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
Aug 16, 2018
Goodwill MoneyWorks programming receives grant funding
MUSKEGON – Goodwill Industries of West Michigan recently received a combined $32,000 in support of its MoneyWorks programming which includes free tax preparation services (also known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA) and other financial services such as budgeting, debt management, banking, and more.
In July, United Way of the Lakeshore granted $15,000 to Goodwill for MoneyWorks services in Muskegon County. United Way also awarded another $6,000 for VITA services in Newaygo County, and another $1,000 earmarked for Oceana County.
Additionally, Goodwill received $10,000 from the Fremont Area Community Foundation for VITA services in Newaygo County.
“We are so grateful to United Way and the Fremont Area Community Foundation for their continued support of Goodwill’s MoneyWorks / VITA program,” said Resource Development Coordinator Kim Harsch. “This program has a significant impact on our community. Fueled by volunteers, the program processed 2,791 returns last tax season resulting in a return of $3.4 million to the West Michigan community.”
Employee Spotlight: Manika Banks
As receptionist, Manika is the first person people see when they walk in the door. Her caring demeanor helps clients and participants feel at ease.
Manika expresses, “I love the people I meet every day working at Goodwill. I enjoy having the opportunity to directly impact lives and change the outcome of someone’s day for the better.”
Achievers of the Year
At the Achievers Awards we celebrate community members who overcame adversity through the power of work, and the employers who supported them.
Success Story: Billy
Billy walked through the doors seeking work specifically in the janitorial field. Billy’s biggest obstacle to employment was lack of work experience but he was determined and eager to begin receiving a regular paycheck.
“He steps up to help teammates when they are struggling and is always seeking ways to improve efficiency,” says Goodwill Janitorial Manager Amy Cumings.
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.
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.
Goodwill is Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
