Category: The Goodwill Blog

As a high school student, Sam participated in a work experience program with Goodwill that taught him valuable job skills. He continued to work with Goodwill after graduation, and his great work ethic earned him the position of team leader. An employee specialist at his local agency saw how hardworking Sam was and helped him advance in his career by connecting him with a position as a mail clerk at Medco. Sam says he now enjoys being able to provide for himself and his mother, and is proud of his newfound independence. Read on to hear Sam tell his story.

READ MORE from My Story: Sam Olmo

Are you drowning in decorations? Trick-or-treat tripping you up? People are spending more time and money than ever decorating for Halloween. Consider whether you can cut back on the cobwebs and still get the same festive effect.

READ MORE from Stay Organized When Decorating for Halloween

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Astoria) teamed up with the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to stage a fashion show and seminar on what outfits are most appropriate for people to wear in their chosen careers. Individuals participating in Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), an annual event that pairs students and job seekers with disabilities with mentors to help them explore career opportunities, served as models for the event.

READ MORE from People with Disabilities Model Work-Ready Fashions at NY Goodwill® Show

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, the American Jobs Act was defeated in the U.S. Senate after it failed to attract the 60 votes needed to conclude debate. At Goodwill®, we stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to put Americans back to work and is hopeful that some of the promising aspects of the act will move forward, including increasing employment opportunities for veterans, people who are long-term unemployed, low-income adults, individuals with disabilities and youth.

READ MORE from Helping People Return to Work Remains a Priority for Goodwill®

Alfredo in Oklahoma City, OK, asks, "I’ve been told over and over again that I have a better chance of finding a job because I’m bilingual, but I‘ve been unemployed for six months. How can I find an employer that will value my ability to speak both English and Spanish?"

READ MORE from Job Search Advice for Spanish-Language and Bilingual Speakers

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina hosted its 3rd Annual Undy 500 Motorcycle Charity Ride in September to raise awareness and funding for events and programs for local homeless veterans. Two hundred twenty-five riders donated more than 2,100 new undergarments to be distributed to veterans at the Annual Stand Down against Homelessness. More than $6,800 was raised in support of local veterans.

READ MORE from Goodwill ‘Undy 500’ Motorcycle Ride Benefits Homeless Veterans

An automobile accident changed Misty's life when she was 18. She was left in a coma, lost her skin from head to toe and could no longer see out of her right eye. After extensive rehabilitation - physical, occupational and speech - Misty completed school and received her diploma. Now, Misty has new challenges and opportunities ahead: "Through Goodwill, the things I have learned and am still learning helped me overcome all of my challenges."

READ MORE from My Story: Misty Robertson

Long-time friends Dwight Murphy and Bobby Bowers, both 23, dream of being in the music industry. They are realistic enough to know that they need to make a living while they pursue that dream, and turned to Goodwill of the Big Bend’s Career Training Center to explore their options.

READ MORE from Florida Buddies Get One-on-One Career Training at Goodwill®

Goodwill Industries® is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s NDEAM theme is, “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” For decades, Goodwill® agencies have trained and hired people with disabilities. Goodwill provided employment training and job services to more than 240,000 individuals with disabilities last year. people with disabilities, including youth, older workers, and military veterans. While more employers should recognize the value of hiring people with disabilities, Congress can also do more to increase their employment opportunities.

READ MORE from Goodwill Supports National Disability Awareness Month

Jeff in Bethesda, MD. asks "My niece was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was little. She’s 26 now and wants to start looking for a job. What can I do to help her?"

READ MORE from Career Support for Young Adult with a Disability

Leslie Hudson and Christall Peavy committed to earning their high school diplomas. So pride in their own accomplishments was evident when the two Florida women, who recently earned their diplomas from Goodwill Industries Big Bend’s Career Training Center, were interviewed for the Panama City News Herald. “Now that I have a high school diploma, a lot of doors are opened to me,” said Hudson, 31, and the mother of three.

READ MORE from Two Florida Mothers Take Pride in Earning High School Diplomas

Before learning about supports in her community, Nicole and her daughter were living in a foreclosed home with no running water or gas for over six months. She drove an unreliable vehicle with no working brake lights, a trunk that wouldn't latch and which wouldn't go more than 35 mph. After eventually finding employment with the YMCA, Nicole was referred to Goodwill's Workers on Wheels program. She received a donated car and now feels grateful that she has a safe and dependable means of transportation to go to work and to take her daughter to school. Thanks to support from Goodwill and the YMCA, Nicole is currently pursuing a college degree and has also been able to find a stable home for her and her daughter.

READ MORE from My Story: Nicole Brill