My Story: Patrick Curtis

This past year has been one of transition for Patrick Curtis. After working for his family business for nearly 10 years, he discovered Goodwill’s Careers in Technology (CiT) program in the fall of 2019. At that time, he viewed a Goodwill mission moment that was shared at a board of directors meeting for the YMCA Express at Gainsboro. Not only did the mission moment spark Patrick’s interest, but it also provided him with the realization that he could have the opportunity to work where his passion lies — in information technology.

How to Address Microaggressions You Have Experienced in the Workplace

Microaggressions are thinly veiled, everyday instances of discrimination. They can range from insults to  comments or gestures. While they may not seem as damaging as more overt forms of oppression, they are harmful to our communities. Often, people are not quite sure how to address it when they are on the receiving end of a microaggression in the workplace, so we’ve compiled some tips to get you started.

Goodwill Helps Make Your Home Learning Space Functional and Fun

Back-to-school is going to be a lot different for many students (and teachers!) because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many local schools opting for an online start to the year, students from kindergarten to grad school will be learning from home. Goodwill can help you create a functional and fun home learning space, including furniture, organization systems and decorations.

Microaggressions and the Harm They Cause

Communities across the world are discussing and working through long-lasting societal problems around systemic discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia and more. Education is key to understanding how systemic discrimination and racism impacts each of us, pervades our daily lives, and negatively impacts the lives and futures of people of color. As we all learn ways to become anti-racist, it’s important to learn about microaggressions and how to address them in the workplace.

Four Creative Ways to Create A Productive Remote Work/Learning Space

I don’t remember much about elementary school — it feels like a lifetime ago! — but some life advice my fourth-grade teacher gave to the class has stuck with me through the years: Find a spot in your home that is your dedicated work space. Choose anywhere you can focus, but not your bed. When you separate an area to be solely for work — not work and sleep — you’ll be more productive.

Voting in the Time of COVID-19

The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. Just over 55 years ago, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. I’ve always enjoyed the process of voting, reflecting on the sacrifices people have made so I can exercise my right, chatting with neighbors from my community, thanking poll workers and campaign staff, and of course receiving my “I voted” sticker.

Assessing Your Skills for the Job You Want

One constant in the job market is change. Whether that change is the result of a pandemic, normal economic cycles, or ever-evolving technology, our ability to compete means we’ll need to be lifelong learners.

Back-to-School Fabulous!

It’s August, which means it’s time to spiff up for the school year. Although the reality of the pandemic means that this coming school year might look a little bit different for a lot of us. So when we think about our typical back-to-school shopping trip — for whatever it might look like in the fall — the choices you make in your purchases might look a bit different this year, too. 

Deal or No Deal

Another week has passed, another 1.2 million Americans have filed for unemployment, another slew of businesses have shuttered their doors, and hundreds of thousands of people have tested positive for COVID-19 while another several thousand have lost their lives — and yet there is still no agreement on the next round of congressional relief for the nation. This process is frustrating and exhausting, but we cannot give up our pursuit.

Six Tips to Ace Your First 90 Days At a New Job

Job searching is a full-time job. Between researching employers online and networking to filling out applications and prepping for interviews, it can easily eat up 40+ hours a week. But as much work as it is to land a new job, it’s when you start one that the hard work really begins.

Five Fashion Trends for Summer

It’s official: summertime is in full swing! As the temperatures rise, winter sweaters make their way to the back of the closet to make room for their sleeveless summer counterparts. While some clothes are practical staples — like tees and shorts — following summer fashion trends will keep you looking and feeling cool. Not sure where to start? No worries; we’ve collected some of our favorite trends to keep you and your family stylish all summer long!

Heroes or Healers – We Need #Relief4Charities

House Democrats passed the HEROES Act back in May as their opening bid in the next round of COVID-19 congressional relief. The title is short for Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act. Senate Republicans countered this week with the HEALS Act, short for Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act.