Category: The Goodwill Blog

Thrift stores have the ability to bring people so much joy. That joy is present if you’re a shopper who comes to a thrift store like Goodwill® to find treasures at a fraction of the retail price or someone dropping off donations to enjoy the freedom that comes with cleaning out some space at home. It’s also a joy for those who live in your local community and are supported by the services provided by a nonprofit thrift shop like Goodwill.

READ MORE from Timeless Secondhand Finds to Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day

Before adjourning for its month-long August recess, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The committee proposes level funding in FY25 for most of the federal workforce programs that help support Goodwill® employment and training services, with some targeted increases for apprenticeship and YouthBuild grants.

READ MORE from Senate Advances Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Bill

August marks National Black Business Month. While it’s encouraged to support Black-owned businesses all year long, this month is a special time to acknowledge and celebrate your favorite Black entrepreneurs. While she’s not an entrepreneur per se, you could say Mariah has that entrepreneurial spirit! She came to Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana (New Orleans) ready to experience some economic mobility. She just needed a little support to get there.  

READ MORE from My Goodwill Story – Mariah

Back-to-school season is somehow around the corner again. If you planning to live on campus this year, that means more than ensuring your new-school-year wardrobe is ready. While some dorms may come fully furnished, you still need those fun, personal touches for your dorm to help make it feel like your own. Other schools may require that you bring all furniture, from beds to tables and desks to lamps. Either way, there is always a way to make your back-to-school home feel like the perfect comfy spot where you can relax after a long day of class.

READ MORE from Elevate Your Back-to-School Dorm Style with Trendy Accessories Found at Goodwill®

In today’s digital age, your online presence can be as important as your real-life presence. This blog post will cover best practices for building a solid professional online identity that can open doors to career opportunities. 

READ MORE from Mastering the Web: Your Guide to Building a Strong Professional Identity Online

To celebrate the launch of Goodwill's updated New Lives campaign, Goodwill Industries International (GII) held a live streamed event on July 10, 2024, hosted by American Idol winner, multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks featuring the inspiring stories of three people whose lives were changed by their local Goodwill organizations.

READ MORE from Jordin Sparks and Goodwill® Share the New Lives Impacted by Shoppers and Donors  

Each July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities and advocate for a more inclusive world. Local Goodwill organizations play an important role in ensuring people with disabilities can develop skills, access meaningful employment, and achieve their career goals.

READ MORE from Celebrating People with Disabilities

Wedding season is such a special time, with flowers in bloom and love in the air. Wedding celebrations are full of memories to treasure, and it’s rare to have all of your loved ones in the same place to support and celebrate you. Traditions are also part of what makes weddings special. The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition has been a way for brides to manifest good luck on their wedding day while also getting creative.

READ MORE from Something Old, Something New, Something Special Found at Goodwill

Recently, the House Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The annual spending measure proposes funding levels for many of the federal workforce development programs that help support the training and employment services offered by local Goodwill® organizations.

READ MORE from House Proposes Deep Cuts to Workforce in Funding Bill

Do you currently have a job that you dread attending? Perhaps, you have troublesome co-workers or face long hours? Maybe you are consistently given the task of completing large and complex projects without adequate assistance? Whatever the case, this article delves into what could be contributing to this negative professional reality and offers techniques for how to respond.

READ MORE from Working a Job You Dislike

Spending extra time outdoors in the sunshine is one of the best things about summer. When it’s nice out, I’ll find any excuse to get outside — walks, runs or reading in the park. I love throwing together a casual picnic, whether it’s just for me or for a group of friends. Getting people together in the fresh air feels extra special, and when you can do it in a park, you can host without the hassle of getting your home cleaned up and ready for guests.

READ MORE from Summer Picnic Inspiration With Goodwill® Finds

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we’re surrounded by American flags, fireworks and barbeques. However, independence means a lot more for those who have struggled hard to achieve it.  That was the case for Christopher. After involvement with the justice system, he had a difficult time finding employment. He wanted so badly to be independent but found that his background was still a barrier.  

READ MORE from My Goodwill Story: Christopher