I don’t know about you, but with extra time on my hands, my creativity has really come in handy to maintain a sense of normalcy for myself and my family. I’m always on the lookout for things I can repurpose rather than throw out, so I’ve spent more time than usual searching for projects I can do to keep it weird in my house.
Goodwill® Week has taken place the first full week of May since 1951. In years past, local Goodwill organizations around the United States and Canada would host career fairs, donation drives, tours of their facilities and services, and other community-wide events to commemorate the week. While it is understandably difficult to celebrate during this time of crisis, it’s important to highlight the contributions that Goodwill and other charitable nonprofits continue to make in their communities.
Through Goodwill of Orange County’s supported employment program, three Goodwill program participants are working tirelessly to keep the medical center clean. Last week, they were recognized for their dedication, even during the pandemic, with an appreciation celebration from local police officers, firefighters and paramedics.
READ MORE from Orange County First Responders Thank Goodwill Participants for Their Essential Work
Not working? You are not alone: more than 26 million Americans have applied for unemployment over the past five weeks. Don’t wait; now is the time to assess your skills and learn new ones.
READ MORE from Don’t Wait: Now is the Time to Advance Your Career
These are trying times, but one thing that can help get you through each day is tapping into your creativity. Whether you break out an old coloring book, read the books in your home or try your hand at something new, creative pursuits can remind you that there is more to the mundane situation you are currently living in.
READ MORE from Why Creativity Could Be the Distraction You Need Right Now
A bipartisan effort is underway in Congress to seek relief for charitable nonprofits. Please take a moment to take action and contact Congress and ask that they support nonprofits during their time of need. We currently have two pre-written letters that you can send your local law-makers.
Prior to enrolling in the digital skills program at Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (Greenville, SC), Annette Cohen was at a critical juncture in her job search. As she assessed opportunities, she found that the she was either over- or under-qualified for many of the roles she was interested in. For support with her job search, Cohen went to her local Goodwill Job Connection center.
While your overwhelming generosity has made it necessary for many local Goodwill organizations to temporarily suspend accepting donations, we know you may still be inspired to clear out while we’re all practicing social distancing. Check out these few tips for storing up your donations while you wait for donation centers to reopen in your area.
These have been difficult times for communities. At Goodwill®, we believe that 'GOOD WILL COME'! Each week, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio will provide free downloadable activities for you and your family to help your community grow stronger. Others are just fun ways to pass this time!
Class of 2020 grads are wrapping up their studies virtually and may be getting diplomas via mail rather than crossing a stage to cheers. With a pandemic and economic crash, it is a tough time for all involved. On the bright side, you’ll have your degree, and soon it’ll be time to launch your career.
READ MORE from Launching in Pandemic: Tips for Graduates Entering Careers
