Filed under: General | Tags: Community Resource Center, Donations, Job Training
This past weekend was the 70th birthday of the late singer/songwriter John Lennon. Lennon became a household name as a member of The Beatles, and later in life as a solo artist. VH1 had a great “Behind the Music” segment about Lennon and his career, family life and legacy.
If you’ve ever been to Central Park in New York City, the area of the park across the street from Lennon’s former home, The Dakota, there is a spot dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. With a simple marker stating “Imagine” this area known as Strawberry Fields, is a reminder of one of Lennon’s more well-known songs, “Imagine”.
Part of the lyrics read:
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
Now, I’m not advocating for people to get rid of all their possessions. What I am guilty of is keeping things that I no longer need or even want for that matter. Maybe it’s the fear of getting rid of that jacket only to wish I had it the next day. Maybe it’s the guilt of spending money on something, only to end up not even using it. For others it is a feeling of obligation – if she gave me this, then I have to want it. Fear, guilt and obligation can show-up in my life, but I definitely don’t want it to be the reason my closet doesn’t close or I have stuff collecting dust.
Goodwill Industries thrives because of the donations that are delivered to our doors every day. Since items are re-sold in our stores, everything gets a second chance. In turn, your donations and purchases, enable someone get a second chance – at life, happiness, and self-sufficiency through gainful employment. Every day our Community Resource Centers in Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties had people walk through their doors searching for job training assistance. They aren’t looking for a hand out, they are looking for someone to provide a hand-up.
In 1963, Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina was established to serve residents of the Triad area. In 1971, Lennon sang of an idyllic society, where help was given when it was needed. As Triad Goodwill approaches its 50th anniversary of service to the community, we continue to promote the message of giving.
Give what you can, whether small or large, your donations do make a difference!
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, Open House, Reidsville, Rockingham Community College
For the last few months, the employees at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Reidsville have been working in a construction site. Goodwill has been partnering with Rockingham Community College since 2004 to offer resume writing, personal finance and GED classes to the local community, but in the last few months, the Resource Center has been under construction to expand the building in order to make it a little easier for residents to receive skills training. The renovation is adding four new classrooms that will house the Rockingham Community College certified nursing assistant program along with several pharmacy technician and medical billing, coding and terminology classes.
In the last year, the Rockingham County Community Resource Center served almost 3,500 people and helped place almost 300 of those people into jobs. The goal is that over the next three years, with the addition of these new Rockingham Community College classes, Goodwill will be able to assist about 12,000 people and hopefully place about 1,700 into jobs. I think those are pretty impressive numbers that deserve to be celebrated. And that’s exactly what we will do tomorrow!
On Thursday, Goodwill is inviting the public to join us for an Open House to celebrate the completion of the expansion project. The Open House will begin at 9:00am with a few words representatives from both Goodwill and Rockingham Community College. We will then be hosting tours of the facility that will allow the public a chance to see for themselves how Goodwill is changing lives. The event will be held at the Rockingham County Community Resource Center in Reidsville. We hope to see you there!
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, JOTO, Mission, Motivation
Recently while shopping at Target, I couldn’t help but wander to the corner of the store where signs everywhere scream – Back to School! Kids with parents were picking-out new notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, markers, and I couldn’t help but look at the shelves of school supplies and try to justify why I should buy a 64-box of Crayola crayons!
Just as kids are dealing with mixed emotions of a new school year, with new teachers, the occasional new student, and new lessons to learn, I’m getting adjusted to my new life working for Goodwill Industries. With 30 days under my belt, I’m still meeting someone new in the hallway or a training session, learning about a new program that Goodwill offers, and finding files on my computer that I inherited from the former marketing specialist. I’m fortunate to work with great people who are willing to take the time and give me background on a program, before launching into what next steps need to take place.
Years ago, with already a few jobs on my resume, I decided to look at a new job as truly a new opportunity to be embraced. This shift from fear to hope has made all the difference for every job since.
Having spent some time recently in the Career Development office, I listened to Gale Murphy talk about the programs offered through this department. More often than not, she has said that for program participants to be successful much of their learning hinges on their attitude. This sentiment was echoed again by Chuck Hinsley, director for our Jobs On The Outside (JOTO) program, in a recent sit-down I had with him. I sat-in the first day of a class for ex-offenders getting job training. The case workers and Mr. Hinsley stressed to the participants how much attitude will dictate their ability to interview and get a job. As I sat there looking around the room, I wondered how many of them will take this opportunity to make a new, healthier, happier life for themselves?
Leaving Target without the box of 64 crayons, I realized that first day jitters and fear of change happens every day that someone steps foot into one of Goodwill’s Resource Centers. He may be taking those first steps to writing a resume. She may have decided to finally learn basic computer skills. Everyday it’s a person trying to make a better life and each one of them are very fortunate – on the other side of the desk is one of my co-workers who recognize first day anxiety and are willing to share their pens, paper and knowledge.
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, Mission, Services
I’m the kind of girl who gets excited for Mondays. I’m also the kind of girl who loves the first days of a new month. Goal setting is one of my favorite things to do, and the beginning of a new week, a new month or even a new season are perfect times to review past accomplishments and prepare a new set of goals.
This might explain why I also adore New Year’s and new fiscal years. I am always filled with a renewed sense of purpose when I review everything I have accomplished, both personally and professionally, during the past year. I also get giddy about planning the new year’s upcoming objectives. Even though I’m about 5 months away from New Year’s, I’m lucky that Goodwill started a new fiscal year on July 1. This essentially means I get to experience the “new year high” twice each year.
So what am I so excited about this year? Besides the fact that we get to sit down as a department and as a company to plan our strategies for the upcoming year, we also get to revel in the wonderful strides we’ve made in serving our community. Last year Goodwill Industries of Central NC served over 9,500 people in our Community Resource Centers. We also helped place over 1,700 people into competitive employment within the Triad. These numbers not only beat our previous year but also exceeded our planned goal for last year. Now that’s fulfilling our purpose. And nothing makes you feel more empowered than knowing that you’re making a difference. Here’s to a successful upcoming year.
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, Computer Training, JobLink
It’s always exciting when Goodwill brings a new employee on board. It’s even more exciting when that employee is working with a brand new program that will benefit our community. Goodwill, in partnership with JobLink, is starting a new series of computer education classes. These classes will teach basic keyboarding skills along with training for using Windows and Microsoft Office. The first class is set to start on Monday and is already at capacity with 15 students.
The computer classes will be taught by one of Goodwill’s newest employees, Renea Jones. Renea is no stranger to Goodwill’s mission and services. She was previously a Workforce Development Instructor for Goodwill Industries of Danville. In 2006, she moved to Greensboro with her husband and daughter, Chloe.
Anyone interested in learning more about the computer classes should contact JobLink for more information. If you would like to find out more about the other services Goodwill provides please visit our website.
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, Job Hunting Tips
Goodwill Industries is partnering with Rockingham Community College, JobLink and Triad Careers to host a Job Fair today. There will be various community employers represented as well as some professionals who are willing to help with any job hunting questions you may have.
Let’s face it, it’s tough out there. And it’s important to do what you can to put yourself ahead of the pack. In order to help get your job search off on the right foot, let’s take a look at some important job search tips:
Have a Resume! Have a Resume! Have a Resume!
The #1 thing you can do to assure job search success is to have a good quality resume. To get a resume ask our staff for assistance or sign up for the HRD class. Assistance is free!
Set an Employment Goal
Know what you can do and look for that type of job. People without clear employment goals will take longer to get a job and achieve success. Even if your goal is big, we can assist in developing a plan to achieve your hopes and dreams. You can do it!
Be Organized
Gather all of your information concerning your work history, education, proof of eligibility to work in the US, and other information you must have to effectively find work. Ask our staff to assist you in developing a Career Portfolio, or take the HRD Class and develop one in class. Also, always have an interview suit available in your closet to interview at a moment’s notice.
Stick to a Schedule
This is part of being organized. Know what you are going to do each day. Look in the newspapers on Sunday and Wednesday, go to Employment Security on Tuesday and Wednesdays, and wrap up the week on Thursdays with follow up for jobs in which you have applied. Run errands on Fridays. Predictability will reduce stress. Boy, wouldn’t that be nice!
Use All Available Resources to Find a Job
Look on the Internet, look in newspapers, contact Employment Security Commission, search our job listings, and most importantly-NETWORK with people to find work.
Educate Yourself
Learn how to job search and interview. Don’t know how to use a computer, sign up for a free computer class. Need a GED, sign up now for classes. Learning is a lifelong experience!
Sell Yourself
When you get into the interview, listen carefully to the questions the interviewer is asking you. Take the opportunity to sale yourself with each answer you give. When asked about your strengths, give specific examples. When asked about weaknesses, discuss how you are turning any weaknesses around to your advantage on the job.
Be Persistent
Job searching is a full time job! You will be lucky if you find something quickly. Most people are not lucky. On the upside, your persistence in searching for work will one day pay off so keep your chin up!
If you find yourself stuck after reading these important tips then don’t hesitate to contact any of our Community Resource Centers and ask for help. You can find a complete list of our locations here.
Article submitted by Susan Steinberger. Susan is the Community Resource Coordinator at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Reidsville, North Carolina.
Filed under: Career Services | Tags: Community Resource Center, Job Hunting Tips
In recent months, Goodwill Industries has seen an increase in the number of people who are seeking employment. Sometimes simply beginning your job hunt may seem like a daunting task. Job seekers need specific skills and items to look for work, no matter what type of job they are looking for.
The “Job Seeker Checklist” includes:
- A good résumé
- Computer skills to search for job opening and to complete online applications
- An active email account
- Excellent interviewing skills
- Internet access and fax machine access
- A clear employment goal
What you might not realize is that Goodwill can help you with all of these things. By visiting one of Goodwill’s Community Resource Centers you will not only have access to all of the above items but you will also have a network of professionals who are willing to assist you with all of your employment needs.
Goodwill has Community Resource Centers in Greensboro, Asheboro and Reidsville that are open to the public. So whether you are just beginning your job hunt or have been struggling to figure out where to start for awhile, I encourage you to visit www.TriadGoodwill.org and locate the Community Resource Center closest to you.
Article submitted by Susan Steinberger. Susan is the Community Resource Coordinator at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Reidsville, North Carolina.
