Find My Goodwill

Acid Washing Away 2020

Colorful folded fabrics including teal, green, purple, and pink with tie-dye patterns.

One trend I’ve been seeing A LOT of going into this new year is acid washing! As we know, fashion history always repeats itself and this trend is no exception. I am seeing it in retail stores, online shops and boutiques!

Does An Employer Really Care About My Social Media?

Finger taps a portrait thumbnail on a touchscreen grid of headshots.

In a word, yes. More than ever before, employers are likely to search your name on Google as well as take a look at your social media pages to get a sense of your online presence and professionalism. Whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn or a host of other sites, employers will often view your information and base their hiring decision, at least in part, on what they see.

Why Preloved is the Move

Smiling man wearing a colorful geometric shirt and yellow headband outdoors.

When I learned of preloved culture, it changed the trajectory of my buying and spending habits. Yet, many people do not understand what preloved culture is let alone the concept of preloved on its own. So, let’s take a look at the definition of preloved to understand its importance.

Better Days Ahead

United States Capitol dome under a dramatic sunset sky.

Due to the pandemic, I haven’t been on the Hill in several months, as our meetings have been virtual. I watched in horror as the events of January 6 unfolded and an attack was made on our democracy, and the grounds where I’ve stood so many times was under siege.

My Story: Stephanie Richardson

Smiling woman with long box braids, wearing a black top and a pendant necklace.

In February 2020, Stephanie Richardson enrolled in the pharmacy technician program at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. Initially attending class at the Goodwill’s training center in downtown Baltimore, her participation was halted on March 20, 2020, due to COVID-19. Remaining focused on education and training, Stephanie elected to take the National Retail Federation Business of Retail online course during the closure. Training remotely, she worked diligently and at her own pace to acquire the retail certification.

5 Tips for Virtual Commuting

Person with long hair sits relaxed at a bright home office, hands behind head, with plants and a coffee mug nearby.

When this whole work-from-home business began (what seems like years ago), many of us greeted it with a collective “ugh”. The disruption of our daily routine was fraught with physical and emotional challenges. However, after a period of adjustments, the silver lining of this change of work venue has been the elimination of our daily commute.

New Year, New Rules

Open notebook on a bright yellow desk shows 'New Year New Rules' with a hand writing in it, surrounded by office supplies.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of creating our own little slice of happiness in the chaos. For some of us, that means getting rid of what we don’t need. For others, it’s a shift in priorities or a change of attitude. And while we’re all eager to see this year in the rear-view mirror, there’s still a lot of lessons we can carry into 2021 to create our own version of a fresh start.

Tips for Decluttering Your Digital Space Before the New Year

Young woman with pink braided hair sits on a blue sofa, using a laptop in a colorful living room.

With our ever-increasing usage of technology, our “spaces”  now expand into the digital sphere. That’s why we are focusing on the environment behind the phone or computer screen. A decluttered work email inbox or personal phone photo collection can contribute to improved mental health and productivity.

How to Be a Professional in the Workplace

Professional woman in hallway holding documents, smiling at the camera.

Being a professional is more than how we look, our formal education and our professional achievements. It is also the qualities, values and behaviors we choose to display in the workplace — whether working remotely or in person with others.

Goodness Gracious, It’s Goodwill Gifting

Person with glasses looks up at a tall black cone-shaped object dusted with snow against a beige wall.

This holiday season: shop local, and shop secondhand. It’s easy enough to say that, but in practice? If you just took mental stock of the folks on your list and gulped, wondering how in the world to shop certain people in your life, then you might need the boost that only Goodwill aisles can bring.

My Story: Linda Sutton

Smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair in an outdoor setting.

Linda Sutton had a difficult upbringing and history of drug use as well as a criminal background. With the help of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette, she was able to turn her life around and is helping others to do the same.