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
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is pleased to announce the recent hire of Kristin Garris as the nonprofit agency’s new human resources director effective March 19.
MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is pleased to announce the recent hire of Kristin Garris as the nonprofit agency’s new human resources director effective March 19.
“As a West Michigan native, I am excited to support my community through the passionate mission of Goodwill Industries. I am incredibly energized by the ‘heart work’ done by nonprofit organizations and am proud to join such a great team. I have always been enthusiastic about empowering people and cultivating cultures that allow people to be the best version of themselves, and I look forward to living out that passion at Goodwill,” Garris said.
Kristin steps down from her human resources position at Johnson Controls Inc., headquartered in Holland, MI, where she served as regional manager for high performance teams.
Kristin’s professional background also includes roles in corporate training, career counseling, quality systems management, and strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, and a Master’s in General Administration from Central Michigan University. She also holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
“Kristin’s expertise in team-building, employee engagement -- as well as policy development and retention strategies -- will help navigate our agency through this period of growth and change.
She has an enthusiasm and passion for helping employees reach their full potential, which is exactly aligned with Goodwill’s mission in regards to the people and communities we serve,” said Goodwill President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer.
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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.
