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
Harold is an exceptional leader who shows kindness and compassion to his team and everyone we serve.
Maintenance Manager
Years of service: 10
JOIN US in celebrating Harold Brown as our Employee Spotlight Feature. As maintenance manager, Harold is a team-player, supportive, and held in high-esteem by his fellow employees. Employed at Goodwill for ten years, “Harold has this unwavering, cool and calm demeanor that even in the worst of situations he remains level headed focusing on the solution,” said Ryan Risley, operations director.
Harold is an exceptional leader who shows kindness and compassion to his team and everyone we serve. “Be kind to one another… get up, go to work, treat people with kindness, go home … repeat.”
Harold’s greatest role models are his parents Harold Brown Sr. and Darlene Brown who have been married for sixty-five years. Harold has always done handyman “stuff” with his dad. “If Dad was working on a car, it meant I was working on a car.”
Something people may not know about Harold; he used to drag race at Thunderbird Raceway and built his own cars. He still has a ’55 Oldsmobile 88. It’s red and white and he loves to take it for Sunday drives with his wife, Karen. Harold recently discovered a love for gardening and birdwatching; he especially loves the sound of the Whippoorwill.
Harold’s guilty pleasure is donuts. “I’ve never met a donut I didn’t love.”
In closing, Harold said he’s never worked at a place as great as Goodwill – “I love it here.”
Thank you, Harold, for all you do!
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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.
Call 231-722-7871, ext. 8482 for more information.
