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
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 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.
“I was the caregiver for my son, which provided me with some extra income,” Valerie said. “When he passed away, that income stopped. I thought it would be easy to find employment, but it wasn’t.”
Goodwill Career Coach LaTonya Burks met with Valerie and helped her create a résumé and provided her with some job search and interview skills.
“I really wanted to help her find employment,” LaTonya said. “She was very motivated.”
Valerie also spent some time working with Goodwill Success Coach Kristen Kappas for some basic computer skills training.
Valerie is in her 70s and had been out of the workforce for some time. “I was behind the times,” Valerie said. “I didn’t know how to use the computer to create my résumé or apply for jobs.”
Valerie wanted to work at Meijer because it is close to her home and she needed a third-shift position. With LaTonya’s help, she secured a position as a third-shift stocker, and was later transferred to the soft lines/fashion department where she is currently working as a general merchandiser. She has been working at Meijer for well over a year now.
“I am a part of a community at Meijer. I like my customers and I have great co-workers,” Valerie said. “Because I am working, my dignity and self-esteem is better. I practice skills I didn’t get at home. Also, the schedule works well for me and my family.”
“My experience with Goodwill has always been good so I felt comfortable coming in for assistance,” Valerie said. “LaTonya updated my résumé, assisted with job searching, encouraged me, and believed in me.”
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 Career Center
Located in downtown Muskegon, this community job resource center provides free employment services and related supports to people looking for work or seeking help in advancing their careers. Services include job search assistance, résumé development, interview coaching, career exploration, GED services, job readiness, computer skills training, financial coaching, and more. Everyone is welcome!
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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.