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
Through a collaboration of generous community donors, Goodwill recently received a 12-passenger van that will assist with work-related transportation needs.
Through a collaboration of generous community donors, Goodwill recently received a 12-passenger van that will assist with work-related transportation needs.
“We are so grateful to Bryan Betten and Chris Baker of Betten Baker Auto, Max McKee and The Mart Dock, and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous,” said Goodwill CEO and President Jeanette Hoyer. “We appreciate their faith in our mission of helping people in our community overcome barriers to employment.”
“The van will mainly be used for transporting participants enrolled in one of our programs designed to help people previously involved with the justice system,” said Goodwill Program Manager Dina Butler.
Goodwill operates a number of local, state, and federal programs specifically designed to help formerly incarcerated persons secure employment and successfully transition back to the community. Programs include: Offender Success (OS), Goodwill LifeLaunch: Ignite Reentry program, and Empowering Ex-Offenders in Transition (EXIT), as well as a partnership with the Muskegon County jail’s community work program Pay-it-Back.
“Transportation is often a final barrier to employment,” Butler said. “This van will allow us to close that initial transportation gap if needed, but each participant will have a plan that includes a path to self-sufficient transportation like buying a car or getting their license back. The van will also allow us to help participants explore employment opportunities in other locations such as Holland and Grand Haven.”
Photo caption: Pictured (L to R): Betten Baker Auto Sales Consultant Colby Beckstrom, Owners Bryan Betten and Chris Baker, and Goodwill staff Greg Borgman, Dina Butler, and Shannon Judson.
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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.
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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.