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
Sep 13, 2019
Success Story
Joel
Joel wanted to work and be self-sufficient, but he had difficulty regulating his anger. “I was having too many angry behaviors,” Joel said of his struggle. He tried working in the past but would become uncommunicative or lash out when receiving feedback from supervisors or peers.
Joel knew he needed help and enrolled in Goodwill’s Work Readiness program at the Employment & Training Center in Holland. At Goodwill, Joel had both “soft skills” classroom training as well as paid skill-building training performing light industrial work contracted from local manufacturers.
Working with a supervisor and co-workers Joel learned a new way of communicating and how to be more responsible for his actions. His case manager coached him on how to manage his emotions. “Since coming to Goodwill, Joel has learned how to be more receptive to feedback from his peers and supervisors,” said Case Manager Matt Cashbaugh. “He learned healthy coping skills and is now able to work as part of a team.”
Joel continues to attend the Work Readiness program twice a week. Once apprehensive, Joel is now eager to work each day. Joel enjoys being around new people and learning new skills and is willing to try any new jobs that come his way without hesitation.
“The staff at the Employment & Training Center has really helped me do a good job while I am here,” Joel said. “Goodwill has helped put my life back on the right track and helped me be able to cope with my emotions and get along with new people.”
He is grateful for his work at Goodwill. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here,” he said. “It has really helped me change into a better person. I have had a great time working here and now want to work on finding a job in the community.”
Joel’s advice for anyone else who would like to follow his example: “Keep trying and you may need to work on some things like I did, but keep your head up and try to stay on the right path.”
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.
