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
Lori is a gem here at Goodwill and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.
Senior Accounting Specialist,
Years of service: 11
Lori has been a Goodwill employee for nearly eleven years and we are extremely grateful to have her on the team. Lori is our Senior Accounting Specialist and originally started out with us as temporary staff through GoodTemps before applying for a position in our Finance Department. When talking about her early experience in her career Lori started laughing because at the time she had another job offer on the table but she turned it down because working for Goodwill is where she wanted to be. We are so glad to have her! Lori brings so much joy to the day-to-day tasks in Finance. Whether she’s entering payroll data, running reports, or assisting others, she always has a smile on her face. Lori’s positive attitude is contagious.
When we asked Lori who her role models were she couldn’t help but get a twinkle in her eyes and exclaimed, “My mom and dad!” Lori went on to say her father taught her to always work hard and to “do what you need to do and do it to the best of your ability.” Lori said her mother is an inspiration because despite being a teenage mother who endured a rough childhood she persevered and went on to earn her high school diploma while raising her children. When asked if she had any words of wisdom/advice to share she said, “You don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. You have to keep moving forward. Coming to Goodwill was very healing for me.”
When Lori isn’t at work, she spends her spare time with her family. She has eight grandchildren and is currently raising three of them. One grandson in her care was diagnosed with leukemia and though there have been some incredibly tough times throughout his treatment, he is doing really well. Lori is also a great-grandmother with two more great-grandchildren on the way! She says Goodwill has always been helpful to her through everything.
Lori’s guilty pleasure is hot cocoa (who can blame her?! – right?). When she shared with us that she prefers her homemade recipe we couldn’t help but ask her to share it with us. See below for recipe:
Ingredients: Warm milk, cocoa powder, sugar
Heat the milk on the stovetop or microwave
Add in 2 tsp. of cocoa powder
Add in 1 tsp. of sugar
Mix well and enjoy!
Thank you Lori for being such a valuable asset to our Finance Department. We are thankful for all you do!
← Return - Employee Spotlight
Success Story: Caleb
Caleb’s journey with Goodwill has been nothing short of inspiring. Caleb embarked on a path of skill building that illuminated his determination and kindness. Caleb’s dedication shone through every task.
“Caleb is an extremely hard worker, and he is ready to take on new responsibilities,” says his Career Coach, Meg Barry.
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.”
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.