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Brilliant Back to School Buys from Goodwill®

By Julia Marchand

If you are an avid thrifter, you will probably think of Goodwill right away when it comes to shopping, no matter the occasion. But as back to school season approaches, you may find yourself even more eager to browse the aisles for great deals on necessities for the upcoming year. Local Goodwill organizations support mission services through the sale of donated clothes and household items at more than 3,300 Goodwill stores and online through shopgoodwill.com, the first nonprofit Internet auction site, and through contract services, private and public grants, and individual giving. With so many places to shop and a steady stream of new donations coming into those stores, Goodwill will never give you that all-the-good-stuff-is-gone panic attack you might have when shopping at big-box stores the week before the first school bell rings. To help you get ready for the new semester, here are a few of our favorite back to school finds…

I love this back to school thrift haul video from Got It at Goodwill! On top of a $400 bag, which she scored for only $10, the video-blogger also found a huge array of cute clothes and shoes to start her school year off on the right foot. As a teacher, she talks about how important it is for her to find versatile clothing that is easy to move around in while still maintaining a professional appearance. But students, too, can find just what they need to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune. You can see in this video how many fashionable pieces are just waiting to head to a new home. As parents know, kids can grow a lot even just in one school year so second-hand goods are the perfect way to save money, be prepared, and minimize your family’s environmental impact as this new season starts.

Image via prodigalpieces.com

Speaking of how quickly kids grow, have you seen those first days of school vs. last day of school picture comparisons? These days many parents are snapping a photo of their kids heading off to start the new school year then taking the same photo again when school lets out in June. Putting these two pictures side-by-side creates a great visual of the child’s growth that will just tug at your heartstrings, especially as the years stack up. To take this sentimental project one-step further, I pulled inspiration from Goodwill of Southeast Georgia (Savannah)’s Craft Ideas pinboard where they shared this fun DIY chalkboard prop! For consistency throughout the school years, you could make a standing chalkboard like this from a Goodwill baby crib, drying rack, or garden trellis to have your little book worm to stand next to.

On it, write the grade they are entering or graduating from, their age, height, favorite subject, or whatever you want! This is such a smart way to keep track of the seasons as they speed by and it would be so special to see every photo lined up at high school or college graduation!

Image via pinterest.com/GoodwillINW

When those high-school grads do head off to college, another huge back to school expense awaits: outfitting their dorm. Goodwill to the rescue again! With dishes and cleaning supplies ready to buy, parents will know they are setting their kids up for a smooth semester. Students themselves might be more excited about furniture and decor for the dorm so, if that’s who you’re shopping for, make sure they check out this Dorm Decor on a Dime pinboard from Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest (Spokane) for ideas. It’s easy to pack a lot of personality and functionality into a small space by using some of the techniques (like this well-dressed loft bed and futon layout) shared there!

Once you’ve got all of your back to school style and supplies ready to go, the only thing left to do is mentally prepare yourself (or your kiddos) for another year of schedules and studying. Unfortunately, we will have to leave that part to you. But we will send our wishes for a successful school year and you know where to find us when you think of that one last thing your child needs before they can go back to school.

Three Changes To The Job Search – Not Counting Technology

By Randy Wooden, Director, Professional Center by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

Technology has changed our lives in many ways, including how we conduct a job search. I have witnessed a number of recruiting and job coaching changes in my 30+ year career. Most – but not all – involve the use of technology. This week I will examine a few non-technology changes.

#1. Whether due to downsizing or a worker’s desire for a new challenge, today’s workplace sees more turnover than ever before. All this change means it is important to keep your resume up to date and be a lifelong learner to remain competitive with constantly improving and expanding skills. Take a class. Earn a certification. Do what you can to best position yourself with market-relevant skills expected by today’s employers.

#2. While networking has always been part of the search process, I would argue it is more important than ever. The days of walking into a company, shaking hands with the hiring manager and having an unscheduled conversation are largely over. Technology makes it easier to locate and apply for work and human resource departments are overwhelmed with applicants. Some companies have responded by building digital barriers to protect their time. You may be qualified for the position, but, if you are one of 300 applicants, personal referrals can improve your chances that the employer will choose to speak with you rather than other candidates.

#3. Employer expectations and what you can do to meet them have shifted. I am seeing companies place more emphasis on soft skills and cultural fit than ever before. For many jobs, you will be required to take an assessment or two. You may have the skills and experience to perform the work, but if your personality does not mesh with that employer’s desired target, you may not get the job.

Employers expect candidates to be prepared; technology allows easy access to information about the company. Online resources help answer interview questions. Doing your homework – being prepared – is more significant than ever.
Technology is a tool. Use it and know you need more than a search and a few clicks to get the job. Good luck!

Storm Lake Job Center Spotlight

There are many reasons that Arely works passionately in the Job Center. Being able to help different cultures is one of those reasons. Arely has learned that patience is important in the Job Center because some individuals have language barriers. Arely appreciates the different opportunities that we offer people in the Job Center and how Goodwill can connect individuals to jobs in the community.

If you need assistance with resumes, cover letters, or finding a job, stop into our Storm Lake Job center, and Arely would be happy to help you reach your employment goals. Our Storm Lake Job Center is located in our Storm Lake store at 229 West Milwaukee Avenue Storm Lake, IA. Our Job Center hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Channel Your Goodwill® Wanderlust

By Julia Marchand

What’s the first thing you do when you visit a new city? For me, after I’ve settled into my hotel and refueled at a café, I have to track down the closest Goodwill® retail store! Since each and every one is stocked with items donated by those who live nearby, individual locations become completely distinct and allow visitors to get a taste for that specific region’s lifestyle. One thing that all branches of Goodwill have in common, though, is their mission to help build healthy communities. Since Goodwill has earned the trust and support of more than 86 million donors in the United States and Canada, there’s a good chance that if you’re traveling in North America you will stumble upon a store or two.

Image via GoodwillTips.blogspot.com

This summer, loads of families are packing into their cars and making the trek out of state. Technology is an easy answer for keeping kids calm while passing the time, but I’ve always been a fan of family fun and good old-fashioned travel games instead. If you have kids then you know how truly short attention spans can be. For this reason, I highly recommend preparing several in-car activities like these shared by Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. Putting games together yourself will save money and earn you some bragging rights. The tactile exercises will also help kids gain new skills and satisfy sensory instincts when they’re buckled in and unable to exert their plentiful energy!

Image via SunniesAndChardonnay.com

Now, if you’re not able to travel at this time, you can still get your fix by inviting the whole planet inside your home (What!? How!?). Globes pop up at Goodwill all the time! I found a fantastic standing globe once at my local store and I’m considering this celestial makeover for it created by a blogger named Kirsten. Her dream décor was well above her budget so she took matters into her own hands. You can find the instructions to make one of these beauties yourself on her blog, Sunnies and Chardonnay.

Image via Facebook.com/GoodwillKansas

Of all the places I’ve visited, London was by far my favorite. I found the city to be clean, fun, and friendly, so this display from Goodwill Industries of Kansas made me want to hop on the next plane across the pond. Allowing your home to capture the spirit of places you’ve loved visiting is the perfect way to create a space that inspires you. Plus, it’s great conversation for when you have guests and it will very likely segue into a viewing of your vacation pictures – a great excuse to relive the memories.

Are you off to anywhere special this summer or will you instead be reliving past trips? If there’s one thing I’ve learned while on my journey through life, it’s that you can recreate almost anything – travel activities, home décor, memories, and more – for less than half the price if you are willing to put some time into it. I’ve also learned that most successful projects start at the thrift store. Hey, where there’s a (Good)will, there’s a way!

Celebrate The Americans With Disabilities Act

By Laura Walling, GII senior director of government affairs, advocacy & legislative affairs

This week marks the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education and public accommodations.

Goodwill® has been dedicated to supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities, among others, since its founding in 1902. Our collective aspirations for people with significant disabilities include: opportunities for choice, to earn wages, to reach potential, to experience improved quality of life, and to achieve social acceptance and integration. Services are customized for the individual, including his or her support system. Services also leverage community resources and are delivered while recognizing that the individual is both the leader of his or her service plan and a customer of Goodwill.

In 2018, more than 310,000 people who self-identified as having disabilities engaged in career services from local Goodwill organizations. Goodwill’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of people with disabilities are grounded in choice and the ability to earn wages. Goodwill aspires for all individuals, including people with disabilities, to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life. Robert Frank, Goodwill Industries International’s Achiever of the Year is one of those individuals. Robert suffered physical abuse as a child, including blows to the head that left him with a cognitive disability. With support from Goodwill, he learned to read and write. At age 65, he read a book for the first time, giving him new confidence and a more positive outlook on life.

Goodwill believes everyone should have the opportunity to live independently, earn wages and achieve their dreams. Despite the great advances that have been made since the passage of the ADA, particularly in public policy and technology, more can be done to eliminate barriers faced by people with disabilities, especially those with significant disabilities. While disability employment rates are improving as an increasing number of people with disabilities are on the job, struggles still exist when compared to the workforce as a whole. Nearly 80% of people with disabilities are not a part of the labor force. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is nearly double than those without a disability.

As disability advocates and service providers take this time to reflect on the past and celebrate this milestone in our country’s history, let us not forget the future. How can we continue to challenge ourselves to be innovative, more inclusive, and change policies that can help improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families for the next 29 years and beyond?