Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
people were provided workforce development and support services in 2024
people placed into competitive jobs in the community
average hourly wage ($) of people placed into jobs through Goodwill
Aug 15, 2022
Goodwill awarded EGLE Recycling Market Development Grant
PRESS RELEASE
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) was recently awarded a $500,000 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Market Development Grant in support of its new joint-venture, plastic recycling initiative with HydroBlox Technologies.
“We are so grateful to EGLE for their support of this exciting new enterprise,” Goodwill Business Development Director Nick Carlson said. “We have the opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of plastic going into our local landfills, while creating useful products, and providing good-paying jobs.”
Goodwill’s startup with HydroBlox Technologies, will manufacture “planks” made of 100% plastic to be used in stormwater management projects such as road construction, retaining walls, hydroponic farms, solar fields, green roofs, and other applications. Goodwill is currently in the process of purchasing an 80,000-square-foot building in Muskegon County with plans to produce and distribute HydroBlox products by late 2022.
“The work EGLE is doing to advance recycling through grants and its relationships with groups such as NextCycle Michigan, Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MISBF), and the Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC), is truly helping to change the landscape of recycling in Michigan. I am so proud of the collaborative effort and commitment to advancing recycling in our state,” Carlson said.
EGLE’s Recycling Market Development Grants are designed to create new markets or expand existing markets and create supply chains for recycled materials. They also aim to assist businesses that manufacture, market, and use recycled-content products.
For more information on HydroBlox Technologies, visit www.hydroblox.com
Success Story: Keeria
Working with her Goodwill Career Coach, Keeria was provided job-readiness coaching, interview preparation, résumé assistance, and job-placement support.
View our annual report
Our 2024 annual report recognizes a year of providing community support as well as achievements in our business, our culture, and in changing lives through the power of work.
View our annual report pdf.
Employee Spotlight: Amanda Klug
Amanda began her journey with us at the Ellis store as a part-time associate, and through her dedication, she has become cross-trained in nearly all aspects of retail store operations. Her love for her job and the positive energy she brings to the team are truly inspiring.
“I see the difference Goodwill is making in the community,” Amanda says. “There are so many stories of how Goodwill has impacted people’s lives 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.
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.
