Commit to Change: Message from Steve Preston, Goodwill Industries International President and CEO

Today, we must pause again to mourn the killing of George Floyd and so many others, to remember the families and communities who grieve their losses, and to internalize the realities of racism in our country.  One life challenged a nation to bear witness to its deepest offenses while striving to exemplify one of its

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Biden Budget Proposal Increases Funding for Workforce and Education

In his first budget outline since taking office, President Biden is proposing a $1.52 spending proposal for fiscal year 2022 (FY22), which begins on October 1, 2021. The outline, also referred to as a “skinny” proposal is a precursor to a more detailed request in the months ahead. The budget is a spending outline that provides the top-line dollar amount for the administrative agencies (e.g. Department of Labor, Department of Education), to spend. The Appropriations Committee in the House and Senate now have to agree on how to spend the money as they appropriate funds to specific programs within each agency over the next several weeks. While Congress does not have to accept any portion of the request, the outline does provide insights into the priority areas for the Administration. Public health, the economy, employment, racial equity, and climate action are among the drivers in the proposal. 

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Project Overcome Helps Individuals Learn Interview Skills after Incarceration

April is Second Chance Month, and Goodwill Industries International is shining a light on some of the work we are doing to help people impacted by the criminal justice system. Recently, Goodwill teamed with Accenture to develop an innovative virtual experience called Project Overcome. The experience is designed specifically for people impacted by the criminal justice system who want to enter the workforce.

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How to Mix & Match Prints this Spring

When you start trying to pair prints, sometimes it might seem that your attempted ensemble is yelling at you! That may be because you’re pairing two prints that are too similar, instead of playing with proportions. You don’t have to shy away from blending prints in the same family, simply pair a small version with a bigger one. You can also look at the boldness of the pattern, a small subtle plaid can pair nicely with a bolder buffalo check pattern. We were wowed when Stacee pulled together this effortless spring ensemble by matching this colorful striped scarf with the tiny blue stripes on this gorgeous midi dress. It’s a great example of how big and small versions of the same print can complement one another! Then, she highlighted the other beautiful bright shades of the scarf by adding lively orange shoes and a pink crossbody bag to pull the entire look together!

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President Proclaims April as Second Chance Month

President Joe Biden recently issued a proclamation marking April as Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness of the challenges facing people with criminal backgrounds and to spotlight the important work being done by community-based organizations like Goodwill® to empower second chance individuals to achieve career and life success.

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My Story: Alicia Murphy

Alicia Murphy came to Goodwill seeking her GED to provide new opportunities for her family. A young mother of two children, Alicia had dropped out of high school when she was 17 and had held several jobs including warehouse and waitressing positions, but what she really wanted was financial stability. Working in a warehouse was draining her both mentally and physically— and she knew she needed to further her education in order to kick start her career. Alicia had the drive to succeed, but like many people lacking education and work experience, she felt lost. She strived for independence, financial stability, and her own place to live.

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White House Focuses on Jobs and Infrastructure

Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden Administration has turned to other economic recovery measures with the unveiling of the American Jobs Plan. While a long way from actually becoming law, the $2.25 trillion proposal focuses on transportation, caregiving, manufacturing, housing, schools, water, broadband, and the power grid. A second package, planned for release in the coming weeks, could top $1 trillion and expand social policies.

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