Apprenticeships Are a Valid Option

Are you hesitant to invest time and money in a traditional college program or trade school before you’re sure the job is a good fit for you? You might check out an apprenticeship instead.

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My Story: Derrick Glass

More than 20 years ago, Derrick Glass's vocational rehabilitation counselor referred him to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont for a vocational evaluation to assess his work skills, seek services and programs that could help him become more independent, and learn the skills necessary to become a successful employee. Derrick has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, but he thrives in his work environment by offering outstanding customer service and valuing the contributions of the individuals he encounters.

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My Story: Jody Mooney

Within 90 days, I lost everything but my life. I lost my career as an executive with the Jacksonville (FL) Chamber of Commerce, my car and my apartment. I now see how mental issues plus my hedonistic, promiscuous lifestyle led me to this point. I struggled with addiction for a decade.

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Do You Remember Your First Job?

Lack of prior work experience can be a huge hindrance for young people seeking employment. Find out how Goodwill® is working to support the #FirstJob Hiring and Recruiting Compact, a new initiative from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, so that youth can gain the skills and experiences needed to advance in their own careers.

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My Story: Jose Luis Robledo

I found myself at my lowest point when I lost my father while still in high school. As a result, I felt the burden of needing to step up and fill my father’s shoes by taking care of my mom. Unfortunately, medical issues made this difficult for me to do. Eventually, I was told I was disabled and unable to work so I attempted to get on disability income with no success.

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Goodwill® Advocates for People with Disabilities During NDEAM

Goodwill® recognizes and commemorates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October and urges all employers, including the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to hire people with disabilities. As an advocate, you can explore ideas that can be implemented in your workplace and community to raise awareness.

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My Story: Allison Dees

In 2014 unexpectedly, my fiancée died tragically. He was the sole source of income for me and my four children. The shock and depression crippled me. My mom, who is from Maryland, stayed with me for about nine months. We met with Greta [from Goodwill Industries of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana] and talked about computer classes and possibly working at the Goodwill store.

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My Story: Dammond Devon Steen, Jr.

Eventually, raising four kids became too much for my 19-year-old mom, and I landed in foster care. Even then, I did okay in school. I was on track to graduate. But that never happened. I got into a fight at school – with a police officer. I was arrested. If I would have stopped for one second to think about it, I wouldn’t have gone to jail, but I didn’t think. I acted. The result was a year in prison. Adult prison, not 'juvie'.

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My Story: Patrice Blackstock

I became a mom at the age of 15. I hadn’t any real guidance because my mom was often sick. I got involved with the wrong crowd very early in life. I just wanted to belong, be loved and appreciated.

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Career and Financial Advice for March 2016

The Goodwill blog’s career and financial advice posts have all moved to GoodProspects®, but you can still get great advice on your job search, learn about career fields and connect with virtual career mentors. Here are some recent articles published this month—read each piece, share your thoughts, and join GoodProspects to take advantage of everything at Goodwill’s online career navigation portal!

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