Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
total people served in 2022
people placed into jobs within area businesses
program participants who worked and earned paychecks at Goodwill
Success Stories
Valerie came to Goodwill’s Career Center looking for help in securing a job. She needed to earn money to maintain her livelihood and avoid foreclosure on her home.
Sheyenne is now thriving at her job. In addition to having a Goodwill job coach, Sheyenne also receives assistance from her HealthWest supports coordinator for wraparound support to guarantee her success.
Less than six months after landing the job at SRS Fiberglass, Edward was promoted to supervisor. His employer describes him as being incredibly hardworking, and attributes his work ethic, and diligent efforts to learn and be successful to his promotion.
Kaylyn’s career coach, saw something special about her from the beginning. “Kaylyn has a strong desire to succeed. She's hungry, and once she finds her thing, she'll be a world changer,” Joe said.
Franklin had been retired for two years but began falling behind on bills after his wife lost her job and then in June 2022 he lost his post-retirement job due to health problems. He visited Goodwill’s Career Center for employment assistance.
Upon completion of the three-week program, LaDarrin applied for a temporary assignment at the Goodwill Outlet Center as a retail salvage worker and got the job. After a three-month trial, LaDarrin was permanently hired in.
Tasha is working to ensure her story is able to help others who share the same struggles in overcoming addiction.
Tom says his life has changed considerably for the good since starting Goodwill programming. Work gives him a sense of purpose.
Cherry had some community-based work experience, but needed more “soft skills” job training to retain employment.
Herbert hadn’t worked since 1992, when he broke his back on the job. Since then, he broke his back again and suffered multiple health challenges which prevented him from fully reaching his professional potential.
“Before I came to Goodwill, I hadn’t been on a good path and I hadn’t held a job. I got out of prison and didn’t have a plan.”
"I learned how to be a part of a team but I had to be willing. No one else but myself can make it work. If you’re not willing to put in the work, it will be hard for you. People can show you how to do it, but the choice to do it is yours.”
Kyren Kimball came to Goodwill seeking services in May of 2021. Within three months of completing the IGNITE program, Kyren was offered a full-time permanent position at Canteen, an on-demand retail and food service company.
Since the age of 16, Nina had worked in the fast food industry and she was ready for something different. After the birth of her second child, Nina enrolled in online college classes but found it challenging to juggle being a mother while attending classes and working.
After relocating to Michigan, Tomasyne needed to find work in her new community but was having difficulty securing a job on her own so she called the Career Center and made an appointment.
After spending 30 years in prison, Bruce returned to a town he didn’t recognize and faced the daunting task of starting a new life. Goodwill’s Offender Success (OS) program worked with Bruce to define and achieve the goals he set for himself.
Jordan received paid skill building opportunities performing light industrial work outsourced from local businesses.
Bill has been part of the Goodwill family off and on for 27 years. He’s happy to be back “home” at Goodwill in a job that is perfectly suited for his talents.
Taylor’s road to success has been steady and gradual, and her journey is ongoing.
Life is all about choices. This is Cedric’s mantra. After his fourth incarceration, Cedric woke up one day and made a conscious choice to change his life.
Hadley’s parents were not sure if their autistic daughter could be successful in a “regular job.”
Prior to coming to Goodwill, Amber had some community work experience, but her employment always ended abruptly.
Joel wanted to work and be self-sufficient, but he had difficulty regulating his anger. Joel knew he needed help.
As a single mom struggling to make ends meet, Angela came to Goodwill for help in securing a job in the community.
Before coming to Goodwill Ryan said his life was “a struggle and disorderly.” He had just been released from prison.
Charlie had to start his life completely over. “It was rough coming right out of prison,” he said. “I had nothing.”
Kawan faced a large challenge: re-entering the community after being incarcerated for 20 years. “I had no life,” Kawan said. “Everything had changed."
“My life is on track.” Michael attributes his success to support from Goodwill Industries and his employer, Industrial Metal Cleaning Corporation.
Previously shy and anxious around others, Raymond is now employed and thriving in his new job. Through perseverance and hard work Ray is getting high praise from his employer and coworkers.
Once quiet and unsure, Joe has developed into a confident and skilled worker, and is now a valued team member at Goodwill.
“Consistent,” “determined,” and “positive.” These are the words Goodwill staff used to describe Patricia; not easy attributes to have when faced with the amount of...
When Jeffery was released from prison, his mind was made up: he would live a simple, honest life. This would be a significant adjustment from his prior lifestyle.
Nico said he would recommend Goodwill to anyone working to overcome barriers. “Sometimes people need a little help,” Nico said.
Looking back now on Jon over the years and the barriers that held him back, they are no longer present.
Meagan has earned the respect of her coworkers on the janitorial crew and has become an integral part of the team.
Garry’s story demonstrates that no matter how challenging or long the journey, a person can change and be successful.
Hoyer receives international sustainability award
Goodwill President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer receives the prestigious Goodwill Industries International Sustainability Champion Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to advancing sustainable practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.
Employee Spotlight: Kathy Krajkiewicz
For Kathy, Goodwill isn’t just a workplace — it’s her second home. Through her employment at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Kathy has achieved the dream of homeownership. Kathy’s infectious laughter and smile illuminate every room she enters.
Kathy shares her wisdom: “Find a job and get something you like – like I have at Goodwill.”
Success Story: Valerie
Valerie came to Goodwill’s Career Center looking for help in securing a job. She needed to earn money to maintain her livelihood and avoid foreclosure on her home.
Valerie’s advice for others seeking work is to visit the Goodwill Career Center. “I always tell them to call Goodwill,” Valerie said. “I tell them how I was treated. Thank you, LaTonya, personally for helping me.”
Goodwill awarded Barrier Removal and Employment Success grant
Goodwill was recently awarded a $568,595 Barrier Removal and Employment Success (BRES) grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to provide vocational certificate training in HVAC, forklift, and customer service.
Give your time. Change a life.
Become a Goodwill VITA volunteer!
Goodwill VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers provide free tax assistance to low- to moderate-income workers and families eligible for significant state and federal tax credits.
Make a difference! Help working people claim and keep all the refunds they are entitled to.
No accounting experience required! Volunteers receive FREE IRS training and certification.
Flexible hours! You can volunteer for day, evening, and/or Saturday hours in any of our tax-prep sites.