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
Feb 23, 2021
Success Story
Bill
Bill has been part of the Goodwill family off and on for 27 years. As a person with autism, Bill was originally referred to Goodwill from HealthWest for assistance with job skills training in Goodwill’s Industrial Services Center. Bill excelled at learning packaging and assembly work for area manufacturers. He also became highly skilled using the center’s textile cutting machine; swiftly creating rags out of unsaleable t-shirts which were then packaged and sold to the public. Additionally, Bill trained and worked in Goodwill’s Janitorial Services department fulfilling contracted floor care and cleaning services in the community. In all of his roles, Bill was quiet, cheerful, hardworking, and usually outperforming his coworkers.
Over the years Bill has been placed in several jobs in the community: a dishwasher in a busy restaurant, and as a custodian / fry cook at a fast food establishment. He did not enjoy the chaotic work environments, sometimes became frustrated, and had difficulty maintaining his positions.
Bill excels at the independent, repetitive, detail-oriented work the Industrial Service Center provides. When an opening for a Goodwill production worker became available last November Bill applied and got the job. With minimal job coaching, Bill shifted from Goodwill client to Goodwill employee.
Bill works on the more complex contract jobs such as assembling thermocouple wires for Howmet. The task requires precision, patience, and dexterity. He also enjoys filling grease bottles for Columbus McKinnon Corporation and labeling tubes for American Grease Company.
“Bill’s attention to detail is incredible. Once he learns a job, you can set him free and know that you will get high quality parts,” said Industrial Services Production Supervisor Amy Cumings.
Bill said with a smile he is “making the big bucks now” and recently splurged on a new TV. He’s happy to be back “home” at Goodwill in a job that is perfectly suited for his talents.
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.
Call 231-722-7871, ext. 8482 for more information.
