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.
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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?”
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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.
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When Laura landed a job at Goodwill's leadership office out of graduate school, she was excited to be able to advocate on behalf of Goodwill and the people it serves. "I know our democracy works, and I've seen firsthand how the collective voice of supporters can influence policymakers," Laura says. "I am honored to be one of our loudest voices."
When I came to the Goodwill, I had just been released from prison. I had just served 9 years of a 12-year sentence, a federal sentence for crack cocaine distribution. I was actually in the United States Marine Corps. I was in the Marine Corps from 1990 to 1994. When I got out of the
What’s your favorite thing about August? Mine is picnicking! I feel like June is for wrapping up loose ends at work or school before slipping into the excitement of July with fireworks, BBQs, and the beach. But in August, the days seem calmer and quieter, with just the buzz of cicadas to keep time. In my humble opinion, August was made for picnics.
Congress recessed last week until after Labor Day for its traditional August recess. For most of us, it’s a time for travel and vacations. Here in Washington, it’s also a time for reflecting on what has been accomplished and what remains to be done that can be done. So, here is a quick recap of this Congress’ achievement and what remains.
READ MORE from Congress Breaks on a High Note—But Defers Tough Decisions ‘Till the Fall
Brendon from Denver, CO, asks, “I have a good educational background and strong work experience on my résumé, but higher-level jobs are too hard to come by in my field. I’m applying to positions that are a step down from my previous role as a last resort. I really just need a job. How do I handle the fact that I’m overqualified during the application and interview process?”
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