Category: The Goodwill Blog

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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Rita from Corpus Christi asks, “How can I get help filing my taxes and be sure that I get all the tax credits that I qualify for?”

READ MORE from File Your Taxes for Free and Claim the Credits You Earned

A six-year partnership between Goodwill Industries-Big Bend (FL) and Leon County Schools (LCS) is helping students in need give each other a hand up through an annual voucher system and donation drive. At the beginning of each school year, LCS social workers receive Goodwill vouchers to distribute to students throughout the year when needed. In return, Leon County Schools allows Goodwill to have an annual district-wide clothing drive.

READ MORE from Students Give Each Other a Hand Up in Tallahassee Goodwill® Donation Drive

Calvin had retired with a long and successful job history, but realized he wasn't quite ready to leave the workforce completely. After struggling to use online job search tools and find a job with his criminal background, he sought assistance from Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. There, he acquired valuable job search and networking skills which helped him get hired on to a new position.

READ MORE from My Story: Calvin Okeson

Whether you’ve been on maternity leave or have had a period of unemployment, returning to work after a few months can be a complicated time of transition. If you haven’t been leaving the house regularly at a certain time, achieving this daily can be a challenge! Read on to learn about some organized systems and habits that will support you.

READ MORE from Home Organization Tips for Parents Heading Back to Work

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.

READ MORE from Congressional Action Can Prevent Worsening Poverty Situation

Keiko from San Francisco, CA, asks, “What are good options for work-at-home jobs?”

READ MORE from Need a Job? Consider Work-at-Home Employment

For most single mothers in the Bronx, their number one priority is to keep their children safe. Many of these women do not thrive in traditional school settings, so Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey focused its Good Jobs program on turning job seekers into job holders in high-growth industries such as health care, retail and hospitality.

READ MORE from Single Mothers Seeking Jobs Turn to NY/NJ Goodwill®

Eleven years ago, Robbie was living on the streets of Los Angeles with nowhere to turn. After being referred to Goodwill, she took a free computer class -- a move which gave her the skills she needed to be hired as an administrative assistant at the agency. She now works as an employment services specialist, helping people who were once in her shoes empower themselves through work.

READ MORE from My Story: Robbie Thomas

While jobless claims and the unemployment rate are showing some improvement in the overall employment picture, it’s interesting to look behind these numbers and examine just who is suffering – and benefiting — the most during this modest recovery. In consonance with these findings, GII’s 2012 Public Policy Agenda was drafted in close consultation with Goodwill members and leaders of GII’s mission advancement team.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Sets Agenda to Support Job Seekers in the Recovery

Ron from Austin, TX, asks, "I’m 61 and facing discrimination against older workers in my workplace. I don’t want to leave my job, but want my colleagues to see the value that I bring to our office. Any advice?"

READ MORE from Overcome Job Discrimination as an Older Worker

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.

READ MORE from Canadian Goodwill Program Helps Youth with Disabilities Go to Work