Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
total people served in 2022
people placed into jobs within area businesses
program participants who worked and earned paychecks at Goodwill
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Services for West Michigan – a coalition of area nonprofit organizations led by Goodwill Industries – provided free income tax returns for eligible low- to moderate-income individuals and families this past tax season. Trained and IRS-certified volunteers processed 2,791 returns resulting in $3.4 million to the West Michigan community.
MUSKEGON – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Services for West Michigan – a coalition of area nonprofit organizations led by Goodwill Industries – provided free income tax returns for eligible low- to moderate-income individuals and families this past tax season. Trained and IRS-certified volunteers processed 2,791 returns resulting in $3.4 million to the West Michigan community.
This year the program received a boost in volunteers thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County that paid stipends to college students who participated in the program.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Muskegon Community College in helping us provide students with real-life community work experience,” said Goodwill Tax Program Coordinator Carl Lewis. “We hope to connect with more local colleges in recruiting more students to volunteer. Learning how to do taxes is a worthwhile, life-long skill.”
The program served residents of Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties with volunteers processing returns at six convenient tax sites, and one “drop and go” site.
“We sincerely thank our dedicated volunteers, our funding partners, and the many community collaborators that make the program possible,” Lewis said.
In addition to Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, participating program partners that make up VITA Services for West Michigan include: Baker College of Muskegon, United Way of the Lakeshore, Sacred Suds/Community enCompass, TrueNorth Community Services, Hart City Hall, Tanglewood Park, and My Free Taxes.
Funding partners that supported this year’s tax preparation efforts included: Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Community Foundation for Oceana County, Comerica Bank, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Internal Revenue Service, and United Way of the Lakeshore.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is currently seeking volunteer tax preparers for next season. If you are interested in learning more about the program or volunteering in one of the various volunteer positions associated with VITA, please contact Goodwill Tax Program Coordinator Carl Lewis at (231) 722-7871 x1071 or clewis@goodwillwm.org.
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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.
