Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.
people were provided workforce development and support services in 2024
people placed into competitive jobs in the community
average hourly wage ($) of people placed into jobs through Goodwill
Sep 13, 2018
Success Story
Jeffery
When Jeffery was released from prison, his mind was made up: he would live a simple, honest life. This would be a significant adjustment from his prior lifestyle. Before incarceration, Jeffery enjoyed the high life: he made six figures … he traveled the world. All of that changed overnight. He went from “having it all” to having nothing.
When Jeffery was paroled in April of this year, he was starting over completely. “I needed clothing, identification, employment, housing, you name it … I was facing it,” Jeffery said.
Jeffery was referred to Goodwill’s Offender Success (OS) program and received employment skills training, assistance with his résumé, job search techniques, interview coaching, help with job applications, and more.
Case Manager Josh Keur was impressed by Jeffery’s strong drive. “Jeffery realized that he would need to take what job he could get considering his background,” Keur said. “He set realistic goals and immediately began working to accomplish them.”
His hard work paid off and he landed a job as a sandblaster with Monarch Powder Coating & Sandblasting Services in Muskegon.
Although his new job is completely different from the work and lifestyle he was used to, he enjoys his work. “I like that the job is fast paced and the people here treat you like family,” he said. Jeffery hasn’t missed a day of work and has accepted every overtime hour available. When asked about his job performance, Monarch Powder Coating owner Steve Johnson said, “I will take ten more employees just like Jeff Jennings!”
Jeffery attributes much of his success to the Offender Success program. “I’m not sure where I would be without Goodwill and Offender Success,” he said. “The case managers truly care about your success and the program sets you up to succeed; you simply need to apply yourself.”
Jeffrey is a prime example of what can happen when a person is dedicated to change. He gives this advice to anyone who needs to reinvent themselves: “Keep pushing! You will get out of this what you put into it. I am living proof.”
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of Goodwill's service to the community.
Ticket includes one complimentary beer or wine drink ticket, hors d'oeuvres, plated dinner with dessert and live jazz music provided by Tymeless Clock.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week is back!
Taking place this year on March 16–22, this annual observance is the perfect opportunity to declutter, get organized, and make a difference in your community. As the weather warms up, it's time to refresh your home by clearing out unwanted clothing and household items
Success Story: Christopher
One of Christopher’s biggest challenges was securing employment with his criminal background and adjusting to life outside of MDOC. From the start, Christopher was proactive, stepping out of his comfort zone to find both employment and housing. Read Christopher’s full story.
Employee Spotlight: Amanda Klug
Amanda began her journey with us at the Ellis store as a part-time associate, and through her dedication, she has become cross-trained in nearly all aspects of retail store operations. Her love for her job and the positive energy she brings to the team are truly inspiring.
“I see the difference Goodwill is making in the community,” Amanda says. “There are so many stories of how Goodwill has impacted people’s lives 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.
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.