Category: The Goodwill Blog

Campaign season is fully underway as both major political parties prepare for their respective conventions. Living in a swing state means I’m exposed to even more commercials, radio ads and newspaper editorials than those lucky enough to be able to avoid seeing such negativity -- and I’m a policy wonk who usually loves this stuff, especially when the issues are being debated. There is certainly no lack of issues critical for nonprofits and supporters like you that can be discussed.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Asks: What's Important to You This Election Season?

Stan from Great Falls, MT, asks, “I’m applying for an office job that involves some writing, and the employer wants me to submit some writing samples. I’ve never had to do this before. Can you help?”

READ MORE from What to Include When a Job Application Requires Writing Samples

Military veterans are well positioned to meet the demands of a skilled and committed workforce. Sharing veterans’ stories can be transformative for all involved; the act is both empowering for the veteran and meaningful for the viewing audience. We invite you to check out our Homefront Chats initiative, a video-based storytelling project by 15 veterans participating in Goodwill's Operation: GoodJobs program.

READ MORE from New Video Series a Continuation of Goodwill’s Commitment to Supporting Veterans

When Carolyn found out she was going to be losing her job of 13 years, she knew she needed to update her skills in order to find new work. She connected with Goodwill's medical office training program, which also allowed her to update her Microsoft skills. After being placed through a temp agency, she was eventually hired on full time to work for the Huntington Fire Department.

READ MORE from My Story: Carolyn Wright

This week many of us here at Goodwill were lucky enough to participate in the Goodwill Summer Conference held in Miami Beach, FL! It gave some of us bloggers a chance to get to know one another in person and to host an event showcasing each of our individual interests! We couldn’t keep the good stuff to ourselves, so I've decided to share with you the six projects that I completed using mason jars for our session.

READ MORE from Mason Jars: The Ultimate DIY Thrift Find

We are fast approaching back-to-school time, and in this first part of a two-part series, I'm going to share with you how to get way ahead of the game with a quick project to ease your way into the season. Soon, back-to-school sales will be promoted everywhere, with great deals on clothing and supplies. Some states even have a sales tax holiday you can enjoy and reap significant savings. But the only way to take full advantage of these savings is to know what you need in the first place!

READ MORE from Ten Steps to Get Organized for Back-to-School Clothes Shopping

This week, Congress recessed for the month, while President Obama signed the Sequestration Transparency Act of 2012 (H.R. 5872) on Tuesday. The law requires the administration to provide details within 30 days about how it would implement automatic spending cuts – as mandated under the Budget Control Act – to defense and non-defense programs. While

READ MORE from Congress Recesses, Leaving Deficit Reduction Question Unanswered

Bill from Detroit, MI, asks "There's a check cashing and payday loan store near my office and it seems like an easy way to get quick cash. But my neighbor said she had trouble with the loan got there. What do you about payday loans."

READ MORE from Are Payday Loans a Good Idea?

Vander saw his opportunities slowly fading away from him as a senior in high school. His teachers connected him with Goodwill's Project Search, which taught him the skills he needed to interview and land an internship. His last internship led to permanent employment. He credits Goodwill for helping him achieve things he once thought were impossible.

READ MORE from My Story: Vander Cherry

Take one amazing donated city space, add a cultural phenomenon, mix it with charitable organizations, throw in some spectacular secondhand goods and gently stir. BOOM! What you get is the sweet, sweet taste of Edited, Goodwill of Greater Washington’s three-day pop-up shop that earned rave reviews and temporarily drove hordes of shoppers to Chinatown in downtown DC this week.

READ MORE from Bringing Thrift to the Masses: A New Take on Goodwill®

At a time when unemployment remains high, resources that support workforce development and job training are an important part of the nation’s economic recovery and job creation effort. Unfortunately, automatic spending cuts, slated to take effect in January 2013, threaten to drastically reduce these resources, which support the efforts of local Goodwill® agencies in communities across the United States to help people who face employment challenges to find jobs and advance in careers.

READ MORE from Automatic Spending Cuts Threaten Resources that Help People Find Jobs

Judy from Denton, TX, asks "I'm currently unemployed and looking for a job. I have a lot of great skills and experience, but I'm not very comfortable selling myself to potential employers. Any advice?"

READ MORE from Seeking a Job? How to Market Yourself to Employers