As the Thanksgiving festivities wrap up and we transition into the bustling holiday season, Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday sales dominate the headlines. However, approaching Giving Tuesday on December 3rd presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on our blessings and give back to the community. Houston Life's Melanie Camp visited the Goodwill Houston store in City Center to show how your donations can transform lives in 2025.

After a series of bad choices landed her in prison for wire fraud, Houston woman Darla Beede thought she had no future. She credits the job training programs at Goodwill Houston for helping her get back on her feet, finding her purpose, and helping to inspire others along the way.

Goodwill Houston’s mission is to change lives through the power of work by helping educate, train, and hire individuals with barriers to employment to help them thrive in the workforce.

Goodwill Houston is dedicated to serving veterans right here at home, as part of their mission to help change lives through the power of work.

Goodwill Houston Golf Classic is a way to help Houstonians with job barriers to employment, and Derrick Shore got a chance to see how it changes lives.

It's a success story about second chances. How Goodwill Houston positively transformed a local woman's life after prison.

Next month Goodwill Houston is hosting its annual gala. Here's how you can get tickets.

Goodwill maybe a great place to shop but did you know they also offer a number of free courses that help break down the barriers to employment. Houston Life's Melanie Camp has more on Goodwill Houston's EmployAbility program.

Houston Life’s Derrick Shore hit the links to learn more about how this annual event supports Goodwill Houston's mission.

Goodwill Houston is helping break down the barriers of employment by offering free job education and placement programs to the community.

Goodwill Houston is changing its discount program, eliminating its Wednesday ID discounts program that offered discounts to senior citizens, first responders, military and teachers and shifting to another model for discounts that the company told KPRC 2 will benefit more store customers.

Help Goodwill Houston raise funds to support their mission of changing lives through the power of work.

Did you know... whether you’re shopping or dropping off donations at Goodwill Houston, you’re helping to give many Houstonians a second chance?

Did you know whether you’re shopping or dropping off donations at Goodwill Houston, you’re helping to give many Houstonians a second chance?

Prairie View A & M University was a big winner toward the end of 2020 when it was awarded 50 million dollars by the Mackenzie Scott Foundation. Happy days for Houston Area nonprofits50 million dollars-Prairie View A & M University18 million dollars-YMCA of Greater Houston15 million dollars-Goodwill Industries Houston7 million dollars-Easter Seals of Greater Houston? Meals on Wheels Montgomery CountyYMCA of Greater HoustonAfter an aggressive pivot on priorities because of the pandemic, the YMCA of Greater Houston now has a much needed cushion for programs. Steve Lufburrow is the President and CEO and recounts his thoughts when told of his 15 million dollar award. More Information:Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., President, Prairie View A & M University· Website: https://www.pvamu.edu/· Twitter: @PVAMUStephen Ives, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.ymcahouston.org/· Twitter: @YMCAHoustonSteve Lufburrow, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries Houston· Website: https://www.goodwillhouston.org· Twitter: @goodwillhoustonElise Hough, CEO Easter Seals of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.eastersealshouston.org/· Twitter: @eastersealshouSummer Day, President & CEO Meals on Wheels Montgomery County· Website: https://www.mowmc.org/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mealsonwheelsmc/?ref=hl

But what happens when veterans return to civilian life? Here are three things that can help a veteran acclimate to civilian life. Access to workIt can be a process for a veteran to get acclimated back to civilian life. If you know someone who is struggling to find work, share this: They have access to free programs that are specifically structured for them. The Goodwill Houston’s Veterans Employment and Training Services program provides free resume preparation, job training and interview skills.

Goodwill Houston helps local veterans find jobs | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: November 12, 2020, 12:46 pmVeterans sometimes face challenges when returning home after military service. At Goodwill, they believe finding a good job shouldn't be one of them. U.S. Army veteran Jasmine Carey was joined by Goodwill Houston’s VP of Fund Development and Community Relations Barbie Parker to share Carey’s story.

Wednesday, those who are searching for a job will get a chance to e-meet with employers from the area. Goodwill Houston will hold its monthly virtual job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it will includes employers from Houston Independent School District, Effex Management Solutions and Goodwill Houston. Goodwill Houston will also host its second Virtual Health Fair on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Barbie Parker, vice president of Fund Development & Community Relations with Goodwill Houston, explained their new procedures in place. For more information about Goodwill Houston, call 713-692-6221, or visit the website.

Goodwill Houston on new safety procedures for shopping and donating | HOUSTON LIFE| KPRC 2Published: August 12, 2020, 1:59 pmWhether you wish to visit them to drop off donations or to shop, it’s important that you know Goodwill Houston has been taking precautions to keep stores and donation centers safe after COVID.19 Barbie Parker, Vice President of Fund Development & Community Relations with Goodwill Houston, explained their new procedures in place.

HOUSTON – Most people are finding ways to keep busy while stuck at home. Goodwill Houston said it has temporarily closed all stores, donation centers, job connection center and corporate offices due to not being an essential business. “Our top priority during the COVID-19 outbreak remains the health and safety of our community and team members,” said Steve Lufburrow, President & CEO of Goodwill Houston. “We are grateful for all donations, but please hang on to them until after the outbreak is over,” Lufburrow said. Goodwill Houston said it is still providing workforce development services through its online platform.

5 affordable Rodeo outfits you can get at Goodwill Houston | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: March 3, 2020, 3:24 pmRodeo is in full swing, and if you've ever shopped for western wear, you know it can get expensive really quickly. But don't worry -- Barbie Parker, Vice President of Fund Development & Community Relations with Goodwill Houston, shares 5 looks to help us dress for rodeo for less.