At Goodwill, I learned to come to work on time and work on my reading skills. In 2010, I got a job working at U.S. Security, and now I am doing security work at many locations. I love my job. I am very happy. I am more serious and motivated and a good role model for my four-year-old son.
Whether you are enrolled in grad school or your little one is heading off to kindergarten, thrift shopping for your back-to-school needs is the best way to stick to a budget and prepare yourself for the year ahead. While you are out shopping at Goodwill® this month, know that its Community College/Career Collaboration (in partnership with local community colleges) will help increase college and career success for adults with low incomes so that they can access and complete labor market-relevant credentialing programs offered by community colleges.
“The workplace and skills that are needed has been changing rapidly. I was very intrigued by the partnership between community programs, technical colleges and businesses that you’ve developed. I’m so eager to hear from you today," said Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) upon visiting Goodwill/Easter Seals of Minnesota's construction and automotive training facility.
READ MORE from MN Senators Get a Front-row Seat to the Goodwill® Mission
Meredith from Orlando, FL, asks, “I’m willing to move for a job but am afraid I’m being weeded out simply because my address isn’t local. What can I do to increase my chances of success?”
READ MORE from The Long-distance Job Search: Getting Past the Zip Code Filter
For people with disabilities the transition into independence can be an intimidating process. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers) hopes to make that transition smoother through its new “Pathways to Opportunity” skills training program.
READ MORE from Fort Myers Goodwill Launches Pathways Program for People with Disabilities
The message I would have for employers is to be open minded. I do understand that there’s a huge stigma attached to people who have been incarcerated. That stigma, a lot of times, is generated by what people know, which is unfortunately what they see on television and what they read in the newspaper. That only portrays a very small part of what people who have been incarcerated are.
On rainy days, I feel the pull of my television, and it’s almost as though my pajamas are a second skin. When I accept these conditions and sink into the couch to pass my day, though, at the end of it I’m left feeling pretty rotten. Here’s my solution to combatting the rainy day blues: pull on your favorite sweater (just as cozy as pajamas!) and head to Goodwill®.
As the nation’s largest provider of job training services, Goodwill® knows that work is one of the keys to successful reentry from prison. Congress is on the verge of advancing the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, which expands existing correctional education and employment initiatives; increases the number of grant programs available to nonprofits; and improves accountability. Goodwill supports this bipartisan legislation and urges Congress to pass the bill this year.
READ MORE from Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Programs That Reduce Recidivism
Sarah from Providence, RI, asks, “I’m moving to a new state next month and have been applying for jobs there in advance. One place invited me to do a virtual interview using my computer and webcam—this is a first for me. Any tips on how to make sure it goes well?”
READ MORE from Don’t Let Tech Issues Hinder Your Virtual Interview
Last week, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont(Charlotte) announced its vision to change the trajectory of poverty and dependence in the area during its Growing Opportunity celebration. The celebration included the organization’s public announcement of its vision and the capital campaign to assist with building a new 160,000-square-foot campus called the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, which will provide a comprehensive collection of resources and opportunities for job training, job placement and job creation for individuals facing multiple barriers to employment.
READ MORE from Charlotte Goodwill Seeks to Change Poverty and Dependence in Region
