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
Franklin had been retired for two years but began falling behind on bills after his wife lost her job and then in June 2022 he lost his post-retirement job due to health problems. He visited Goodwill’s Career Center for employment assistance.
Franklin was eager to return to work after recovering from his second hernia surgery. He had been retired for two years but began falling behind on bills after his wife lost her job and then in June 2022 he lost his post-retirement job due to health problems.
“My wife heard about GoodTemps and people getting permanently hired into Mobex,” Franklin said. Franklin desperately needed a job but didn’t have a resume. He visited Goodwill’s Career Center for employment assistance and with the support of Career Coach LaTonya Burks, he was able to create his resume.
Ready to reenter the workforce, he enrolled in GoodTemps staffing services. LaTonya referred him to GoodTemps Staffing Specialist Tiffiny Forrester for job placement. GoodTemps placed Franklin in a job at Mobex as a Finisher. “I felt confident placing Franklin,” Tiffiny said.
“Franklin has an extensive work history in the manufacturing industry. He is a provider for his family and was seriously ready to return to the workforce,” LaTonya said.
In April 2023, Franklin was permanently hired in at Mobex.
When asked how his life has changed because of his work with Goodwill, Franklin responded, “My life has changed drastically. Goodwill is a company that cares about people’s success.” Franklin said. “Thank you for your expertise by putting me in a job that was suitable for me.”
His advice for other people seeking employment is “Be serious when looking for work. I would advise people to come to Goodwill 100%!”
GoodTemps
GoodTemps is a temporary staffing agency offering displaced workers, ex-offenders, and others, assistance in entering or re-entering the job market. Using its extensive network of local employers, GoodTemps places individuals in a wide variety of occupations and skill levels. Temporary assignments are often the “foot in the door” that lead to permanent placements. There are no start-up or placement agency service fees for workers. Workers receive weekly paychecks while gaining valuable work experience and contacts.
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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.
