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
Goodwill was awarded a $100,000 Community Impact Grant and an additional $2,500 gift in support of its new plastic recycling initiative with HydroBlox Technologies.
PRESS RELEASE
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) was awarded a $100,000 Community Impact Grant from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, and an additional $2,500 gift from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s Environmental Endowment Fund, in support of its new plastic recycling initiative with HydroBlox Technologies.
“We sincerely thank the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for their generous support of this exciting opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of plastic going into our local landfills,” said President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer. “This investment reflects our community’s commitment to finding environmental solutions of recycle and reuse of plastic waste.”
Goodwill’s joint-venture with HydroBlox Technologies, will manufacture “planks” made of 100% recycled plastic to be used in stormwater management projects such as road construction, retaining walls, hydroponic farms, solar fields, green roofs, and other applications. Goodwill recently purchased, and is in the process of refurbishing, an 80,000-square-foot building in Muskegon to house operations. Goodwill expects to produce and distribute HydroBlox products by the spring of 2023.
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is a charitable foundation that connects people, supports programs, and leads change to help its community thrive. It helps improve and enhance the quality of life by promoting a healthy, inclusive, and diverse community.
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County was created in 1961 to improve the quality of life for Muskegon County residents. As a publicly-supported community endowment, the Foundation receives and manages contributions from thousands of community citizens and organizations who are committed to the future of Muskegon County.
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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.
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.
