May 9, 2013
To celebrate national Goodwill Industries Week, Goodwill hosted its annual Achievers of the Year event on May 8, 2013. Goodwill recognized four program participants that achieved outstanding success in 2012, with a luncheon, video presentation, and awards ceremony. In addition to honoring these four individuals, Goodwill recognized the employers who hired these individuals and the case managers who also contributed to their success.
Achievers of the Year: Shannon Knapp, Alfred Monroe III, Dalton Grabe, and Debbie Stallworth.
Employer Partners of the Year: Peterson Farms, Century Foundry, Hazekamp Meats, and Medallion Instrumentation Systems.
To view the annual report, click here.
To view video presentation, click here.
To view video of event, click here.
To view photos of the event, click here.
Apr 30, 2013
Goodwill Industries Week is May 5-11! As a special THANK YOU to our loyal shoppers and donors, we will be offering prizes and giveaways all week long.
-Shop any time during the week and receive 50% off ALL GREEN AND YELLOW tags!
-Donate any time during the week and earn a 50% off coupon.
-Check out of Facebook page all week for your chance to win a $20 Goodwill gift card!
-Learn Goodwill's mission statement for your chance to instantly win $50.
Apr 19, 2013
Whitehall and Montague middle schools are competing head-to-head in the Cross-River Recycling Challenge, a dueling Goodwill donation drive during Earth Week (April 22-26).
The school that collects the MOST donations at the conclusion of the week wins an environmental school project of their choice.
Donate at:
- Whitehall Middle School - 401 South Elizabeth Street
- NBC (Montague) Middle School - 4700 Stanton Boulevard
- During School Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Evening Hours: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday only)
Apr 1, 2013
GoodProspects is a project of Goodwill Industries International, Inc., originally funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and Training Adminsitration. GoodProspects is a community of career explorers who are learning, sharing ideas, accessing resources, and getting online assistance from virtual career mentors.
Dec 28, 2012
Goodwill has once again partnered with Volunteer Muskegon, Community enCompass, and other nonprofits to provide a wide selection of dates and locations for the free service. This year Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services is offering three types of services:
- Full-Service Assistance
- Self-Service with Personal Assistance
- File Online From Home
Starting January 14, 2013 appointments may be scheduled by calling 2-1-1 or toll free 877-211-5253. Referral phone service 2-1-1 can confirm eligibility, schedule appointments, and provide referral information.
For more information about VITA Services, click here.
Dec 20, 2012
Donna began working with the Prisoner Reentry program after a five-year term of incarceration with the Michigan Department of Corrections. Although Donna had a significant work history prior to her internment, she faced the difficulty of obtaining employment with a criminal background. To learn how to begin to overcome this barrier, she completed three weeks of employment-readiness training specifically designed for individuals with a felony record.
Dec 12, 2012
Success Story: Lena
Last year, United Way of the Lakeshore approached Goodwill to collaborate on a project called the Financial Stability Navigation and Intervention Program. The program set up a fund earmarked for job supports to assist individuals in securing and/or retaining employment called the “Barrier Resolution Fund.” The program also allowed for funding to be used toward education. Additionally, financial management supports were offered through the program, skills such as creating a budget, access to credit score and reports, as well as making sure individuals have claimed all of their tax credits they are entitled to.
Lena Elliot is a single parent with three young children. When Lena first sought out assistance from the Barrier Resolution Fund, she was working part time at a photography studio. She needed assistance with car insurance to get back and forth to work. Lena knew the importance of being financially stable but was living crisis-to-crisis based on the small amount of income she received.
Oct 30, 2012
Success Story: David
David has been a part of Goodwill Industries since 1979. Mildly intellectually impaired, he has worked in various departments throughout the years: industrial services, groundskeeping, textile baling, etc. After his wife Susie (who also worked at Goodwill) died in 2005, he developed a problem with alcohol and depression, and was evicted from his apartment.
David lived with friends on a temporary basis, but eventually he had nowhere to go. Goodwill staff learned that David was living underneath a bridge, with not much more than the clothes on his back and his bicycle. David’s belongings were in storage. He was continually behind on his storage rental payment and each payday would make enough payment so that he would not lose his belongings.
Aug 31, 2012
Success Story: Jeremy
Jeremy came to the Goodwill Michigan Works! (Norton Site) Workforce Development Center seeking services. A high school graduate, he had eight years work experience as a construction laborer, but wanted something more. His life-long dream was a career in social work where he could help people. He was especially interested in assisting families in crisis situations.
Jeremy’s Goodwill case manager helped him enroll in the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program to help fund his education and advancement. In January 2010, he began attending Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to pursue his degree. Dedicated to his studies, he maintained a 3.3 or higher GPA and had perfect attendance.
Aug 27, 2012
Zeeland Store celebrates one year
This month marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of our Goodwill Zeeland Store. To celebrate, and thank the community, the store is holding a 20% off (everything) sale August 25-31.
All week, Zeeland shoppers will be able to enter a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Goodwill gift card. The winner will be drawn at noon on Friday, August 31. Stop by and check out the store!
Aug 1, 2012
Success Story: Bill
Bill was referred to Goodwill’s Work Activity Program in 1993 by Community Mental Health. Bill was initially placed in the Industrial Services Center where he quickly demonstrated the ability and willingness to be a valued member of the team, achieving one of the highest production rates.
His work experience at Goodwill includes placement on several off-site industrial enclaves, including work at local manufacturers such as E-Coaters and Fastenal.
Jul 1, 2012
Success Story: Ron
Ron enrolled in Goodwill’s Prisoner Reentry (PR) program after his release from the Michigan Department of Corrections in February 2012. He had a solid work history in the construction field, but due to the current lack of jobs in this line of work, he was encouraged to explore other employment options.
As part of the PR program, Ron completed a four-week employment readiness class where he composed a resume, learned effective job search skills, practiced interview skills, and learned to become comfortable talking about his background with an employer.
May 17, 2012
To celebrate national Goodwill Industries Week, Goodwill hosted its annual Achievers of the Year event on May 9, 2012. Goodwill recognized four program participants that achieved outstanding success in 2011, with a luncheon, video presentation, and awards ceremony. In addition to honoring these four individuals, Goodwill recognized the employers who hired these individuals and the case managers who also contributed to their success.
Apr 30, 2012
Success Story: Camonte
In June 2011, 18-year-old Camonte Redmond came to Goodwill out of desperation. Due to a family crisis, he dropped out of high school to get a job to help support them. He applied for work through GoodTemps, Goodwill’s temporary staffing agency.
In September, he was placed at ADAC Automotive and they were very pleased with his strong work ethic and willingness to work overtime, but was told he would have to obtain his GED to be considered for permanent hire. To obtain this goal, Camonte enrolled in classes at M-TEC Adult Education and signed up to take the GED exam. Athough he failed the test on the first try, he dedicated himself to his studies and six weeks later passed the test. ADAC awarded him a permanent placement the following week.
Apr 4, 2012
Success Story: Leodis
Leodis was referred to Goodwill by his supports coordinator at Community Mental Health (CMH) of Muskegon County last June. Leodis needed employment but was unable to obtain work in the community. Following a traumatic divorce, Leodis was receiving mental health services, medication, anger management therapy, and other supports from CMH.
Leodis also has diabetes and high blood pressure that requires monitoring throughout the day, and medication administered as needed. CMH referred him to Goodwill knowing it would be the ideal work setting to keep his health in check.
Mar 14, 2012
Success Story: Kelly
While serving time at West Shoreline Correctional facility, Kelly Keller admitted he did not have much hope of finding work once he was paroled. This was his third incarceration. As the days grew nearer to his release, he doubted this time would be any different from his two previous attempts to stay out of prison. Despite his uncertainty, Kelly attended the in-reach employment workshops offered by Goodwill’s Prisoner Reentry (PR) program at West Shoreline. During the employment workshops, Kelly learned tools to help overcome the barriers that a felony imposed to finding work. He completed the WorkKeys assessment, created a resume, and learned effective job interviewing skills. Upon completion of the in-reach classes, Kelly’s confidence grew knowing he had support to assist him in being successful upon his release.
Feb 10, 2012
Success Story: Eric
Displaced worker, single father of three, reinvents himself
Eric first came to Goodwill Industries Workforce Development Center (WDC) in 2009 after he was laid off from his position as a die cast mold machine operator at Diversified Machining, Inc. Recognizing the decline in manufacturing jobs, Eric took advantage of the federally-funded “No Worker Left Behind,” free tuition program and went on to earn an Associates in Applied Science degree in computer network technology from Muskegon Community College (MCC).
Feb 3, 2012
Renovation sale at Whitehall store
The Whitehall store is getting a makeover! New floors, new paint, new lighting, new tile in the bathrooms ... and more!
In preparation for a brief store closing in early February, the store is offering a 50% off sale January 22 - February 2 on everything in the store!
Please note: our donation drive-thru will stay open throughout the renovation period in early February.
Oct 3, 2011
Goodwill opens new Zeeland store
Goodwill celebrated the opening of its 15th location on Friday, August 26 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Zeeland Chamber of Commerce. Located in the Bridgewater Square Shopping Center at 9479 Riley Street, the 7,662-square-foot store is providing jobs for 15 new employees.
May 4, 2011
Goodwill hosts first annual event
To celebrate national Goodwill Industries Week, Goodwill hosted its first annual Achievers of the Year event on May 4. Goodwill recognized four program participants that achieved outstanding success in 2010, with a luncheon, video presentation, and awards ceremony. In addition to honoring these four individuals, Goodwill recognized the employers who hired these individuals and the case managers who also contributed to their success.
Mar 20, 2011
Goodwill Partners with West Michigan Symphony
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is proud to partner with the West Michigan Symphony on its week-long Sustainability activities and multi-media concert event.
Feb 18, 2011
Goodwill's newest store now open in Cedar Springs
Goodwill opened the doors to its newest store and donation center in Cedar Springs on Friday, February 18. Located directly across from the Meijer store on 17 Mile Road near US-131, the site was selected for shopper and donor convenience.
Feb 17, 2010
GoodGuides™ Youth Mentoring Program Launched
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new mentoring program in West Michigan designed to assist youth in overcoming disadvantages and avoiding delinquency. The effort is part of a national mentoring program known as Goodwill GoodGuides that helps teens finish school and transition into productive careers through the guidance of trusted adults.
GoodGuides is made possible through a two-year, $299,723 grant to Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. The donation is part of a $19.1 million award to Goodwill Industries International from the U.S. Department of Justice and dispersed to 56 independent Goodwill agencies around the country.
Feb 10, 2010
Join Us at Goodwill Night with Muskegon Lumberjacks!
The Lumberjacks are once again hosting a special “Goodwill Night” on February 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to help generate community donations used to support our mission services. Held during the game against the Flint General at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, volunteers will be stationed at both entrances to collect gently used clothing and other saleable household items.
Jan 30, 2010
Free Tax Return Preparation Now Available
You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund and free tax return filing! EITC provides tax breaks to working people who earn low or moderate incomes, providing as much as $5,657 in refunds for some families. This can be the financial boost families need in these tough economic times.
Dec 29, 2009
Shopgoodwill Sells Highest Priced Item to Date
Our very own local branch of Shopgoodwill.com just sold its highest priced item to date — a very old looking Bernardel violin with case for $5,001.
“Despite its somewhat dilapidated condition, the violin generated a lot of bidding activity and was ultimately sold and shipped to its new owner in Washington state,” said Shopgoodwill team member Jamey Keena.
Oct 7, 2009
Goodwill Hires New Community Services Manager
Lori Blamer joined the Goodwill family serving as Community Services Manager for our Workforce Development Division. Blamer will oversee daily operations at the Goodwill Industries Workforce Development Center – Michigan Works! Service Center at 950 West Norton Avenue in Muskegon
“Lori has a strong and diverse skill set for this very demanding leadership role,” said Goodwill Workforce Development Director Thomas Griffin.
Aug 1, 2009
ISO 9001:2008 Certification Received
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) is pleased to announce that it has received ISO 9001:2008 certification for its Industrial Services Division.
GIWM is one of only 18 Goodwill Industries organizations internationally that have achieved an ISO certification.
Jul 20, 2009
GoodTemps Hires New Manager J.D. Wallace
GoodTemps, Inc., a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, recently hired J. D. Wallace as the staffing agency's new manager. Wallace stepped down from a successful 30-year management career at The Muskegon Chronicle to accept the position.??
"We feel extremely fortunate to have a person of Jay's demonstrated track record in leadership and organizational development on our team," said Goodwill President and CEO Richard Carlson. "His commitment to quality and growth, combined with his knowledge of the West Michigan business community will greatly help us take GoodTemps to the next level."
Jun 29, 2009
Goodwill Accepts Family Strengthening Award in Indianapolis
West Michigan was one of just 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. “Family Strengthening” is a whole-family approach of service delivery, recognizing the correlation between success in the home and success in the workplace. The honor includes a $20,000 gift that will be used to further support Goodwill’s family strengthening efforts.