“The youth look up to me. I’m young, but knowing they look up to me is kind of different, because at one point I was the person looking up to staff.” – Martrez, Seattle Goodwill Intern and Youth Program Participant 

Martrez graduated from Seattle’s Cleveland High School in 2019. Before he connected with Goodwill, Martrez compared himself to his peers who lacked interest in school and weren’t on the right track. After building relationships and receiving guidance from Goodwill’s Youth Year-Round Program Job Training & Education (JTE) staff, Martrez’s mindset shifted. 

“I believe this internship offers a lot of help for the lower-income students – not for the students who have the highest grades or have the most amount of money or already have a place in college,” Nika said. “Goodwill speaks for students who are struggling in an environment they don’t think they can get out of. It’s good to give an opportunity for others who need it, and Goodwill does that.” 

“The internship is a pretty good opportunity, especially if you are trying to see what work is like,” Rodney said. “You’re learning things, and you’ve got really supportive people there that want to help you grow and succeed in life.”

MaiQueen’s first summer with Seattle Goodwill has been an immersion in career exploration, professional development, community service, and so much more. A senior at Seattle’s Garfield High School, she stayed busy last summer developing job skills in Goodwill’s Youth Maritime Program.

"Because of this internship, I had a more productive summer. I turned it into a, ‘Let’s go to work and see what I can accomplish, regardless of the circumstances," Alieu says about his five-month work experience with Goodwill. 

Want to add some Halloween spirit to your favorite sweets? Goodwill has everything you need to turn your baked goods into spooky Halloween treats to enjoy!

"It feels like something that has come full circle. I always have to step back in a little bit of amazement to feel that I’m a part of something I was a supporter of for so long."

  – Joel Hoffman, Seattle Goodwill E-commerce Auction Lister

When Joel first walked into our Seattle store in the mid-nineties, he had no idea Goodwill would eventually play such a big role in his life.

Here is a great low-cost and eco-friendly DIY décor that will be sure to add that perfect touch to your home this season. We have a wide variety of fabrics, from clothes or linens, and baskets in our nonprofit thrift stores. Shop Goodwill and give this one a try!

Amid a worldwide pandemic and a senior year of high school without spring sports, prom or a graduation ceremony, Dominic had critical decisions to make about his future.

Dominic — a football, wrestling and track athlete with a deep passion for aerospace — was trying to select the college that fit him best. His parents were busy working from home, and his access to school mentors was limited. Dominic took comfort in knowing he could lean on Seattle Goodwill’s youth program leaders when he needed advice.

Add this creepy crawler craft to your home this month to get into the Halloween spirit.