Thank You, Advocates!

Autumn still life with a glass bowl of red berries, pumpkins, and a handwritten 'Thank You!' note.

Obviously, 2020 has been a year like no other. As a nation, we have had to manage through a pandemic, impact caused by natural disasters and climate change, and racial injustices. Our services continue to be of great importance to communities, and your support has never mattered more.

My Story: Dania Velazquez

Panelists on stage: left, a woman in red with glasses; right, a woman in a blazer holds a microphone.

Dania Velazquez knew she needed training and certifications to verify her skills and get started on her chosen career path, but her work schedule did not allow her to attend traditional classes. The first step on her journey was to attend a local hiring event, where she learned of the Goodwill Industries of Tulsa (OK) TulsaWORKS Google IT Support Professional Certificate program.

Three DIY Projects to Inspire Unity

Decorative LOVE sign made from scrap metal parts on a white weathered board against a red door.

With all that is happening these days, it sure seems that, “what the world needs now is love, sweet love,” as well as peace and unity as we move forward as a country. Here are three DIY projects, for varying levels of skill, to inspire your creativity and a sense of community.

Congress is Still in Session and #Relief4Charities Is Still Needed

Action alert banner featuring the U.S. Capitol silhouette and Goodwill logo on a blue background.

Inside the Capital Beltway, there has been a lot of focus in recent days on the year ahead, and understandably so. Newly elected members of the House are in town for orientation, President-elect Biden announced members of his transition team, and attention is being placed on the January 5 election in Georgia that will decide the control of the Senate. However, there is still work to be done this year. 

Divided We Stand – But We Don’t Have to Fall

Close-up of a person in a denim jacket holding a small American flag while a line of people stands in the background.

At the time of this writing, the results of the elections have not been finalized. While the specific impact the elections will have for the interests of Goodwill, the people we serve, and the charitable sector as whole is unknown, we can say that there will be an abundance of opportunity to forge new relationships, leverage our expertise and successes in the workforce development arena, and bridge the divide in our country.

Five Ways to Avoid Virtual Workplace Burnout Before the Holiday Season

Smiling pregnant woman standing in a sunlit autumn park wearing a gray hoodie and earphones.

Although we just celebrated Halloween, the holiday season is right around the corner. Quality time with friends and family, delicious foods, a break from work…these are just a small handful of things to look forward to in the future, especially during these seemingly bleak COVID-19 times.

Four Quick Projects to Scare Up Some Halloween Fun

Three Halloween items: a plate with eyeball candies, a gothic witch doll, and decorative dessert jars.

Halloween is almost here! But fear not, we have four easy — and very quick — DIY projects to add some frighteningly good fun to your safely, socially distanced festivities. All are simple, inexpensive and reuse items in new and spooky ways!

Get Out the Vote 2020

Close-up of a gloved hand holding an 'I Voted' sticker with a masked voter blurred in the background.

I was able to cast my vote last week, as Virginia is one of the 42 states along with the District of Columbia that offers in-person early voting. My polling place was fresh out of “I Voted Early” stickers, so I took a “Future Voter” sticker instead. Probably meant for children, technically I’m a “Future Voter” as well since I’ll surely be voting again in another election.

My Story: Charlie Rutherford

Smiling man in a dark blue polo gives double thumbs up against a black background

Charlie Rutherford was born with an intellectual developmental disability (IDD), and, for more than 25 years, he has worked for Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth in its Denton store.

Fostering Leadership and Inclusivity through Youth Mentorships

Young man with a blue cap and tattoos consults an older man with glasses in a classroom.

Most of us can think of a handful of successful people off the top of our heads — at work, in our communities, in major industries all around the world. But what many of us may not think of right away is the one thing they likely all have in common: a mentor.

Four Safe and Creative Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Two children in a park wearing costumes and masks, one pointing a wand toward the camera.

Like most things this year, Halloween is going to feel a bit different. But just because you may not go trick-or-treating this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get in the spooky spirit and have fun dressing up. No matter what your plans are this Halloween, you can still create a quick yet cute DIY costume at the last minute.