What Does Goodwill Do?
Goodwill: Building Job Opportunities, Stronger Families and Vibrant Communities
2010 Achievers of the Year
Archives of Goodwill Works Newsletters
Fall 2009.pdf
Spring 2009.pdf
Fall 2008.pdf
Spring 2008.pdf
Spring 2007.pdf
Fall 2006.pdf
Spring 2006.pdf
Fall 2005.pdf
Spring 2005.pdf
Fall 2004.pdf
Spring 2004.pdf
Fall 2003.pdf
Spring 2003.pdf
Goodwill receives international recognition
03/09/09
MUSKEGON — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) is one of four Goodwill organizations internationally to receive the 2009 "Goodwill is Good for Families," Family Strengthening Award, sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Goodwill Industries International (GII). The honor includes a $20,000 gift that will be used to further support GIWM's family strengthening efforts.
"Family strengthening" is not a single program or a one-time service — it is a philosophy that is embraced by the entire organization and based on the belief that the family must thrive in order for the individual to succeed at work.
"At Goodwill, we know that problems at work often stem from problems at home, as people struggle to balance their employment and family obligations," said President and CEO Richard Carlson. "Our goal is to ensure that families have the supports they need so that our clients and employees can be successful in the workplace."
As part of GII's long-range strategic plan, "The 21st Century Initiative" launched in 2002, Goodwill recognized the need to increase their holistic, whole-family approach of service and delivery in order to help people achieve success in the workplace. Providing solutions to obstacles such as transportation, health care, financial education, and childcare are a few examples of enabling security and stability at home. This initiative launched Goodwill's cultural shift to "family strengthening."
The "Goodwill is Good for Families" Award recognizes Goodwill organizations that are exemplary at implementing family strengthening practices in their workforce development programs, as well as throughout the culture of the organization. While always service-driven, GIWM officially adopted family-strengthening-specific procedures in 2004, and after formal training from GII, expanded on these principles in 2006.
"The award goes beyond our staff and programs," said Workforce Development Director Thomas Griffin. "Our network of community partners and resources for referral services also plays an important part in our ability to take a holistic, whole-family approach."
GIWM will be formally recognized at GII's Spring Learning Event in Washington, DC in April, as well as its Delegate Assembly in Indianapolis in June. In addition, GIWM will provide both formal and informal opportunities to share its family strengthening strategies and practices with other Goodwills from across the country.
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc. is an autonomous Goodwill member organization serving Muskegon, Newaygo, Lake, Oceana, Mason, Manistee counties, as well as portions of Kent, Ottawa, Osceola, Mecosta, Montcalm, and Allegan counties. www.goodwillwm.org
Goodwill Industries International is North America's leading nonprofit provider of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Goodwill‘s global presence extends to five continents, with 169 full member organizations in the United States and Canada, and 15 additional Goodwill-affiliated organizations in 13 other countries. www.goodwill.org
CONTACT: Liz Witzler, Marketing Director (231) 722-7871 x223