Tag: Veterans and Military Families

Goodwill Southern California (Los Angeles), along with the Department of Veterans Affairs and more than four dozen community partners, held its first Veteran Stand Down on October 10-11, at Los Angeles Historic Park. The event aimed to meet the basic needs of attendees by providing a variety of free services including meals, clothing, haircuts and makeovers, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to other services such as housing and employment for veterans and their families.

READ MORE from In CA, Goodwill Holds 'Stand Down' to Support Veterans

Goodwill Southern California (Los Angeles), along with the Department of Veterans Affairs and more than four dozen community partners, held its first Veteran Stand Down on October 10-11, at Los Angeles Historic Park. The event aimed to meet the basic needs of attendees by providing a variety of free services including meals, clothing, haircuts and makeovers, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to other services such as housing and employment for veterans and their families.

READ MORE from In CA, Goodwill Holds ‘Stand Down’ to Support Veterans

Once again, Congressional leaders have reached a temporary last-minute deal to avert economic Armageddon. In other words, with Congress punting the ball, the game has been extended into another overtime period. While the media’s focus on these political dramas appears like bad reality TV, the real-world realities are felt in local communities served by Goodwill® agencies. From employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities, veterans services, low-income housing, income tax assistance programs and more, local Goodwill agencies, their employees, and the people Goodwill serves are experiencing the pinch caused by the recent government shutdown.

READ MORE from Congress Averts Economic Armageddon, but Shutdown Impacts Felt by Communities

Vincent, a sixth generation military service member, faced unemployment and homelessness after transitioning into civilian employment. He got a new start after connecting with Goodwill Industries of Houston. He says, "This program is a blessing, it really is. It has helped so many different people out in so many different situations. It’s a life‑changing experience. You get to start all over. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would have such a big heart or that a program out here in the United States would exist.

READ MORE from My Story: Vincent Barnes

After transitioning out of the military, Rebecca tried to get an administrative job using the same skills she honed while in service, but encountered employers who were reluctant to hire someone without a degree. She connected with Goodwill in Orange County, where she found employment and regained her sense of self-sufficiency. "Goodwill provided me not only financial stability, but also training and education. I'm learning new skills every day and I’m honestly really happy to be there," she says.

READ MORE from My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez

Congress’s plate of must do legislation is full as we head into the fall.  Spending bills, debt limit increases, and resolutions on Syria, are big bites to swallow in the short time between now and the end of the year.  A number of other issues, pending decisions in Washington, will have real impact on many

READ MORE from Action or Inaction in Congress Will Impact the Lives of People Goodwill® Serves

Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (Oklahoma City) received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide supportive services to veteran families with very low incomes. Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, the Goodwill will join forces with six other organizations that serve veterans to provide services designed to promote stability.

READ MORE from OK Goodwill Wins $1.4 Million to Provide Support Services to Veterans

Pamela, a lifelong track-and-field athlete, joined the Army's World Class Athlete Program after missing the Olympic team by two spots. Following her time in the military, she faced more than a year of unemployment and struggled to find a match between her military skills and civilian positions. After connecting with Goodwill, she was hired as an employment specialist and later promoted to program manager, where she now helps other veterans get back on their feet.

READ MORE from My Story: Pamela Johnson

On June 28, Goodwill of Orange County (Santa Ana, CA) launched Enduring Independence – a national pilot program focused on highlighting the business justification for hiring young veterans. To kick off the program, the agency hosted a golf tournament and presented an iconic military leader with its first service award.The program educates employers about the 10 advantages that make hiring a veteran a smart business decision.

READ MORE from In Orange County, Goodwill Launches Program to Tout the Benefits of Hiring Veterans

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rosa was entrusted with top secret information and served her country for three years. After becoming pregnant, she left the military and embarked on a retail career. She found her way to Goodwill, where she's worked for the last four years. "Seeing people's lives change is what makes me happy," she says.

READ MORE from My Story: Rosa Barbarito