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
Jun 22, 2018
Free tax service program returns more than $3 million to 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.
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
