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
Jan 28, 2021
Success Story
Taylor
Goodwill Programs: Work Readiness Program and Supported Employment
Taylor’s road to success has been steady and gradual, and her journey is ongoing. Originally referred to Goodwill from HealthWest back in 2015, she was then struggling with a lack of job skills and low motivation fueled by low self-esteem and depression.
Enrolled in Goodwill’s Work Readiness Program Taylor received paid skills training in packaging, sorting, and other light assembly work in Goodwill’s Industrial Services Center. During her time there, Taylor’s confidence and social skills slowly blossomed.
Later that year she was sponsored by Goodwill to participate in Muskegon Community College’s new Jayhawk Academy, a 13-week enrichment program for people with disabilities who are working towards creating and sustaining independent lives. After graduation she also received skills training working at a Goodwill retail store through Goodwill’s retail Customer Service program.
Most recently, Taylor was referred to Goodwill’s Supported Employment program in March of last year, through Michigan Rehabilitation Services, with the goal of securing community-based employment. Working with a Goodwill job coach, Taylor was placed at a Wendy’s restaurant in Muskegon and has since flourished working as part of their food prep crew. Her Goodwill job coach assisted her with mobility training, instructing her how to take the public transportation from her home to her job. The COVID pandemic closure played a role in the delay of her formal job placement but she was officially hired on June 19 and currently works five days a week.
Taylor’s next aspirations is to move out of her parent’s home and into an apartment / independent living setting with her sister.
Work Activity / Readiness Programs
These programs are designed to provide psychosocial / vocational rehabilitation for persons with developmental disabilities and mental impairments who need facility-based training and employment services, or who choose not to seek community-based employment. Participants may select from paid vocational training, basic skill building, community-based education, and volunteer opportunities. Participants are referred from HealthWest, MAISD, local school districts, and other referral sources.
Supported Employment
Targeted primarily toward people with developmental disabilities or mental impairment, this model of service provides one-on-one training and on-going support for a successful transition to community-based employment. The program combines community job development, job coaching, and long-term follow-up to maximize employment potential. Participants are referred through Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
Success Story: Kaylyn
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.
“Goodwill placed me in a work experience that was focused on assembly which not only helped me learn to work as a member of a team, but also show me the importance each person on that team,” said Kaylyn.
Employee Spotlight: Jaime Hughes
Jaime brings enthusiasm and an eagerness for learning to her work as accounts payable specialist at our corporate headquarters. Employed at Goodwill for 3 years, Jaime began her career with Goodwill working in our electronics recycling department before transitioning to her current role.
Jaime loves it at Goodwill. “I like the people here. They are very human. I’ve never worked at a place like this before – it’s so great.”
Business Development Director named Innovator of the Year
The annual award recognizes and celebrates the most innovative ideas of the lakeshore area. Nick Carlson championed and coordinated Goodwill’s unique joint-venture partnership with HydroBlox Technologies, a plastics recycling company that manufactures products that aid in stormwater drainage infrastructure.
HydroBlox Technologies and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan announce plastic recycling partnership
“In keeping with Goodwill’s focus on sustainability and the triple-bottom line, we are excited to launch a new business line that diverts landfill-bound plastic, while also providing good-paying jobs,” GIWM President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer said.
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.
