On Martin Luther King Day, we remember the legacy of an American who dreamed of equality, justice and peace in our country. Here at Goodwill, we also take this day to reflect back on our founder Edgar Helms, who had a similar dream to create equal opportunity for all people - his dream was to eliminate barriers to employment and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
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January marks the 10th anniversary of National Mentoring Month. This month, organizations and individuals raise awareness of mentoring in its various forms, with a goal of recruiting individuals to become involved in formal mentoring programs. In November 2009, Goodwill Industries International, along with 56 Goodwills in 38 states, kicked off the GoodGuides youth mentoring program. Today, more than 3,100 youth have been matched with mentors. Across the country, youth, families and referral sources report positive changes in the lives of youth from mentoring. Read about one successful pair matched through the GoodGuides program and learn how you can make a difference in a young person's life as a mentor.
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Though the holidays are over, the bills linger into the new year. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck — or even if you're able to save a little money — you’ve probably found yourself looking for new and creative ways to make the most of your current funds. There are always tricks to stretch your dollar, but often simple changes in your habits make the real difference. From changing your entertainment routine to being more aware of your cash flow, here are 12 ways you can stretch your budget heading into 2011.
On December 21, 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a “continuing resolution” (CR) to temporarily fund federal programs until March 4, 2011. The bill is expected to be signed by President Obama today. As cleared, the bill would increase government spending by $1.16 billion in fiscal 2011 compared with fiscal 2010. The bill also includes millions of dollars in additional funds for a variety of federal programs, including some aimed at aiding veterans and students.
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As 2010 comes to a close, it is a great time to set new goals and revamp your job search strategy. In the upcoming year, employers are expected to show an increase in hiring as the economy continues to rebound. 2011 could be the opportunity you need to improve your job-hunting habits and resolve to finding your dream job. What changes can you make in your strategy today that can help advance your career in 2011?
This year, growing numbers of workers will qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because their income declined or they experienced unemployment. The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for working individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. Last year, the program lifted an estimated 6.6 million people out of poverty — including 3.3 million children— making this tax credit one of the largest anti-poverty federal measures in the U.S. To help workers claim the EITC and other tax credits, the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low-to-moderate income working families with the help of trained volunteers. Goodwills across the country are currently training hundreds of volunteers to help members of their community to prepare their taxes this season.
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The interview process can be daunting. You’re sitting in a room with complete strangers while they ask you to talk about your professional experience and character. They analyze your movements and gestures. They write down unknown statements on yellow notepads with ballpoint pens. They shake your hand at the end and say, "We’ll be in touch." If this scenario sounds scary, you're not alone. Interview anxiety is normal. The good news is that knowing how to prepare for the interview can help you approach the meeting feeling more confident and self-assured.
The holidays are upon us again - store shelves are stocked, holiday tunes are playing and malls are full of shoppers in search of something special. It can be an expensive time of year. Americans spend around $700 during the holiday season on purchases such as gifts, meals, decorations and postage. That’s money you may not have available in your monthly budget. To get the most out of your holidays, we offer you some advice to help curb your holiday spending without sacrificing the spirit of giving.
Last week, the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released a discussion draft of ideas to reduce annual government budget deficits and pay down the U.S. national debt.
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When I was in middle school, a local elementary school was looking for volunteers to assist students in its after-school program. Most of the volunteers were adults; however, because I knew the counselor running the program, I was given the opportunity to help. Thus began my first mentoring role — tutoring one of the students through engaging activities. I remember feeling proud when the student passed a test we'd studied for together, or when I was able to teach someone a new way of solving a math problem. The experience taught me the rewards of empowering others to achieve their potential, and marked the beginning of my passion for mentoring.
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