Category: The Goodwill Blog

After high school, Cody was excited to start the next phase of his life but didn't know where to begin. He connected with the Colorado Springs' "Pursuits" program, where he gained confidence and built his job skills. At the conclusion of the program, he found a job at a local car dealership. "Now that I look back and see how far I have come and how much I have achieved, I realize that there is nothing out of my reach," he says.

READ MORE from My Story – Cody Pacht

At this time of the year, everyone is counting down to something - Christmas, the New Year, Kwanzaa, etc. But rather than buying an advent calendar that may not exactly suit your celebration or décor style, why not make your own countdown? The holiday season has somehow evolved into a season about the stuff. I wanted a way to bring attention back to community-centered activities that represent the spirit of the holidays (like joining Goodwill in giving back!) So instead of putting toys or candies in my countdown, I’ve written out holiday activities that will allow my family to really enjoy this December.

READ MORE from Countdown to the Holidays with This Easy DIY Project

Twas the night before Congress adjourned, when all through the House (and Senate) Not a person was working, not even a mouse. The bills were all filed to repeal Obamacare, In hopes that November soon would be there.

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Twas the night before Congress adjourned, when all through the House (and Senate) Not a person was working, not even a mouse. The bills were all filed to repeal Obamacare, In hopes that November soon would be there.

READ MORE from ‘Twas the Night Before Congress (Adjourned)

Thanks to the proceeds from the 2013 Annual Golf Outing, Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County (Wilmington) has reached its three-year $1.5 million fundraising goal for the Ted Van Name/Goodwill Scholarship Fund. The educational scholarship fund assists 40 to 60 people each year with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma or two-year associate degree at Delaware County Community College or Delaware Technical Community College. The fund enables Goodwill team members, their immediate family members or Goodwill program graduates to pursue their educational dreams and improve their lives.

READ MORE from Delaware Goodwill Reaches $1.5 Million Scholarship Fundraising Goal

A debilitating back injury forced Veena to have to leave her warehouse job where she'd been working for 15 years. She was referred to Goodwill, where she improved her computer skills and later served as a volunteer. She was later hired by Goodwill in February 2001 and has worked there ever since. "Anyone that is given a chance and puts forth an effort can move forward," she says.

READ MORE from My Story – Veena Sharma

Finding skirts and jackets made out of spectacular wool plaid at local thrift stores has become a hunt that I relish. Checking out women’s skirts and men’s sport coats for bright or unusual eye catching plaids is standard procedure. When something stands out, I hold it up and try to imagine it as a pillow, or even as ottoman fabric. Here’s a little secret I discovered a few years ago: pleated skirts have lots of fabric once you remove the waistband. When I came across this very short skirt, with the plaid on the diagonal, I knew it would be the perfect color and pattern for pillows.

READ MORE from Deconstruct a Skirt to Make These Great Plaid Pillows

The Thanksgiving holiday fell later this year, which caused retailers great alarm since there would be six fewer shopping days left between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Congress is also running out of time between the holidays to accomplish their year-end goals, and yet they aren’t feeling the same level of angst. There are a number of unfinished items to work on but given that the holidays are upon us, I feel the highlights are best depicted as the Twelve Numbers of Congress. Sing along if you’d like.

READ MORE from Your New Holiday Carol: The Twelve Numbers of Congress

Andreas from Milwaukee, WI, asks, “I feel a bit lost – like I need to get my job and money under control. I’m thinking these should be my New Year’s resolutions this year. Do you have any tips?”

READ MORE from Four Steps to Improve Your 2014 Career and Financial Outlook

Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Scranton) held their first runway show earlier this fall. A local banquet facility was the setting for an evening of fun, fashion and awareness. More than 200 people were in attendance for the inaugural event. The agency showcased the great product lines from their five retail stores currently in operation.

READ MORE from Scranton Goodwill Features Clients in First Fashion Show

Thanksgiving for most of us means a time for gathering with family and friends, for getting together around the dinner table to enjoy turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, and for relaxing in front of the flat screen to watch your favorite football teams and TV shows. It is a special time—a time to give thanks for all the good fortune we have enjoyed. But for the many who are homeless and hungry in our country, Thanksgiving is just another day.

READ MORE from Your Action Can Give Struggling Americans Something to Be Thankful For

Forbes recently released its 2013 list of America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies, which included Goodwill® for the second time. Last year, Goodwill was ranked at #23; this year the organization is ranked at #19. According to Terry Barber, chief inspiration officer for Performance Inspired, the survey showed that consumers are not only feeling inspired by certain businesses, but are acting inspired by spending more with these companies while evangelizing to others about their inspiring experience.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Named One of America’s Most Inspiring Companies by Forbes