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?”

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.”