Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
people were provided workforce development and support services in 2023
people placed into competitive jobs in the community
average hourly wage ($) of people placed into jobs through Goodwill
Happy New Year! Whew. We all made it to 2021.
In celebration, you will all be receiving a Goodwill Industries of West Michigan mask sometime in the next week or two, because although we have entered a new year, we still need to be vigilant in our fight against COVID-19. We managed to get through most of December with no new cases, and then in the last week spiked with four positive cases and a bunch of people out because they had close contact with someone who was COVID-19 positive.
COVID-19 has killed more than 350,000 Americans, including my uncle and my father-in-law. I think about all of you and those you have lost – no one is alone in that. We are living through one of the greatest catastrophes in American history, and for as crushing as it is, I am so proud of the way we have responded at Goodwill. NO ONE has contracted the virus at work. Wearing masks over nose and mouth, washing and sanitizing hands, and maintaining 12 feet of distance all matter and it shows in how healthy we have been. Keep it up! While we can see an end in sight because of the availability of a vaccine, it will be many months before we can let down our guard.
The winter months are predicted to be some of the most challenging because we will likely struggle to maintain safety precautions as more people are vaccinated. In addition, we now need to contend with a new strain of the virus that seems to be even more contagious. Given those realities and the mitigating factor of my confidence in our commitment to safety precautions, we are targeting a return-to-work date for all employees who are currently working from home for April 1, 2021. Details of the return-to-work plan will be outlined in the coming weeks for those impacted. We can start looking forward to being together in person again!
Take good care of yourselves!
Jeanette
← Return - Employee Updates
Success Story: Caleb
Caleb’s journey with Goodwill has been nothing short of inspiring. Caleb embarked on a path of skill building that illuminated his determination and kindness. Caleb’s dedication shone through every task.
“Caleb is an extremely hard worker, and he is ready to take on new responsibilities,” says his Career Coach, Meg Barry.
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.”
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.
Call 231-722-7871, ext. 8482 for more information.
