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
Feb 20, 2023
Employee Spotlight: Pat Ferrier
Retail Production Manager
Years of service: 39
It is with great pleasure to introduce to you this month’s Employee Spotlight Feature: Pat Ferrier. Pat began his career at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan in 1984 as a store manager, and was promoted to district manager, before assuming his current role as retail production manager; serving a total of 39 years and counting! One of the many things to be admired about Pat is his ability to lead from his heart. His father, Francis Ferrier was his role model because, “he took care of people.” It’s where his strong passion for helping others stems from. Pat has coached football, baseball, and softball respectively, in four different school districts and youth leagues over the past 40 years. While coaching football at Montague High School, he founded and created the school’s junior high football program as well. Although Pat began his career path studying political science and pre-law, he ultimately felt his calling was to work at Goodwill.
“I don’t think people really realize the work Goodwill is doing in the community,” he said. “Find out what is most important to you in life, then find work that enables you to have that life.”
“E + R = O,” he explained. “Event, plus response, equals outcome. How you choose to respond to the events that happen in your life will determine the overall outcome.” This is a philosophy he shares with the teams he coaches, as well as the employees he mentors at Goodwill.
When Pat isn’t busy leading his teams and counseling youth at his church, he can be found traveling the country camping, hiking, climbing mountains, and visiting wineries. An avid wine connoisseur, he holds a wine club membership at Black Star Farms. Pat is the father of six children — four biological and two by marriage — as well as ten grandchildren, with an 11th on the way. Thank you, Pat, for your decades of service to the mission of Goodwill. You have made a profound impact on those around you and we’re so grateful for you.
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of Goodwill's service to the community.
Ticket includes one complimentary beer or wine drink ticket, hors d'oeuvres, plated dinner with dessert and live jazz music provided by Tymeless Clock.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week is back!
Taking place this year on March 16–22, this annual observance is the perfect opportunity to declutter, get organized, and make a difference in your community. As the weather warms up, it's time to refresh your home by clearing out unwanted clothing and household items
Success Story: Christopher
One of Christopher’s biggest challenges was securing employment with his criminal background and adjusting to life outside of MDOC. From the start, Christopher was proactive, stepping out of his comfort zone to find both employment and housing. Read Christopher’s full story.
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.