My Story: Gradlin Davenport

Gradlin grew up in a tough area of Shreveport, LA where gang influence, frequent fights and peer pressure took its toll. After dropping out of high school, Gradlin was arrested for robbery. While incarcerated, Gradlin become involved with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. Hear how Gradlin overcome his criminal background and is now on a path to success.

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Action Needed to Demonstrate Support for Job Training

Federal spending is under an intense microscope this year. Unless Members of Congress hear clear support for the workforce system from stakeholders and others that support job training, it will likely be a tempting target for federal budget cuts. Spending and deficit reduction will likely be fiercely debated during this Congressional session, dominated by election-year

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Climb the Career Ladder by Finding a Good Mentor

Magdalene from Shreveport, LA, asks, "I'd like to move up the career ladder and think a mentor would help. How do I find a good mentor?"

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College Degrees Help Young Moms Advance Their Careers

Shauna from Montgomery, AL, asks, “I’m a young mom and would like to go back to college. How can Goodwill help me?”

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State of the Union Address Includes Programs for Job Seekers

On Tuesday evening, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress, outlining messages that are likely to form the foundation for his reelection campaign. The president’s speech acknowledged that, at a time when unemployment is stubbornly declining from the highest rates experienced in a generation, growing industries in science and technology can’t find workers with the right skills to perform the jobs they need to fill.

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Congressional Action Can Prevent Worsening Poverty Situation

A new study released by Indiana University finds that poverty is likely to get worse despite a recovering economy due to long periods of unemployment, continued impact on budget cuts to social programs and the quality of new jobs. The study warns that if Congress does not protect benefits for the long-term unemployed, and continues to make cuts to social safety net programs while reducing state fiscal relief, the poverty situation will worsen.

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Canadian Goodwill Program Helps Youth with Disabilities Go to Work

In an age of high unemployment, people with disabilities continue to have a harder time finding jobs than most. In Hamilton, Ontario, Goodwill's "Youth at Work" Program helps young adults ages 16-30 with disabilities prepare for work through job training opportunities, work placement and assistance finding permanent work.

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Proposed Legislation Aims to Consolidate Federal Job Training Programs

African-American man participants in automotive job training programIn response to a January 2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), introduced the Streamlining Workforce Development Programs Act last week, which proposes to eliminate 33 existing training programs and consolidate them under four new workforce investment funds.

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Goodwill® Helps Youth Set Education, Employment Goals

Female Goodwill staff member counsels female African-American youth.When given guidance and support, a young person can learn new skills, become a hard-working employee and succeed in life. That’s the philosophy of the Crossroads Reintegration Program at Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Shreveport). The program helps youth ages 12 to 21 with their personal growth and goals, assuring a smooth transition from secured placement facilities back into their homes and communities.

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Goodwill® Urges Congress to Support Employment for Veterans and Military Families

On November 16, Goodwill® took to Capitol Hill to brief Congress on our work with military families and present our latest white paper. Given the stubbornly bleak job market and constrained federal budgets, Goodwill calls for a continuum of coordinated services that address the unique needs and complex employment challenges facing veterans and military families. We also urge greater collaboration among the community-based providers, federal agencies and veteran service organizations.

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