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
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.
PRESS RELEASE
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan’s Business Development Director Nick Carlson was awarded the 2022 Lakeshore Innovator of the Year award, presented by Grand Valley Statue University’s Muskegon Innovation Hub. The award ceremony was held at the Hub, located at 200 Viridian Drive in Muskegon, on July 28.
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 Pennsylvania-based plastics recycling company that manufactures products that aid in stormwater drainage infrastructure. Manufactured “planks” or “noodles” consist of high-strength, exceptionally porous, 100% recycled plastic that filters and directs the flow of water. The products are used in road and trail projects, retaining walls, hydroponic farms, solar fields, green roofs, and other applications.
This exciting and innovative collaboration will allow Goodwill to divert more than 500,000 pounds of plastic waste from its donation stream while providing good-paying jobs and training opportunities. Goodwill is currently in the process of purchasing an 80,000-square-foot building in Muskegon County to produce and distribute HydroBlox products by late 2022.
“Consistent with Goodwill’s focus on sustainability and the triple-bottom line, recycling unwanted plastic into useful, environmentally friendly products will also reduce our landfill fees, provide good jobs, and generate revenue to support Goodwill employment and training programs,” Carlson said.
Four other finalists for the award included: Deondra Pentecost of Precise Writings, Marisela Sierra of Navarro’s Mexican Takeout, and sisters Amanda Barnes and Holly Ziemba of Muskegon Pub Pedal, Martin Bennett of Sawyers Brewing Company, and sisters Amanda Barnes and Holly Ziemba of Muskegon Pub Pedal.
For more information on HydroBlox Technologies, visit www.hydroblox.com
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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.
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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.
