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
Jun 21, 2022
Free tax service program returns nearly $3 million to community
PRESS RELEASE
MUSKEGON – Goodwill’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Services of West Michigan program processed a total of 1,750 free income tax returns for eligible low- to moderate-income individuals and families this past tax season, resulting in nearly $3 million to the West Michigan community.
Powered by only 20 dedicated, trained, and IRS-certified volunteers, the program served residents in Muskegon and Newaygo counties at six convenient community locations.
“We are truly grateful for our amazing volunteers who make this program possible every year, and for our generous funding partners and community collaborators for their support,” Tax Program Coordinator Amanda Kitchka said. “Volunteers were down again this year to due to the COVID pandemic but despite the challenges we did not turn anyone away.”
“We thank our volunteers, who generously donated their time to help people maximize their tax returns,” said Goodwill Career Center Manager Carl Lewis. “It’s gratifying work for our volunteers. For many struggling families, these returns have a big impact on their lives.”
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan thanks its VITA support partners and host sites: Muskegon Community College, Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Heights Library, Egleston Branch Library, TrueNorth Community Services, CALL 211, and My Free Taxes.
Funding partners that helped support Goodwill’s VITA program this year included the Internal Revenue Service, United Way of the Lakeshore, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, and the Fremont Area Community Foundation.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is currently seeking volunteer tax preparers for next season.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, or volunteering in one of the various volunteer positions associated with VITA, please contact Goodwill Tax Program Coordinator Amanda Kitchka at (231) 722-7871 x1050 or sign up online at www.vitawestmichigan.org
Employee Spotlight: Manika Banks
As receptionist, Manika is the first person people see when they walk in the door. Her caring demeanor helps clients and participants feel at ease.
Manika expresses, “I love the people I meet every day working at Goodwill. I enjoy having the opportunity to directly impact lives and change the outcome of someone’s day for the better.”
Achievers of the Year
At the Achievers Awards we celebrate community members who overcame adversity through the power of work, and the employers who supported them.
Success Story: Billy
Billy walked through the doors seeking work specifically in the janitorial field. Billy’s biggest obstacle to employment was lack of work experience but he was determined and eager to begin receiving a regular paycheck.
“He steps up to help teammates when they are struggling and is always seeking ways to improve efficiency,” says Goodwill Janitorial Manager Amy Cumings.
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.
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.
Goodwill is Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
