decades, Goodwill agencies have trained and hired people with disabilities. Goodwill provided employment training and job services to more than 240,000 individuals with disabilities last year.
people with disabilities, including youth, older workers, and military veterans.
While more employers should recognize the value of hiring people with disabilities, Congress can also do more to increase their employment opportunities.
Career Support for Young Adult with a Disability
Jeff in Bethesda, MD. asks “My niece was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was little. She’s 26 now and wants to start looking for a job. What can I do to help her?”
My Story: Nicole Brill
Before learning about supports in her community, Nicole and her daughter were living in a foreclosed home with no running water or gas for over six months. She drove an unreliable vehicle with no working brake lights, a trunk that wouldn’t latch and which wouldn’t go more than 35 mph.
After eventually finding employment with the YMCA, Nicole was referred to Goodwill’s Workers on Wheels program. She received a donated car and now feels grateful that she has a safe and dependable means of transportation to go to work and to take her daughter to school. Thanks to support from Goodwill and the YMCA, Nicole is currently pursuing a college degree and has also been able to find a stable home for her and her daughter.
Funding for Programs Important to Goodwill Remains Uncertain in Congressional Negotiations
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives agreed to a Senate-passed spending measure that provides temporary funding for the upcoming fiscal year through October 4. Congress must pass another continuing resolution (expected to be good through November 18) before the October 4 deadline.
But we are far from being out of the woods. Congress has yet to pass any of its 12 annual spending bills. Such short- and long-term uncertainty will make it even more difficult during these difficult economic times for community-based organizations like Goodwill to develop and implement sustainable strategies that help people with employment challenges find jobs and advance in their careers.
While Goodwill’s self-sustaining social enterprise generates the bulk of the funds Goodwill invests in the communities it serves nationwide, federal funds:
- Leverage programs that local Goodwill agencies operate
- Support partners in communities that provide key employment and supportive services that improve employment outcomes for the people that Goodwill serves
My Story: Darrell Hughes
Before coming to Goodwill, Darrell was in a drug court program where he had to attend mandatory drug screens and sure that he was on time for all of his appointments. Ninety days into the program, a counselor told him about Goodwill and the services that could help him get back on his feet.
He joined the Goodwill’s Access to Recovery program, which provided him with free counseling services and other work supports like bus tokens. Thanks to his own resolve and the support of Goodwill, Darrell has been sober for more than three years, and holds a paying job that allows him to provide for his family.