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
The grant allows Goodwill Industries of West Michigan to provide programming to support employment and reemployment of at-risk individuals, and to remove barriers to employment for low-income Michiganders.
$568,594 to provide employment training and support services
PRESS RELEASE
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) was recently awarded a $568,594 Barrier Removal and Employment Success (BRES) Expansion Grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to provide programming to support employment and reemployment of at-risk individuals, and to remove barriers to employment for low-income Michiganders. The two-year award to Goodwill is part of a $14.4 million grant shared with 26 other nonprofit organizations across the state.
“These funds will allow us to significantly expand our employment and training offerings, and boost our capacity for crucial wraparound support services such as housing, child care, and transportation,” said Goodwill Chief Workforce Officer Kristin Garris.
GIWM plans to add heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); customer service; and forklift certification training programs to its current offerings of programming, with on-site child care services for enrollees. English as a second language (ESL) and literacy classes will also be offered.
“This funding allows us to powerfully move into providing meaningful opportunities that elevate people out of poverty and into good-paying jobs,” said Goodwill President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer. “Community partners will play an integral role in achieving our vision and we are so grateful for their involvement in fulfilling our mission of changing lives.”
TrueNorth Community Services recently established a Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) office inside Goodwill’s Career Center and will assist with housing needs. Read Muskegon will provide ESL and literacy classes, and United Way of the Lakeshore will assist with child care.
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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.
