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
Aug 21, 2019
Success Story
Angela
Angela is a single mom who was referred to Goodwill by the West Michigan Works! office. Having left the workforce for seven years to raise her son, she was struggling to make ends meet. She was on state assistance but wanted to re-enter the workforce. The large time gap in Angela’s work history made it difficult for her to secure a job. Low self-confidence and lack of transportation were also obstacles.
Angela enrolled in GoodTemps temporary staffing and placed in Goodwill’s Industrial Services department performing light industrial and assembly work contracted from local manufacturers. The intent was to help Angela re-acclimate herself to the workforce, while also developing her work experience and filling out her résumé.
Initially, Angela was shy, but her Goodwill supervisor Kerry Bluhm recognized her potential immediately. “It didn’t take long for her to come out of her shell,” he said. “It was clear that she was passionate about the work she was doing.”
As time went on, Angela continued to showcase her dedication to the job she was doing. “She stood out because of her ability to take charge when needed,” Bluhm recalled. “And she prioritized her tasks in a logical manner.” Angela progressed quickly through quality training and even earned her forklift license while on the job. At the end of 90 days with GoodTemps, Angela was such an asset to Goodwill that she was hired in full time and promoted to material handler.
“Angela was hired initially just for assembly but she did such a terrific job and showed so much dedication that she was quickly promoted,” Industrial Services Manager Chad Kuipers said.
Angela enjoys working at Goodwill. “My job pushes me to be constantly learning,” she said. “The staff and my co-workers have been amazing. They even helped me arrange carpooling so I could get consistent rides.”
Angela owes her success to her own hard work, however, she is grateful for the support from Goodwill. “It feels like a family here,” she said. “I get to see others grow from their experiences. It’s a very valuable opportunity and I am thankful.”
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.
