There’s nothing quite like a cute terrarium to spice up your space. Why not elevate that spice with a creepy cute Halloween version of a terrarium to add to your fall décor. A quick run to Goodwill and a craft store, around 30 minutes maximum (it took us just 15 minutes!), and a little creativity is all it takes to decorate your home with a new addition! You’ll be surprised by how quick and easy this project is vs how cute it turns out. Here's what you’ll need:
Here’s what you’ll want to do:
There are so many different ways to create a spooky terrarium! Feel free to personalize and adjust yours to match your tastes. These terrariums look great in your home and are so easy to make. Show us your creations by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram @goodwillnewmexico
17 Comments
Step 1: Paint Spread the fan out as much as possible. Paint white over every inch of the fan, including the handle. Use two coats of paint so the fan is a solid white color. Step 2: Placement Before you start gluing the feathers to the fan, you should layout the feathers so you have an idea of what the outcome will be. Step 3: Gluing
Carefully remove the feathers that you placed in step 2 and start gluing each feather down. You should glue down the quill of the feather first and some of the vane so that the feather is completely glued to the fan. After you’ve glued each feather down, cut off any quill that may be sticking out. (Tip: To make the fan look extra lavish, let some of the vane of the feather sit above the paper of the fan). Once you’re satisfied with how the fan turned out. Get ready to promenade with your fan to find yourself potential suitors. Candle holders are staples in most homes, whether used or for decoration. The perfect Halloween candle holder may not be in a store; it could be waiting to be created by you. A thrifted candle holder will have a second chance at life and be one of a kind after these DIY instructions. Materials: - Thrifted candle holder - Black paint and paintbrush - Branch of black peonies - Plastic spiders - Skull - Hot Glue and glue gun When we walked through Goodwill's houseware aisles, there was quite a selection of candle holders. There were tea light candle holders, candelabras, lanterns, taper candle holders, candle wall sconces, and pillar candle holders. We chose a pillar candle holder because the circumference is more expansive, allowing more room for attaching items. Pillar candles make great centerpieces and can generate the perfect atmosphere for any room. Step 1: Thrift for a Candle Holder When shopping for a candle holder, you want to find one that is sturdy and can complement your other spooky décor. Step 2: Cleaning and Painting After finding the ideal holder, you'll start by cleaning it. Depending on the material, you can use warm water, soap, or a Clorox wipe. Once it's clean and dry, begin applying paint all over. Depending on your décor, we went with matte black paint. Two coats of paint will give it a solid finish. Step 3: Gluing and Attaching Spooky Elements
The candle holder's best complimentary Halloween elements were a skull, black peonies, and a couple of spiders. If you're unsure where to place them, you can test the placement and see what looks best. Once everything's dry and in place – you're done! Top it with your favorite candle and let the ominous aura pour out. If you've been wanting a Halloween candle holder and the retail stores don't have the one you're looking for - go to Goodwill, your Halloween Headquarters! When you shop at Goodwill, you're contributing to our mission to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook to show us your creation @goodwillnewmexico. Slides were designed to be light and comfortable. A cute pair of slides will complete any lazy day outfit. We searched for a cute pair of spooky slides everywhere (Amazon, Shein, and Hot Topic). Since we couldn’t buy some, we decided to make them. Materials: - Thrifted slides - Black and white paint - Angled paintbrush - Round paint brush Step 1: Imagine your Design We wanted a simple spider web on one shoe and “Spooky” written on the other with ghosts replacing the O’s. Anything is possible with practice! Before we started painting on the slides, we drew the image first, painting on cardboard and then on the slides. Step 2: Paint
Take your angled brush and dab some paint on it. Before you start painting, brush off any excess from the brush to keep your brush strokes thin. We dabbed paint on the slides because it wasn’t a smooth texture. Since we wanted spider webs, we dabbed radial lines across the strap of the slide. In doing so, we could dab the viscid thread to connect the radial lines and form an intricate spider web. As you continue to paint, take your time and paint your ideas! Step 3: Mistakes are Fixable! When painting our ghosts on the right side, we had to paint over our mistakes with black paint to have the ghosts we wanted. If you make a mistake, wait for the paint to dry and use the paint color that matches your slide to paint over it. We used a round paintbrush to dab black paint to cover my mistakes. Once you’re satisfied with your design, take those spooky kicks for a spin! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @GoodwillNewMexico By Lorie Morrero
We are fast approaching back-to-school time and now is a great time to share how to get ahead of the game with a quick project to ease your way into the shopping season. Soon, back-to-school ads will be promoted everywhere, including your nearest Goodwill, with great deals on clothing and supplies. But the only way to take full advantage of these savings is to know what you need in the first place! You can save the most time, money, and hassle if you know what you already have that works, what each child needs for the current season and what each child needs for the next season. So let’s help you get a step ahead by getting your kids’ clothing organized for some savvy shopping. TEN STEPS TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHING ORGANIZATION Typically, you want to get as much of this project done as possible without the kids and involve them for a targeted amount of time at the end. If kids are older or if they are interested in the process, they may benefit from being involved so that they can learn from what you’re doing. You’ll need the following supplies to get started:
Let’s dive in: 1. Get the laundry done as much as possible to give you a full view of what you have. As you fold the laundry, note the sizes of the kids’ underwear, shirts and pants. Also make a note of anything that needs to be replaced. 2. Tell the kids you’re going to ask them later to try on a few clothes to see if they fit. Many children cooperate better if they have been given advance notice to transition into activities. 3. Start with the folded clothing in their dresser drawers, such as socks, underwear, shorts and sweaters. Check each item for size and wear-and-tear, neaten it up and organize it as needed. Make note along the way of anything you need to purchase. 4. If you’re not sure whether something fits, start a try-on pile for each child for later. 5. Anything that has been outgrown can be placed in a paper sack to donate to Goodwill. Mark the bag with the permanent marker with the word “donate.” You can also label and use the bags to sort other items like toys that need putting away in other rooms. 6. If you have younger family members who may want outgrown items as hand-me-downs, put these items in storage bins and label the full boxes by gender, range of sizes and season. 7. Next, move to the closet and tackle the hanging clothing. Keep noting what needs replacing and areas that are coming up short. Consider everything in terms of “good school clothes” and count how many shirts, pants and dresses will currently work. 8. Once you’ve gone through all of each child’s clothing, take whatever’s left in the try-on pile and grab the kids for a try-on session. Some kids may be more cooperative if you let them try-on while they watch a favorite show as a treat, and some may think it’s a big fun fashion show! Do have fun with it and work with your child’s preferences to make it painless for everyone. 9. Write down everything you notice that is needed and the correct sizes for everyone. Don’t forget underwear, socks, belts, ties, hair accessories, jackets, sweaters, school uniforms, “party clothes,” athletic shoes, casual shoes and dress shoes. 10. Take your bags of donations to your nearest Goodwill donation center. You can find the closest one using our locator. You’ll be helping fund programs and services in your own community that help people get good jobs while helping the planet too! Now you’re ready! Your kids’ clothes are organized, and you have a list of exactly what you need to get from the big sales in a few weeks. And don’t forget the bargains you can get every day shopping at Goodwill, where gently used kids’ clothing can be the perfect way to save even more. Happy summer and welcome back students! By Julia Marchand The return to the back-to-school season is upon us! As far as shopping for the necessary supplies and styles, it’s time to get serious! Don’t let yourself get dragged into stores with long lines and high prices. Come to Goodwill® instead! You’ll be able to cross every item off of your shopping list (from dorm-worthy dishes to kindergarten kicks) all in one place while at the same time bringing opportunities to individuals in your neighborhood. How? Your back-to-school purchases help fund training services and programs that help people get good jobs and find meaningful employment. That’s something to feel great about this back-to-school and every shopping season. With that, let’s dive into to some of our favorite back-to-school Goodwill finds. Image via 4hatsandfrugal.com Shopping with little ones can seem so impossible at times, but bringing them along for the ride is also the only way you can be really sure about the fit of your finds for them. So what do you do when the countdown to the first day of school is in single digits and you still don’t have what you need? You read these super helpful tips for thrifting for your back-to-school needs from Amiyrah of the blog Four Hats & Frugal! She’s got some bold tricks up her sleeve that will help you survive the season, kids in tow. My favorite is to give each kiddo their own cash to shop with. This will help them learn to budget and take charge of their own style. What better way to warm up their brains for school-thinking after months of summer fun? Even the littlest kids (like Alannah, pictured above) can help with this! The most surprising tip on her list: Don’t go thrifting on sale days. Find out why by reading the full post. Image via instagram.com/raereid19 High-school shopping brings its own unique set of problems. Teens will probably want to pour their whole back-to-school budget into fashion pieces. But don’t let them skip the organizational elements that will streamline life between classes. I’m talking about little hanging baskets, pint-sized mirrors, and other tiny items to keep their locker tidy and useful. Everything in this photo reposted on Instagram by Goodwill Industries of Northern New England (Portland, ME) would be super helpful lining the inside of a locker door! While rushing through the hall, your student would be able to quickly swing in to swap out books, grab a new pencil, hair elastic, or calculator without having to dig around for them all. Then, with a quick peek in their hanging mirror, they’re off to their next class before the bell rings. Scope out your local Goodwill for little baskets, bins, and locker accessories like this then grab some strong magnetic hooks to keep them in place. Don’t forget a mini-white board for homework reminders (…or, notes from their pals). Image via wachabuy.com Once college rolls around, the priorities and shopping needs for students change once again. And yet, Goodwill can still help. Backpacks may start to feel a little childish, so a cute, but functional, alternative might be the little satchel-type backpack for fitting in a laptop alongside your college text books. InStyle magazine suggests going for a chic tote instead and there’s a perfect one over on the Fashion Inspiration pinboard put together by Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc (Lincoln). The width and depth of this tote means it will be able to hold books for several classes at a time so you don’t have to run back to your dorm to swap anything out. Sturdy leather will help the bag hold up well over time even when it’s constantly being weighed down. And that camel color matches just about anything! Make sure you scroll through the board for more cool collegiate looks that are perfect for fall.
Does that cover everything on your shopping list? If not, I dare you to check Goodwill for your needs before heading elsewhere. Since Goodwill stores are constantly being stocked with more community donations, you never know what you’ll find! IT stands for Information Technology; it’s the use of computers, storage, networking, and other physical devices to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data. Goodwill’s new IT program is called the Google Certificate Program. This program offers full scholarships for two Google professional certificate courses: IT Support and Data Analytics. These courses provide job seekers with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to successfully find and maintain employment in today’s competitive IT job market. This program is perfect for anyone looking to get started but not knowing where to start! You don’t need degrees, computers, or prior IT or Data Analytics experience to apply! The perfect candidate for this program is interested in a career in IT and focused on making a positive change in their life. Someone willing to put in the time and effort into obtaining the certificate. IT experience or a degree isn’t needed, just the drive to complete the certification and become an IT professional. A Goodwill Career Specialist will work with the participant throughout the process to help prepare and find a job in IT. There are numerous job opportunities in New Mexico after completing this program and obtaining the certificate. Companies like UNM, the State of New Mexico, Honeywell, etc. Danny O’Hara, the IT Manager at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, states that “the IT field covers a lot of different areas from administration, design, analysts, software programmers, computers scientists, computer support specialists to network and database administrators. In its’ simplest form, IT support is about offering assistance and helping other individuals and organizations by providing users with answers to problems they may be experiencing.” “More now than ever, there is a demand for IT professionals. Technology is always evolving and with new technology comes new jobs. In the last year, I’ve seen the demand for IT jobs in New Mexico triple from basic entry-level support to the highest levels”, says Danny O’Hara.
Mr. O’Hara tells us that he loves his job because it provides the need for purpose in life, it’s challenging, and fits well with his personality. He loves the fast-paced and ever-changing environment. He always looks forward to going into the office. “I’m good at it, and when you find something that you’re good at and enjoy doing, then you should do it.”, states Danny. The new program is headed up by Daniel McConnell, Service Director at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico. Mr. McConnell explains, “In New Mexico in 2021, the median income for a Computer Network Support Specialist was $60,530, the entry-level is $42,640, and can go upwards of $76,700 or more with experience.” He believes people should be interested in a career in IT because there simply aren’t enough IT professionals to fill the growing demand. And career opportunities can be found in multiple sectors, from healthcare to agriculture. So, if you are interested in IT as a career path, take the next step and enroll today! You could be well on your way to a great new job very soon! Enroll here: https://www.goodwillnm.org/google-certificate-program.html
![]() Dad’s love can’t be compared, but it can be uniquely celebrated! And we know a secret for finding a unique gift to show Dad how much he means to you. Here’s a little inspiration for thrifting the ideal gift for Father’s Day! Video games, books, and albums The sky is the limit in this creative category! Goodwill always has vintage video game systems like Sega Genesis or Sony Playstation! If your Dad is more of a bookworm, get him a hardcover book on his favorite subject! Goodwill has thousands of books literally to choose from, and most are in excellent condition! Or, if he is a music fan, shop through the vintage albums. Find out what his first concert was and look for that artist! So nostalgic, and he’ll always remember your gift fondly! Sporting goods Goodwill has more sporting goods than you can shake a tennis racket at! This includes everything from golf clubs to rollerblades and, best of all, collectible items! If Dad has a favorite team, the chances are that Goodwill has collectible memorabilia! If you want to shop online, you’ll find sports trading cards, framed pictures, jackets, jerseys, and even watches on shopgoodwill.com/Albuquerque. Tools So you say your Dad is a tinkerer? Well, take your pick of all sorts of tools. There is always a special section at each Goodwill dedicated to tools. Take some time and poke through those items. You might even find something that turns Dad on to a new hobby! Menswear If Dad is a diva and regularly adds ties, shirts, or jackets to his wardrobe, check out Goodwill. Our stores carry a selection of menswear that is in mint condition. You can even find your Dad’s favorite designer brands! Vintage tees Take Dad back to his younger years with a great vintage tee. People like to collect vintage tees because of nostalgia. “While vintage tees are a street-style and celeb staple and can illicit a shocking price tag, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) overpay for a vintage tee! Goodwill is stocked full of unique vintage tees for as little as $3.99 if you’re willing to do a little digging. ”, says Goldwilldigger.com. These are popular, so you may have to hunt, but that’s half the fun! Right?! SSVF stands for Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Our program serves low-income veteran families who are either in danger of experiencing homelessness or already experiencing homelessness. The program reaches veterans and their immediate family members living on the streets and prevents evictions.
Goodwill’s SSVF Program offers what is called Rapid Rehousing (RRH). The National Alliance to End Homelessness defines rapid re-housing as “short-term rental assistance and services. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and stay housed. It is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of a criminal record, or sobriety), and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the needs of the person.” Goodwill’s SSVF program also provides case management, housing search, temporary financial assistance for rent, legal services, and the Shallow Subsidy service. The service offers a subsidy of 50% rent for up to 24 months for eligible veterans. A shallow subsidy offers more modest rental support over a longer period than traditional Rapid Rehousing. Veterans in need can contact Goodwill’s SSVF program via phone, on www.Goodwillit.org, or by walk-in. SSVF office locations: ALBUQUERQUE AREA Bernalillo, Sandoval, Socorro, Torrance, Valencia 5000 San Mateo Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 881-6401 ext.1850 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm CLOVIS AREA Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt, Union 2005 N. Prince St. Clovis, NM 88101 (575) 762-2631 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm FARMINGTON AREA Rio Arriba, San Juan 1861 N. Hutton Rd. Farmington, NM 87402 (505) 326-6116 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm GALLUP AREA Catron, Cibola, McKinley 1820 E. Hwy 66 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-6066 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm ROSWELL AREA Chavez, Eddy, Lea 2601 N. Main St. Roswell, NM 88201 (575) 622-6337 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm SANTA FE AREA Colfax, Los Alamos, Mora, Santa Fe, San Miguel, Sandoval, Taos 3060 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 216-3307 Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm
Have you wanted to work on a film set? Don't know where to start? Goodwill offers a FREE Production Assistant Training Program that thoroughly prepares you for film and TV industry jobs. Taking the class will increase your chances of getting a job on a New Mexico production. In this success story, we interviewed one graduate; here's Shannon U's story.
Shannon took the Goodwill Production Assistant Training class in June of 2021. The training class was appealing to her because, like many people, she couldn't invest the time or money to take a course that lasted an entire semester. She enjoyed that the class was a thorough crash course. Shannon learned the essentials, such as walkie-talkie use, reading the call sheet, and lockups. She was immediately offered multiple jobs and chose to work on Outer Range, an American science fiction mystery-thriller filmed in Santa Fe. Shannon explained that the work comes and goes. You might work for two months and then have a three-week break before resuming "day playing" on new projects. She recommends that new PAs be extremely flexible, reliable, and display a good attitude. Typically, PAs who are excited to learn and grow are the ones that get picked. ![]() Goodwill is offering a FREE Production Assistant Training Program. After attending this training program, the chances of success increase for finding a job in New Mexican film production. One graduate, Roman R., agreed to share his recent experience with the program. Roman attended the November class in 2021. He liked the training because his class learned from three Assistant Directors (AD) who shared their unique experiences and provided an abundance of information. He said the most significant help was practicing walkie-talkies and learning set etiquette. Before the class began, Roman prepared by researching what a PA does, basic film terms, and what skills constitute a good PA. He also believes that showing an active interest in the job search process is beneficial. Roman had his first PA job within a week of the training as an additional PA or what the industry calls a "day player." "The training definitely prepared me for the work. PAs are a crucial extension of the AD department for communication and efficiency on set. We are extra eyes, ears, and hands." says Roman. When asked for tips to share, Roman suggests familiarizing yourself with the environments and crew. Roman comments. "it is best to introduce yourself to the Assistant Directors and make sure you know your primary role for the day. You need to know where the Crew Parking, Base Camp, and Set are in relation to each other. The most typical job for a new PA is lockup. Lockup means keeping everything that shouldn't be heard or seen out of the shot.” Another recommendation for those interested in pursuing PA jobs is to focus on communication skills and be as helpful and knowledgeable as possible while always minding your assigned tasks. A Production Assistant, also known as a PA, is a film crew member. The job title is used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production. Production Assistant positions allow people to work in the film industry without seeking formal education. Usually, a crash course is all that's needed to get started. And PA jobs are plentiful because film production companies always need qualified people. There are many types of Production Assistants, such as Office, Set, Key, Cast, Crowd, Walkie Talkie/Set, Location, Accounting, and Daily PAs. Many of these positions will be available only on large productions, as smaller productions with low budgets usually have a team of floor runners rather than designated PAs.
A typical day for a Set PA starts with arriving half an hour to two hours earlier than the main crew. It's necessary to be flexible because some days can start at 5:00 am while others may begin at 1:00 pm. After arriving, a common first task would be ordering food for the crew and then setting up equipment. During the shift, a PA will be able to watch people rehearse and shoot scenes. Their job is to ensure everyone on set is quiet and isn't in the shots. The day is filled with shooting, and PAs may be expected to travel to different locations while shooting scenes. At the end of a long day, PAs make sure everyone gets off set safely and has all their paperwork. Typically, Production Assistants will be the last people off the set. Some tips if you're looking to become a Production Assistant:
![]() Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate our support for environmental protection. In the spring of 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day to force the issue of environmental affairs onto the national agenda. Earth Day has inspired people worldwide to take the initiative and help the environment. Some examples include: in 2012, 100,000 people in China rode their bikes to work, and in 2011, planted 29 million trees in Afghanistan. Goodwill's mission to help New Mexicans access skills training, job development, and social services goes hand in hand with our efforts to live sustainably. Since the early 1900s, Goodwill has been recycling and reselling donated items. Our sustainability objective is to reduce, reuse, and recycle – our methods keep tens of millions of pounds out of New Mexico's landfills each year. Here are some ways you can live sustainably with Goodwill. 1. Donate your gently used or unused items to Goodwill We accept clothing, shoes, furniture, houseware, electronics (working and non-working), books, jewelry, vehicle (working and non-working), etc. We work hard to recycle and re-purpose everything. We'll try to extract as much as we can from recycling the various parts of any item that can't be sold in our stores for the items we can't resell. Recycling also helps us to generate revenue for our free programs and services. 2. Shop second hand The fashion industry makes up 10% of humanity's carbon emissions, dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams. To lessen the harmful effects of the fashion industry, you could visit your nearest Goodwill and purchase new to you items. Annually, Goodwill diverts around 6.8 million pounds of textiles from the local landfill. 3. Dispose of waste properly The general rule of thumb is to recycle plastic, paper, cardboard, and aluminum. To help the recycling process, make sure your items don't have food or liquid residue. Lastly, don't use plastics bags to contain your recyclables because that contributes to the waste. 4. Unplug electronic devices that aren't being used The United States Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save anywhere between $100 and $200 each year by unplugging devices that are not in use. This will also reduce carbon emissions because most of our energy comes from fossil fuels. In honor of Earth Day, live sustainably with Goodwill, and we can positively impact our community and the world. ![]() Goodwill's mission is to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans. We generate revenue to fund our mission by selling gently used items. This funding allows us to offer many services to help our community. Our free services and programs include Gateway to Work Employer Services, GoodJobs, GoodSkills, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, Production Assistant Training, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Veteran Family Services, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. In 2021, we successfully supported 118 Veteran families, 279 homeless Veterans, 680 Veteran families, and more. One of those successes is Abel. Abel has extreme anxiety, which has made it increasingly difficult to find employment. Additionally, Abel has minimal customer service and cashier skills. He was looking for an opportunity to enhance his skills and abilities while overcoming his disability and decided to enroll in Goodwill's Senior Community Service Employment Program. Abel was eager for a chance to get back into the workforce but was extremely nervous about where he would train, and he did not want to be in a place with numerous co-workers or customers. Abel was placed at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in the receiving area. This allowed him to train in an area away from the busyness of the store and customers. Over six months, Abel has found ways to break out of his anxiety and progress with his training. Abel has been a remarkable trainee and is showing significant improvement. He is becoming confident in his ability to communicate with staff and customers. He is more relaxed and happier. Abel is now assisting customers with their many home improvement needs and shows promise of being able to complete his training and re-enter the workforce soon. (stock image used to protect privacy) ![]() It’s clear: You’re interested in helping others and like to spend your extra time making life better for others. This is undoubtedly true for your desire to help service members, veterans, and their families -- they provide a service to the U.S., and they deserve a helping hand when they need it. In this blog, Goodwill Industries of New Mexico takes a look at how a community can help veterans, service members, and their families the most. 1. Provide transportation to vets in your area. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) organizes a volunteer transportation network (VTN), which allows volunteers from the community to provide rides (either in government-owned vehicles or your own) to veterans who need to get to medical and mental health treatment appointments. You simply need to apply using the form on the VTN website. 2. Help a veteran purchase a home. According to an Urban Institute report, nearly 78 percent of veterans own homes, but there is always someone who could use your help with buying a home and navigating the steps of acquiring a loan. The VA offers several kinds of loans for veterans, with the main benefits being that veterans aren’t required to have a down payment ready at the time of purchase, interest rates remain competitive with market prices, and you don’t have to worry about acquiring private mortgage insurance. Help a veteran by checking to see if they qualify for a VA loan and helping them apply for it if so. 3. Get a veteran enrolled in education. As of 2016, 18.6 percent of veterans had a bachelor’s degree, and only 8.9 percent had obtained a master’s degree. One way you can help a veteran is to assist them in connecting with a master’s program like criminal justice or psychology -- or even business! -- so they can advance their career after their time in the service has ended. Attending online classes makes it easy to work full-time and earn a degree at the same time! 4. Spend time with a veteran. Sometimes, all folks need is a companion and someone they can talk to. Spending time with someone who has served in the military can not only be good for them; it can be a great thing for you as well. Some veterans are socially isolated when they leave the service, and having a human companion to talk to and share stories with can be a valuable thing indeed for these folks. 5. Take your dog to visit a vet. While you’re spending time with a veteran or stopping by the VA to do some volunteer work, why not take your pet? Getting your dog registered with the American Kennel Club as a therapy animal could be a great way for you to assist vets and help bring affection and joy to their lives. Mayo Clinic notes that animal therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue -- plus it’s wonderful to see the smile on others’ faces when they see your pet. Go forth and do goodFollowing your chosen path and helping folks in need, especially service members and their families, is a good way to honor veterans and their families to bring more love and generosity to the world around you. 6. Donate unwanted items to a local nonprofit. At Goodwill, for instance, roughly .89 cents of every dollar we spend is used to fund our free programs and services. The services include critical support services for veteran families, homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness. It's easy to imagine the cycle as one bag of donations providing one hour of free services to a veteran in need. Check out the following local resources for veterans and their families in Albuquerque: Veterans Services Organizations
Veteran Housing
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico serves New Mexicans in search of employment or skills training and those in need of specialized social services. Reach out today for more info! 1.866.376.0182 (Toll Free) Author: Kelli Brewer Deploycare.org ![]() One of the advantages of military service is that there are many resources offered by the government and other entities to help you thrive after you have completed your service. If you are a veteran who is interested in starting a business in New Mexico, there are a variety of programs to help you to achieve success, such as these five. 1. New Mexico Veterans Business Advocates This community organization helps veterans and their businesses. Resources include networking opportunities, special programs with partner organizations, and assistance securing contracts with government entities. This is an excellent example of how veteran networks can help to empower people to thrive in the business world. There are a lot of opportunities for veterans who want to start businesses. However, even learning about programs can be difficult if you have no one to guide you. 2. New Mexico Veterans’ Business Outreach Center The Veterans’ Business Outreach Center is a program intended to help New Mexican veterans access business training, counseling, and referrals. The services offered by the VBOC can help with the full entrepreneurial journey from guidance during conception to mentorship during operation. You can get guidance on complex topics such as forming a limited liability company. This can be a useful business entity for taxation and liability. However, the rules vary by state. Seeking New Mexico-specific help from a formation service means you can avoid pricey attorney costs. 3. VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization At the federal level, there are many programs aimed at getting veteran-owned businesses involved in various contracts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. The purpose of this office is to get small businesses and those owned by traditionally disadvantaged groups involved with the VA. This includes helping veteran-owned businesses involved. 4. SBA Office of Veteran Business Development Similarly, the Small Business Administration offers many resources and programs to help businesses get started. Within the agency, the Office of Veteran Business Development focuses on providing resources for veterans. The office can help veterans access various resources, especially those offered by the federal government. Plus, it is an ombudsman for veteran entrepreneurs. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established small business owner, this is a valuable resource to take advantage of. The SBA is particularly known for offering loans to small businesses, with special loan options available to veterans. 5. SCORE and Other Mentorship Programs Finally, veterans should consider getting involved with programs such as SCORE. Mentorship can be valuable for entrepreneurs, especially those who are starting a business for the first time. This can be a great way to expand your network, learn about running a better business, and bounce ideas off someone with more experience. There tend to be a lot of other organizations in most communities that want to help veterans. For example, Goodwill New Mexico helps veterans find employment, including with veteran-owned businesses. Simply networking with local leaders can be a great way to discover new opportunities in your area. Take the First Steps Toward Your Business Success Today Running a business can be a rewarding experience. Take advantage of the programs and resources intended for veterans like you. They exist to empower those who have served the country in the military. Author: Kelli Brewer Deploycare.org ![]() If your an unemployed New Mexican, every job search can start with a call to Goodwill. Our Career Specialists are standing-by and ready to help you with each step of the job search process. Our services are free and the support is invaluable. You can start here https://www.goodwillnm.org/job-search-help.html then take time to read through the tips below. If you take these two easy steps, you'll be well on your way to success! 1. Gather and prepare all job search info needed/required
2 . Prepare a resume and a cover letter
3. Check your online personal profiles for professionalism
4. Take advantage of continuing education and training to broaden your skills
5. Set aside time for finding job announcements and applying for jobs
6. Only use trusted job search engines such as Indeed or Glassdoor
- Always ask for direct to hire or temp to hire roles 7. Spend more time applying for jobs and less time “looking”
8. Communicate professionally
9. Prepare for each interview
10. Interview Tips
Creating a holiday serving tray is fun, easy, and very inexpensive. To get started, stop at your local Goodwill to find a serving tray. For this project, any style will do except glass. What you’ll need: Holiday stencil (snowflakes, Christmas shapes, etc.) Spray paint (blue, red, gold, or silver are all excellent choices) Paintbrushes (the most inexpensive acrylic brushes work well) Acrylic paint (white is a good choice) Metallic paint pens (Gold and silver are popular) Then follow along with our video below to create a dazzling DIY serving tray! Happy Serving! ![]() Nothing says Thanksgiving like a table full of– Sharpies. No? Well, maybe I can convince you that it’s worth setting one out for each of your guests with the same care you place your grandmother’s finest silver. When I was 19 I found a beautiful old turquoise formica table at a yard sale for $15. I dined at that table with a laundry list of college roommates, various boyfriends, dear friends, family members, strangers, co-workers, hungry pets, and eventually my own little growing family. It was a glorious table that witnessed 16 years of birthdays, holidays, special days and everydays. But during it’s ninth and final trip in a moving truck, it bent so badly to one side that I had to consider that all the memories I had invested in it may not follow me forever. Which is why I especially love this woman’s super-easy DIY idea to keep the memories of all our dinner guests past and present alive each year at the holidays, or at any gathering. I only wish I’d known about it years ago and made one sooner! ![]() Simply visit your local Goodwill or dig through your own linen closet and find a table cloth, runner, or even a plain white flat sheet. Put it on your table for Thanksgiving and Invite each dinner guest to write what they’re thankful for, sign their name, write a message, trace their handprint, or draw a little doodle to remember them by. Then each year you can bring it out again and again to add more and more, like a blank canvas for holiday memories that you can hold onto forever and cherish alongside guests past and present. You can leave it at that and reuse it each year, maybe cover it with plastic to keep it clean and safe — OR you can take it a step further and embroider over their doodle for a more lasting mark that you won’t have to worry about fading with wash and time ![]() Don’t know how to embroider? It’s simple. Here’s a few quick tips to get up to speed. And if you’re lucky enough, I’ve occasionally found embroidery floss and other crafting supplies for sale at Goodwill, too! Need help with thrifting the rest of the table setting? Mary Elizabeth has a few tips for you. The best part about these memories are that you can take them anywhere and relive them anytime you want. It’s a treasure that can be enjoyed and added to over and over again. And by creating one of these heirloom pieces with linens from Goodwill, you’re helping to prevent one more piece of textile from needlessly entering the waste stream and helping other families in your community. A thrifted canvas for your family’s memories will help to connect people to support services through Goodwill’s programs, including childcare, financial education, transportation, and youth services that help people reach financial independence. And we all know, that’s truly something to be thankful for. |
Archives
September 2023
|