Prior to coming to Goodwill eight years ago, I worked for a group home for displaced teenage boys. The group home closed and I found myself unemployed, facing eviction from my place and facing homelessness. Eventually, I found myself living in a homeless shelter with no possible work prospect. The feeling of not having anywhere to go or turn to was a scary and daunting feeling.
Tag: Job Placement
Translate Your Volunteer Experience Into Employment
Did you know that working for free can help you transition into your dream job? Volunteering increases your chances of employment. One 2013 study showed that “volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers.” That number almost doubles for certain groups, such as those without high school diplomas. Here’s how volunteering ups your employment odds.
READ MORE from Translate Your Volunteer Experience Into Employment
My Story: Lew Davis
My name is Lew Davis and I have been associated with Goodwill of Monocacy Valley (Frederick, MD). Prior to coming to Goodwill, I was struggling with intellectual and learning disabilities and dealing with my father’s illness. I am a very shy person and it takes me awhile to open up to people.
My Story: Gail Brown
My name is Gail Brown and I have been a Veterans Affairs (VA) operator with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Shreveport) for the last five and half years. I have post-polio syndrome. I am also a Hurricane Katrina survivor.
My Story: Antoinette Watson
My life fell apart when my job suddenly ended and the unexpected death of my mother made everything seem worse. Everything that I had worked so hard to achieve had just slipped away. This was the lowest point in my life and I felt I had nothing to live for.
New Food Truck Brings Job Training Opportunities
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids (MI), in partnership with Grand Rapids Community Foundation, today announced plans to expand its workforce development program with the purchase of a food truck. Expanding Goodwill’s successful social enterprise model, this food truck will offer Grand Rapidians an opportunity to eat locally sourced food while also supporting Grand Rapids residents as they develop skills that will help them earn a living wage.
READ MORE from New Food Truck Brings Job Training Opportunities
My Story: Mark McNie
I came to Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County (Port Huron, MI) in September, 2014 via a situational assessment from Michigan Rehabilitation Services. In 1996 I went into anaphylactic shock after being prescribed an antibiotic I was severely allergic to that put me out of commission for close to three years.
Houston Goodwill Recognized by National Military Initiative
The Bush Institute Military Service Initiative cited Goodwill Industries of Houston (TX) for outstanding work finding jobs for post 9-11 veterans and helping them bridge the divide between military and civilian life. The Military Service Initiative honored Goodwill Houston – the only nonprofit recognized in the state of Texas — as an example other nonprofits serving veterans should emulate.
READ MORE from Houston Goodwill Recognized by National Military Initiative
My Story: Christina Banfield
I was introduced to Goodwill Industries of Southern Oregon (Medford) through the Make Parenting a Pleasure class. The classes provided me with opportunities to make my family stronger, especially during some pretty difficult times in our family history. It was an intimate setting and I felt safe and empowered. Then, after having been unsatisfied with my progress in other available job search programs at the Department of Human Services (DHS), I requested to participate in the Goodwill Jobs program.
Women’s History and Developmental Disabilities Awareness in March
March is National Women's History Month and Developmental Disabilities Month. These should not be viewed as competing events. In fact, in terms of the barriers that women and people with developmental disabilities still struggle to overcome, they have more in common. Both have to address stereotypes and discrimination.
READ MORE from Women’s History and Developmental Disabilities Awareness in March
