My Story: Vincent Barnes

Vincent, a sixth generation military service member, faced unemployment and homelessness after transitioning into civilian employment. He got a new start after connecting with Goodwill Industries of Houston. He says, "This program is a blessing, it really is. It has helped so many different people out in so many different situations. It’s a life‑changing experience. You get to start all over. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would have such a big heart or that a program out here in the United States would exist.

READ MORE from My Story: Vincent Barnes

Recreate Three Fall Trends Using Thrift Store Finds

Hey guys, its Marisa from New Dress A Day here! New York Fashion Week is over and the spring 2014 looks have made their way down the runway, however we’re just starting to gear up for fall! I’ve put together three big fall trends using pieces acquired at Goodwill. Mission impossible? Nah, just like Tom Cruise, I was successful -- and I didn’t have to scale any walls.

READ MORE from Recreate Three Fall Trends Using Thrift Store Finds

My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez

After transitioning out of the military, Rebecca tried to get an administrative job using the same skills she honed while in service, but encountered employers who were reluctant to hire someone without a degree. She connected with Goodwill in Orange County, where she found employment and regained her sense of self-sufficiency. "Goodwill provided me not only financial stability, but also training and education. I'm learning new skills every day and I’m honestly really happy to be there," she says.

READ MORE from My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez

Tech Students Create Wellness App for Goodwill® in Columbus, OH

This past weekend students from Ohio State University burned the midnight oil in an effort to encourage Goodwill Columbus (OH) employees to adapt healthy behavior through a mobile app. The development of the app occurred during a 24-hour “Code for Good” challenge sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and Co. “Code for Good” tasks students majoring in computer science, engineering and other related programs to create computer software solutions to the issues of social-service organizations. A total of about 70 students from 11 different colleges participated in the most recent event.

READ MORE from Tech Students Create Wellness App for Goodwill® in Columbus, OH

Set a Spooky Scene with This Easy Halloween Craft Project

I’ve had many people tell me that they don’t have a creative bone in their body. For some people, creating art is easy; making things comes as naturally as breathing. For others, even if the intent and effort is there, it seems that crafting is just difficult. I like to share ideas that everyone can find success with, which is why we’ve got a fail-proof “easy art” project in this post. Try this painting technique with a spooky image (like a black cat) if you’re decorating for an upcoming Halloween party or just choose something that inspires you for regular year-round décor!

READ MORE from Set a Spooky Scene with This Easy Halloween Craft Project

People and Communities Remain Offstage in Shutdown’s Political Theater

Four days in, the government shutdown has resulted in heavy political posturing and little hope for a solution. In addition, the debt ceiling will soon be reached, adding yet another layer to a bitterly partisan fiscal fight. Clearly, these are difficult times. The optimist in me hopes that the current impasse will prove to be our leaders’ rock-bottom moment. Perhaps the self-inflicted damage caused by the shutdown, and God forbid, debt default would serve to show the brinksmen on both side of the aisle their error in putting politics in front of policy.

READ MORE from People and Communities Remain Offstage in Shutdown’s Political Theater

Helms College Celebrates First Graduating Class

The Helms College Augusta Campus recently celebrated its first graduating class. Participants completed a culinary education program at the college, which is operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA (Augusta/Macon). A total of 10 students took part in an informal ceremony to recognize their accomplishments on September 19.

READ MORE from Helms College Celebrates First Graduating Class