Earlier this week, NPR highlighted the struggles of low-income people in Reading, PA, and the nonprofit agencies that serve them. The day after the report was released, I visited Reading while visiting Goodwill Keystone Area to tour its new facility and meet people that Goodwill® who are overcoming their employment challenges with support from Goodwill.
READ MORE from Despite Hard Times, Goodwill® Works to Provide Opportunities
When Nikkinta was released from prison, she needed a job but didn't know where to turn. Project Re-entry, an initiative between Goodwill and other organizations, taught her how to look for a job, fill out an application and interview. After finding a job, Nikkinta now says "Never give up on yourself, no matter what happens."
This week, members of Congress returned home to their states and districts for the July 4 holiday, a day which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document states that we have certain inalienable rights including life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness; yet, more than 8 percent of the workforce lacks one of the tools needed to pursue happiness – a job.
READ MORE from The Pursuit of Happiness Starts with a Good Job
Eureeka became the primary caregiver for her sisters after her grandmother passed away. She entered vocational rehabilitation training at Goodwill, which helped her eventually gain a full-time position at the agency. She is now proud to be able to provide for her sisters and is working towards a college degree as a medical assistant.
On June 12, the Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to take up the bill that provides funding for the important job training programs for youth, adult and dislocated workers. Goodwill needs your help to urge Senate appropriators to support this urgent funding.
READ MORE from Support Job Training? Let Senate Appropriators Hear Your Voice
Kim Kershaw was unemployed and helping her mother recover from several strokes when she realized she'd like to work in the health care field. With support from a Goodwill Columbus scholarship, she trained and passed her nursing test with flying colors and now works for Goodwill taking care of residents in the agency's Residential Services for Developmental Disabilities program.
May not only heralds Mother's Day, it's also Older Americans Month -- and a perfect time for Americans to demonstrate how we value the moms, grandmothers and other older adults in our community and in our workforce by funding services that can make a difference in their lives.
READ MORE from Congress: Remember Your Moms as You Consider Funding for Older Workers
Andi Petley never thought of herself as an "overcomer." After battling a drug addition that lost her custody of her children, she knew a change had to be made. Hear how Andi overcame her fears and took back her life with support from Goodwill®.
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.
Sarah knew that she wanted to work, but wasn't sure where to start and was afraid employers wouldn't understand her disability. After her mom connected her to Goodwill, Sarah learned to identify her skills and target jobs that were well-suited for her. Her job coach helped her apply for and earn a job, and she now looks forward to growing in her position and challenging herself to do more as time goes on.
