Yesterday's assault on the Capitol was a chilling example of how words and actions can conspire to threaten that which we hold dear. We are thankful that the strength of our institutions, laws and norms prevailed and that the actions and proclamations of leaders across the political spectrum reinforced what we stand for. We should take confidence in that.
READ MORE from Message from Steve Preston, Goodwill Industries International President and CEO
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.
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.
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.
A standout Goodwill Manasota team member was recently granted a multitude of reasons to celebrate this holiday season as her family was selected to be the beneficiary of the Adams and Reese Sarasota office’s HUGS Program. Goodwill Manasota employee Irma Orona and her family received items including a Christmas tree and decorations, lots of clothing — including work clothes — plentiful toys for the children, and a generous Publix gift card.
READ MORE from Community Partner Brings Holiday Cheer to One Goodwill Family
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.
READ MORE from Tips for Decluttering Your Digital Space Before the New Year
Gifting second-hand is so much better for the environment than shopping at traditional retail stores because it redirects gently used clothes and other goods from the landfill to your closet, where they can be put to great use.
READ MORE from Why Gifting Second-Hand Spreads Holiday Cheer Even Further
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.
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.
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.
