As you spend a few minutes reading this annual report, you’ll see evidence of the impact we’ve made together. Through personal stories, you’ll hear how the Goodwill family helped people overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

“Breaking barriers” is our theme because it represents students’ progress and success. They overcame barriers such as limited English, lack of job history and adjusting to a new culture.

Anja left nearly everything behind when she moved from her home in Germany to the U.S. in June, 2010. Anja’s husband, who was in the United States Army and had lived in Germany while serving for more than 30 years, was being relocated to Bremerton.

Employers should only ask questions related to your ability to do the job they are hiring for. Here are some tips for handling questions that may help you answer honestly and safely.

Luis Rattia thought of Goodwill as a place to donate unwanted items, and an organization that helped poor people. He soon learned how much more Goodwill has to offer.

Fairly fluent in English, Luis had an advanced degree when he moved to Seattle in 2015 from Caracas, Venezuela. He was taking English conversation classes at the public library, trying to find work and build a network of friends. The staff at Casa Latina, a services resource for Latinos, referred Luis to Goodwill.

“Goodwill was really, really helpful for me. I went to job training classes and they helped me write a more American-style resume," Luis said.

A successful job search requires you to be perpared. This comprehensive check-list will help you make the most of your job search efforts.

Helen Petersen learned the value of work growing up on a farm near Mesa, Arizona. Today she supports Seattle Goodwill because the organization helps people get training and find jobs.

“Work is important. You might not get the job you want right away, but there are things out there you could be doing,” Helen said.

Whether you’re the wear-green-so-I-don’t-get-pinched type, or the wholehearted celebrant of all things Irish—or anywhere in between—St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun day to celebrate with those around you. You might celebrate with a pint at the local Irish pub, by running a marathon, by decking yourself in green, orange, and white and shamrocks galore, by putting together an epic playlist of Irish artists, or by sharing Irish cuisine with friends.

View our Spring 2016 Goodwill Ambassador

In 2014 - 2015 fiscal year, more people took steps forward through our new training programs and workshops. We added warehouse logistics and industrial vehicle classes to meet an increased demand for jobs in those areas. Another example is digital literacy, which is no longer just a Goodwill class. It is incorporated into our job training programs, job placement and support services assistance.