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Jan 28, 2020
Goodwill Industries to offer child care services and training program
PRESS RELEASE
MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) is pleased to announce their commitment to opening a child care center within its headquarter facility located at 271 E. Apple Avenue in Muskegon.
“We’ve had a vision for this venture for some time now and just received board approval to move forward,” said Goodwill President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer. “We are in the planning and development stages of providing much-needed local child care services, combined with vocational training in the field. We hope to have this fully operational by the end of the year.”
The concept of child care services at Goodwill dovetails with its mission of providing job training and employment services. Finding access to affordable quality child care is often a significant barrier to employment. In tandem with child care services, the center will offer vocational on-the-job training for aspiring child care providers in a field that desperately needs more providers.
“Research indicates that organizations poised at the crossroads of workforce development and child care, combined with the support of collaborative community partnerships, are in the best position to impact child care as a barrier to employment,” Hoyer said. “Goodwill is exactly that kind of organization. Our ground-level workforce development experience offers us a straight-line path to address one of the most significant barriers to employment – the lack of affordable, reliable, and quality child care.”
New available square footage at Goodwill’s headquarter facility occurred due to the relocation of the retail processing and e-commerce departments to its nearby retail outlet and store. This new space will be renovated to create a nurturing and welcoming environment that will meet the needs of its young clients and engage their parents, families, and community. Parents and family members can also utilize the variety of training and support services offered at the Goodwill Career Center conveniently housed in the same building.
Community support in addressing Muskegon County’s childcare crisis is currently strong, creating an environment for GIWM to seek and receive financial, in-kind, and shared services support.
Success Story: Keeria
Working with her Goodwill Career Coach, Keeria was provided job-readiness coaching, interview preparation, résumé assistance, and job-placement support.
View our annual report
Our 2024 annual report recognizes a year of providing community support as well as achievements in our business, our culture, and in changing lives through the power of work.
View our annual report pdf.
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.”
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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.
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