Blog Posts

Jesse was looking for his first job and a boost of confidence. With coaching, skill-building and hands-on work experience, he discovered his strengths and earned a permanent part-time position. His story shows how the right support can help anyone begin a meaningful career.

Facing housing instability and financial stress, Matthew connected with a Goodwill Community Access Point at the Guest House of Milwaukee. With resume help, job leads and access to essential resources, he found stable seasonal work and prepared to return to college—moving closer to the future he envisioned.

This festive DIY project transforms a simple thrifted plate into a charming Santa cookie plate using dot-painting techniques. Artist Cheryl Anderson shows how easy it is to create a handmade holiday keepsake for under a dollar. Perfect for gifting, celebrating traditions, or adding a personal touch to the holidays.

Writing your first resume doesn’t have to be scary — even with no job experience. In this guide, Goodwill career specialist Nicole shows teens and young adults how to turn school projects, volunteering, hobbies, and life skills into a strong, professional resume.

Meet Goodwill’s first-ever Community Collaborators—five local creators bringing their own unique thrift style, DIY inspiration and sustainable living ideas to our community. Follow along as they share fresh, creative secondhand content all season long.

This DIY guide shows how to transform secondhand finds into beautiful holiday centerpieces. Perfect for decorating your home or gifting to someone special.

See how Goodwill’s THRIVE and Supported Employment programs helped Thomas build confidence, improve communication and secure meaningful work.

Cynthia found long-term employment with support from Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers. Learn how free career coaching can help you build a new future.

Learn how to spot real pearls vs fake ones while thrifting secondhand from an Ecommerce jewelry expert, including what to look for in luster, texture, shape, metal settings and more.

Give toys a second life this holiday season. Donating toys to Goodwill helps fund local job programs, supports sustainability, and brings joy to families in your community.

Upcycling pro Jen Dunne turns a broken thrifted clock into a cozy fall masterpiece in this Goodwill Second Chance Studio tutorial. Follow her step-by-step guide to create your own pumpkin floral wall art—proof that even broken things can bloom again.

Transitioning from the military to civilian work takes confidence, clarity, and support. Crystal Odom-McKinney, Executive Director of Mission Services – Illinois, shares practical and motivational career advice for veterans—how to translate military skills, find purpose, and thrive in meaningful civilian careers with help from Goodwill.

Goodwill Thrift Studio kicked off Arts in the Dark Chicago with The Haunted Runway, a live DIY costume contest celebrating creativity, sustainability, and secondhand style. Hosted by Suavé — professional MC/DJ and founder of Hip Hop ConnXion — and powered by DJ Ray, the event lit up State Street with music, dance, and thrifted looks. Paradegoers voted live via QR code, crowning Mad Hatter Janna as winner. The Haunted Runway proved that fashion can be fearless, sustainable, and community-powered — all 100% thrifted and 100% nonprofit.

PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Learn what employers can do to help employees experiencing PTSD in the workplace.

It's officially spooky season! Whether you need a fun family costume or a unique thrifted look, here are some tips and inspiration for shopping at Goodwill for Halloween.

Need a costume in a pinch? From Kim Possible to Effie Trinket, these Goodwill finds show how to thrift five creative Halloween looks under $20—plus two easy DIY tutorials for last-minute magic.

Give your Halloween décor a haunting twist with this DIY spooky mirror project. Using a thrifted mirror and a few simple supplies, you’ll create a ghostly reflection that’s perfect for scaring friends, family, or party guests. Affordable, creative, and eerie—it’s a Halloween hack made possible with Goodwill.

Goodwill thrift finds just hit the spotlight! From Chicago to Milwaukee, local style experts showed how to turn secondhand treasures into fresh fall looks—on a budget.

Upcycle an old sign into ghost party art with this Halloween DIY from Goodwill’s Content Creator, and skilled upcycler, Jen Dunne. Using thrifted finds, paint, and texture, you’ll create a spooky, sustainable piece of décor that’s both fun and affordable.

Turn thrifted finds into a festive fall decoration! Follow these easy steps to create a DIY scarecrow that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for your porch this Halloween.