Feb 28, 2024
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.
“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!