Category: The Goodwill Blog

One week after President Obama’s American Jobs Act (S 1660) was blocked in the Senate, Democratic leaders have been working to dissect and move segments of the comprehensive mix of tax cuts and spending proposals. While the prospects for passing a jobs bill are bleak, Congress must also take up measures that could cause problems for existing job training programs. The future is also unclear for the bill that funds the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

READ MORE from Congress Continues Jobs Legislation, Funding Limbo

Diane in Ashtabula, OH, asks: "I recently read that the number of older people who want to work is greater than the number of available jobs, and that older workers who lose their jobs have a very hard time finding a new one. Like many people over the age of 50, I have a strong work ethic, maturity and the experience that employers need. My challenge is, how do I get employers to see the value of hiring me?"

READ MORE from Tips for Finding a Job as an Older Worker

Earlier this summer, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago store associate Sheila Anderson was processing jewelry donations at the agency’s South Elgin, IL, location when she found a bracelet. Engraved with a name, military rank, branch of service, a date, and a country, the bracelet struck Anderson as more than a regular ID bracelet. Read on to learn how online research led Goodwill to learn more about the bracelet's history and reunite the piece of jewelry with a family member of the soldier it commemorates.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Reunites Donated POW/MIA Bracelet with Soldier's Family

Earlier this summer, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago store associate Sheila Anderson was processing jewelry donations at the agency’s South Elgin, IL, location when she found a bracelet. Engraved with a name, military rank, branch of service, a date, and a country, the bracelet struck Anderson as more than a regular ID bracelet. Read on to learn how online research led Goodwill to learn more about the bracelet's history and reunite the piece of jewelry with a family member of the soldier it commemorates.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Reunites Donated POW/MIA Bracelet with Soldier’s Family

As a high school student, Sam participated in a work experience program with Goodwill that taught him valuable job skills. He continued to work with Goodwill after graduation, and his great work ethic earned him the position of team leader. An employee specialist at his local agency saw how hardworking Sam was and helped him advance in his career by connecting him with a position as a mail clerk at Medco. Sam says he now enjoys being able to provide for himself and his mother, and is proud of his newfound independence. Read on to hear Sam tell his story.

READ MORE from My Story: Sam Olmo

Are you drowning in decorations? Trick-or-treat tripping you up? People are spending more time and money than ever decorating for Halloween. Consider whether you can cut back on the cobwebs and still get the same festive effect.

READ MORE from Stay Organized When Decorating for Halloween

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Astoria) teamed up with the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to stage a fashion show and seminar on what outfits are most appropriate for people to wear in their chosen careers. Individuals participating in Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), an annual event that pairs students and job seekers with disabilities with mentors to help them explore career opportunities, served as models for the event.

READ MORE from People with Disabilities Model Work-Ready Fashions at NY Goodwill® Show

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, the American Jobs Act was defeated in the U.S. Senate after it failed to attract the 60 votes needed to conclude debate. At Goodwill®, we stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to put Americans back to work and is hopeful that some of the promising aspects of the act will move forward, including increasing employment opportunities for veterans, people who are long-term unemployed, low-income adults, individuals with disabilities and youth.

READ MORE from Helping People Return to Work Remains a Priority for Goodwill®

Rockville, MD – Busy families can be earth friendly this Halloween by shopping at Goodwill® stores. Find everything you need at Goodwill to create a unique costume for yourself or your children. All you need is a little imagination to transform your child into a favorite superhero or fairy princess. By shopping at Goodwill this

READ MORE from Being Green This Halloween is Simple at Goodwill

Alfredo in Oklahoma City, OK, asks, "I’ve been told over and over again that I have a better chance of finding a job because I’m bilingual, but I‘ve been unemployed for six months. How can I find an employer that will value my ability to speak both English and Spanish?"

READ MORE from Job Search Advice for Spanish-Language and Bilingual Speakers

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina hosted its 3rd Annual Undy 500 Motorcycle Charity Ride in September to raise awareness and funding for events and programs for local homeless veterans. Two hundred twenty-five riders donated more than 2,100 new undergarments to be distributed to veterans at the Annual Stand Down against Homelessness. More than $6,800 was raised in support of local veterans.

READ MORE from Goodwill ‘Undy 500’ Motorcycle Ride Benefits Homeless Veterans

An automobile accident changed Misty's life when she was 18. She was left in a coma, lost her skin from head to toe and could no longer see out of her right eye. After extensive rehabilitation - physical, occupational and speech - Misty completed school and received her diploma. Now, Misty has new challenges and opportunities ahead: "Through Goodwill, the things I have learned and am still learning helped me overcome all of my challenges."

READ MORE from My Story: Misty Robertson