Category: The Goodwill Blog

When getting to know someone new, it’s inevitable that one of you will eventually ask, “What kind of music do you like?” The question is never whether or not the other person likes music, but specifically which kind it is that they prefer. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered someone who wasn’t taken by some specific tempo or tune because there are just so many genres that reach out to every type of person who inhabits this vast earth. Music is a magnetic force that can help a person to heal, to grow, and to feel more inspired or less alone. Which kinds speak to you?

READ MORE from Your Favorite Music Genre: Now Playing at Goodwill®

I visited the Hudson County Jail in northern New Jersey. Twenty years later, I can still vividly remember the rhythmic sound of sturdy locks opening, followed by heavy doors slamming shut, and then the locks swinging back home. It was a deafening and consistent reminder to the residents of that institution that they were “inmates” who were very, very bad.

READ MORE from Urge Congress to Support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act

Goodwill of the Heartland (Iowa City) is presenting Cornell College with a portrait of Goodwill Industries® founder and Cornell College alumnus Edgar J. Helms on August 29, as part of the agency’s 50th anniversary celebration. Helms, who graduated from Cornell College in 1889 with a degree in philosophy, went on to found what would become Goodwill Industries International in Boston in 1902. Helms, a Methodist minister, and his congregation collected used goods and clothing and gave people jobs repairing the items, which were then distributed to those in need.

READ MORE from Iowa City Goodwill Honors Cornell College with Painting of Alumnus Edgar J. Helms

Alas, the days of summer vacation are in the past for most of us, so we pass up the pool in favor of a paycheck every Monday through Friday. But that doesn’t mean your summer style must be compromised! Unless you’re lucky enough to work outside and enjoy this glorious season before it’s gone, you may need to consciously include it in your 9-5 life.

READ MORE from Sneaking Summer Into Your Workspace

Last year, Congress voted overwhelmingly to pass the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The moment represented a bipartisan beacon of hope on Capitol Hill. Goodwill Industries International was pleased with the overall outcome in this new Act which provides opportunities for community based organizations, like Goodwill, to do more to help people build their skills and connect with career opportunities.

READ MORE from Bipartisan Innovation at Risk of Being a Missed Opportunity

All evidence indicates that a degree or professional certificate is the way forward for career and financial stability. The game is changing, though, with digital badges gaining importance in the credentialing world. Read more to see what digital badges are, how they work and how to get them.

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You know that expression “A Sunday well spent brings a week of content”? One could just as easily swap out “Sunday” for “August” and “week” for “school year” and it would still be true. With the right preparation, the back to school season can be a seamless transition from vacation to vocation with minimal tears.

READ MORE from Take the Homework Out of Preparing for a New School Year

Congress left town this week for the month of August. When they return after Labor Day they might just turn around and leave again. Why? Because all the tough calls they couldn’t make before August will still be here when they get back and with even less time to get it all it done.

READ MORE from Procrastination: Congress Style

It’s normal to not know what to do and change your mind a lot when it comes to careers, especially after graduating from high school. That is why trying on jobs before committing is such an excellent idea. Here are some different ways to do it.

READ MORE from Four Ways to Try on a Job before Committing

Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA (Macon) recently was honored as the only non-law enforcement agency named by the Georgia Department of Corrections as a partner agency of the year. The GDC recently announced the awards during the 11th Annual GDC Awards ceremony at Tift College in Forsyth, GA.

READ MORE from Macon Goodwill Recognized by GA Department of Corrections

I was the one hanging out with the gang members on the street corners doing whatever, not really accomplishing anything with my life, you know… not even paying attention to what I was really doing. A friend of mine kicked me in the butt and was like, “You need to get a job, and Goodwill is having a job fair so come on, let’s go.” I went to a job fair at Goodwill Seattle (WA), and then I met Allison Gerttula. She told me about Goodwill’s Youth Green Corps and I was like great, sign me up, and that’s how I got started.

READ MORE from My Story: Shawnteal Turner

Before I became a mom, I heard a whole slew of gripes from other parents. The one that kept recurring more often than any others was “Kids are expensive!” Creativity becomes imperative for those on a budget who don’t want their little ones to go without the games and goodies that make childhood special, so

READ MORE from DIY Projects for Kids of All Ages