Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
total people served in 2022
people placed into jobs within area businesses
program participants who worked and earned paychecks at Goodwill
May 18, 2023
Success Story
Franklin
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.
Success Story: Kaylyn
Kaylyn’s career coach, saw something special about her from the beginning. “Kaylyn has a strong desire to succeed. She's hungry, and once she finds her thing, she'll be a world changer,” Joe said.
“Goodwill placed me in a work experience that was focused on assembly which not only helped me learn to work as a member of a team, but also show me the importance each person on that team,” said Kaylyn.
Employee Spotlight: Jaime Hughes
Jaime brings enthusiasm and an eagerness for learning to her work as accounts payable specialist at our corporate headquarters. Employed at Goodwill for 3 years, Jaime began her career with Goodwill working in our electronics recycling department before transitioning to her current role.
Jaime loves it at Goodwill. “I like the people here. They are very human. I’ve never worked at a place like this before – it’s so great.”
Business Development Director named Innovator of the Year
The annual award recognizes and celebrates the most innovative ideas of the lakeshore area. Nick Carlson championed and coordinated Goodwill’s unique joint-venture partnership with HydroBlox Technologies, a plastics recycling company that manufactures products that aid in stormwater drainage infrastructure.
HydroBlox Technologies and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan announce plastic recycling partnership
“In keeping with Goodwill’s focus on sustainability and the triple-bottom line, we are excited to launch a new business line that diverts landfill-bound plastic, while also providing good-paying jobs,” GIWM President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer said.
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.
