Preparing and Implementing Effective Interviewing Strategies for Justice-Involved Citizens

This blog covers interview strategies that are beneficial to formerly incarcerated individuals. It can be daunting to think about ways in which to discuss highly stigmatized realities like past imprisonment, but it is not impossible. Being introspective and prepared can both help you to identify creative ways to share these hard truths in a way that won’t hurt your chances of getting hired. To learn more, keep reading.

My Story: Julian

On January 10, 2022, Julian enrolled in a program that changed his life. “Before I came to Goodwill, I hadn’t been on a good path and I hadn’t held a job. I got out of prison and didn’t have a plan,” Julian said. In March, Julian began a six-week CDL certification through a partnership with Michigan Works. Shortly following Julian’s successful completion of the CDL certification, he was offered a job position.

Tell Congress to Protect Workforce Development Funding

As Congress enters the August recess, Members have a limited window to pass critical fiscal year 2024 (FY24) appropriations bills before the September 30th deadline. However, significant disagreements between the House and Senate on funding levels are putting the future of essential programs of importance to Goodwill and the people we serve in jeopardy.

Securing a Bright Career Future: 10 Key Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider when embarking on a new career path or job search. Considering your needs, priorities, and motivations is essential to this process. This blog will review 10 key factors to help you conduct thorough research and consider long-term career goals to make informed decisions with the goal of a bright future.

Gen Z Trends for Back-to-College Shopping at Goodwill

The countdown to back to college is on, which means there’s only a few weeks left to create the ultimate back to school wardrobe. There’s something so fun about the start of a new school year. The opportunities feel endless, there’s excitement about being in the same place with your friends again, and of course for getting you one step closer to reaching your academic and professional goals.

Senate Committee Approves Workforce Funding Bill

This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The annual spending measure proposes funding levels for many of the federal workforce development programs that help support the training and employment services offered by local Goodwill organizations.

Thrifted Finds to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home

Heading off to college is a major milestone. For those who have the opportunity to live on campus, the school year can mean leaving family and friends in your hometown and heading off into the world of the unknown. Especially for freshman, the first few weeks of the school year can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time.

Administration Launches Workforce Hubs

Initially announced by First Lady Jill Biden in May at an invite only event attended by Goodwill Industries International, the Biden administration has begun hosting kickoff events for Workforce Hub cities. The hubs will bring together employers, labor, worker groups, community colleges, k-12, NGOs, and local governments to create new sectoral partnerships to scale quality training pathways to ensure a diverse and skilled workforce can meet the demand for labor.  The first five hubs include: Baltimore, MD; Phoenix, AZ; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Augusta, GA. There are plans to replicate the work with partners across the country.

Diving In: How Second-Hand Summer Reading Inspiration Can Make an Impact

With beach and park season upon us, basking in the sun with a good book is a given. There’s no better time to dive into the world of books and restart a love of reading than the summer, where relaxation suddenly seems that much more possible. Through the magic of second-hand books, you can embark on your summer reading journey in the most affordable way – letting you immerse yourself in captivating stories and travel through the pages, while saving for that weekend getaway you’ve been thinking about.

Congress Returns for a Hectic Few Weeks

Congress returned to DC following a two-week recess around the 4th of July and there are few legislative days left before they break again for the August recess. Both chambers have long lists of priority legislation that they would like to advance before they depart.

Informational Interviewing: what is it and how can you use it?

This blog covers informational interviewing and its benefits. Informational interviewing is a great way to find out the specifics surrounding a particular job. If you are interested in learning more about what this skill is and how to utilize it, keep reading!

My Story: Taylor Devenport

When Taylor Devenport was young, she says she was a fearful little girl who was afraid of her own shadow. Born two months premature, she faced developmental delays that led to struggles in reading, writing and math. While in high school, she needed extra time to complete class work and was enrolled in special education classes to address her learning challenges. In recognition of how far she’s come from seeking Goodwill services to happily providing assistance to others as a senior job coach, Taylor recently received the Goodwill Industries International 2023 Achiever of the Year award.