After serving in the U.S. Army, Robert became addicted to alcohol and lived on the streets for five years. He was referred to a rehabilitation program following some legal troubles, a stint which ultimately led him to Goodwill's Veterans Integration Program (VIP). With the program's support and encouragement, Robert was hired to work at the Goodwill, eventually rising to the rank of VIP program manager. "Their belief in me has allowed me to pas along my courage, strength and hope to other veterans facing the same challenges I faced not too long ago," he says.
Tag: Long-Term Unemployed
My Story: Tierra Scott
Tierra was hanging around with the wrong crowds before she joined a Goodwill program for youth. In the program, she found the encouragement she needed to apply and land a job and the connections that later helped her find employment with the Goodwill itself. She says, "Goodwill gave me a chance to prove myself and what I can do. I have developed a wonderful extended family, and I have become a successful professional.
My Story: Cornelius Furr, Sr.
Following time in prison, Cornelius faced challenges finding employment and was barely making ends meet. He heard about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), managed in his community by Goodwill, where he learned valuable work skills and gained motivation to go to college. He credits the program and Goodwill for helping him get back on his feet.
Goodwill® Programs Fare Well under Federal Spending Plan
This week, the Obama administration unveiled its budget request for FY 2013. Goodwill® is pleased to report that proposed federal funding remains steady for programs that support our mission. Read more about our priority issues below and click here (PDF) to view ourside-by-side comparison of FY 2012 appropriations to FY 2013 proposals. American Jobs Act (AJA) Obama’s plan proposes
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State of the Union Address Includes Programs for Job Seekers
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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Congressional Action Can Prevent Worsening Poverty Situation
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.
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Single Mothers Seeking Jobs Turn to NY/NJ Goodwill®
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.
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My Story: Robbie Thomas
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.
Congress to Resume Spending Bill Discussions on Heels of 2011 Logjams
When the 112th Congress wrapped up its first session in December, it left behind a legacy of partisanship that caused public approval ratings to reach historic lows. As the second session kicks into gear this month, lawmakers will have to work quickly on payroll tax relief, emergency unemployment benefits, and reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), all of which were only extended through February .Goodwill® looks forward to Congress addressing several other issues of importance to the enterprise and the people we serve.
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My Story: Tyrone Coleman
Before coming to Goodwill, Tyrone had been out of work for almost two years -- he had exhausted his unemployment benefits and had depleted his 401(K) to pay for his house. Though he had a college degree, his skill set was out of date. Tyrone connected with Goodwill, who supported him in gaining multiple IT certifications. He now works full-time for the agency and is thankful to be able to provide for his family.
