Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
total people served in 2019
people placed into competitive employment
program participants who worked and earned paychecks at 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.”
Goodwill seeks Americorps worker
Goodwill Industries is currently recruiting an AmeriCorps member to help with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. AmeriCorps is a great opportunity for a college student to help others by serving to meet critical needs of our community while also gaining professional work experience and earning money. The position begins in January and runs through July. Applications go through the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).
For more information and to APPLY ONLINE visit:
October 28, 2020
Message from the president
New No Exceptions Mask Policy
The safety of our customers and employees is paramount. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, we have implemented a new “no exceptions” mask policy effective immediately at all of our locations.
We view this new directive as a positive measure, as it strengthens our efforts to provide a safe environment, and bolsters confidence — from both our customers and employees — that our stores are a safe place to shop and work.
For the people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, we apologize, and ask that you not shop in our stores until we are through this difficult time. We do offer an online shopping experience through www.shopgoodwill.com. We have increased our ecommerce staff to provide an expanded selection of items for sale on the site.
The no exceptions mask policy also extends to our Career Center and Employment and Training Center. Remote service options are available for persons with medical conditions who are unable to wear a mask.
On behalf of Goodwill, we thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we strive to protect the health and well-being of our customers, program participants, and employees.
Jeanette Hoyer
President and CEO
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.
View our annual report
Although 2019 seems like a distant memory and reflects a vastly different landscape from where we are now, we would be remiss not to recognize this important year of growth and achievements in our business, our culture, and in changing lives through the power of work.
View our annual report pdf.
Goodwill is Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Goodwill Career Center REOPENED
M-F: 10am – 3pm or by appointment. Call 722-7871 to check in before entry.
- Job search assistance
- Résumé development
- Career exploration
- GoodTemps application
- Resource assistance
Masks are required for entry.
271 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon
Message from the president
We need to talk about the protests that are happening in our country and the underlying issue of racism. I write this because it is my responsibility as president to promote the vision and values of our organization.
Goodwill Industries partners with local hospitals to collect and distribute protective gear for health care workers
Goodwill reopened seven of its donation drive-thrus to serve as designated donation drop-off sites for urgently needed personal protective equipment (PPE).
Success Story: Cedric
Life is all about choices. This is Cedric’s mantra. After his fourth incarceration, Cedric woke up one day and made a conscious choiceto change his life. In February of 2019 he began that change at Goodwill as a participant in the Pay It Back program.
Cedric held jobs prior to incarceration but was always lured back into life on the streets. “My life was full of ups and downs due to living the fast life,” he said.
As part of the program, Cedric was enrolled in Goodwill’s Work Experience Training in Goodwill’s Industrial Services Centerwhere he developed valuable work skills while earning a paycheck. Cedric learned various light industrial tasks such as packaging and assembly work contracted with area businesses.
Learn about Cedric’s full progression from program participant to full-time employment readiness trainer at Goodwill where he mentors others following the same journey.
Success Story: Hadley
Hadley’s parents were not sure if their autistic daughter could be successful in a “regular job.” After finishing high school, Hadley was referred to Goodwill’s Supported Employment program by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) to develop her employment readiness skills. Her Goodwill case manager was able to find Hadley a stocking position at the Shop-N-Save Food Center in Ludington. After some time and job coaching, she now works independently. “She is happy because it allows her to see many people in her community and they always tell her she’s doing a good job. I believe it makes her feel productive,” her mother said.
Visitor entrance for Career Center services and GoodTemps
To better serve the community, all visitors will park and enter through the Apple Avenue entrance of our headquarter facility.
Career Center services and GoodTemps temporary staffing services have moved to the front of the building and use the main entrance. The current rear entrance off Sophia will no longer be used.
