Tell Congress to Support Funding for Federal Workforce Programs

Urge Congress to Reject the $335 Million Rescission of WIA Funds

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On October 23, 2007, the Senate passed its version of the fiscal year 2008 Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations bill which includes important employment and job-training programs administered by the Department of Labor.

The House Appropriations Committee approved in July of the bill that proposes to rescind $335 million of so-called unexpended funds from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and direct those funds to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fortunately, the Senate version of the bill does not contain this removal of funds. The decision on whether or not the rescission stands will be determined when House and Senate versions of the bill are reconciled within a joint conference committee which is expected to take place this coming week.

Follow the link to e-mail your Senator or Congressman to urge them to support the Senate version of the Labor HHS Appropriations bill that restores WIA funding and rejects the House passed WIA rescission.

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Goodwill Fashion Blog Featured in The Washington Post!

Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Fashion Blog was the subject of a major story in the Washington Post on Monday, October 29th and was recently ranked as the second best fashion blog in the country by customizedgirl.com. The goal of the fashion blog is to help consumers better understand the quality of the contemporary and vintage merchandise that can be found at Goodwill Retail Stores, while also educating them on Goodwill’s mission.

To see the entire Washington Post article, please click here.

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REMINDER!!! Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Number Has Changed to 33248!

If you participate in the Combined Federal Campaign, please note that CFC numbers for many non-profit agencies are changing this year. Goodwill of Greater Washington’s is one of them. Our new CFC number is 33248. Please remember to support Goodwill through the Combined Federal Campaign. Every dollar you donate helps us provide someone with the training they need to secure employment and achieve independence. Again that CFC number is 33248.

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"A Little Girl with a Big Heart!" See how a child’s donations to Goodwill can make a difference in other’s lives.

If you’re not sure how your donations can help change a life, click here to see how a donation can change a life from the point of view of one little girl. Click here to view video.

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DC Goodwill Fashionista Collects Donations at DC United Game

Our very own fashion blogger, spent Saturday, October 20th outside RFK Stadium collecting donations of clothing and other items for Goodwill from generous DC United fans. Dozens of people donated items to Goodwill and DC United provided tremendous support for Goodwill by promoting Goodwill through their UNITED DRIVES donation program.

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CHARITABLE IRA PROVISION EXTENDED!

The House Ways and Means Committee has proposed additional new legislation (H.R. 3996 and H.R. 3970) which would extend the existing charitable IRA provision for one year. There is additional legislation in the Senate which would extend or expand the tax-free distributions from IRAs for charitable purposes. At this point, it is unclear how differences between the various pieces of proposed legislation might be resolved.

One thing is clear though. The existing provision for 2007, which allows those over 70½ to make tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 directly from their traditional or Roth IRA directly to charity, will expire at the end of the year. Those wishing to help potential donors take advantage of this year's charitable IRA provisions should act now. Even if the provision is extended to future years, little time remains to remind donors of the amounts they must give before the end of the year or forever lose the opportunity to give those dollars on a tax-favored basis.

For additional information and materials click www.sharpenet.com/irarollover/.

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A GOODWILL MOMENT:

Joe Mitko, a supportive services consultant at Goodwill of Greater Washington recently received a call from a Goodwill graduate named “Dee” to let him know how things were going. She graduated from Goodwill last spring. Currently, she is earning a good living as a Program Specialist working with adults having mental health issues. Dee is a very bright and enthusiastic individual who worked very hard in our pre-apprenticeship construction program. She shared with Joe how she was able to land a second part time job working for a youth services organization for $10 an hour in a teenage group home. It seems that late one evening as she was riding home from work her car ran out of gas and a gentleman stopped on the read to assist her. The gentleman was the Director of the youth services organization. After a conversation and witnessing her enthusiasm, he offered Dee the opportunity to apply for an open position working at the home. Dee attributes these opportunities as God opening doors for her and putting her faith to believing in His care for her and her family.

Dee credits Goodwill and our program with helping her to have a deeper understanding about herself and building her confidence and self esteem. Critical thinking, she told me, played an important role in opening another door to appreciate her talents and abilities. Now, she has two jobs, a new home for her family, and deeper relationships with her children that she is very devoted to.

Joe told her how proud he was of her patient efforts and energy working as a single parent to bring about new life with enthusiasm to her family. Dee is certainly appreciative for the opportunity Goodwill (and you!) gave to her. Thank you for making a difference in Dee’s life! Even small moments, can make a big difference!

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