Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.

HELLO… FROM YOUR HR TEAM! 

Please use this as a resource guide to help you navigate this challenging COVID-19 time. HR will share tips, links, and resources we collect throughout the week that might help you or a friend maneuver through these challenging times. Our plan is to distribute these tips WEEKLY every Wednesday. 

ANTICIPATED RETURN TO WORK DATE: 

Many have asked about WHEN we will be returning back to work. Based on the Emergency Declaration extension pushed back to April 30 and peak COVID-19 predictions, we have extended our return to work date to May 3. We can’t wait to see you all again! 

BENEFITS UPDATE: 

As this time, Goodwill will be covering costs of benefits for those NOT working. We are working on a plan for repayment of those 20% employee premiums for when employees return to normal duties. 

STIMULUS CHECKS: 

Media rumors suggest that stimulus checks will be issued in reverse “adjusted gross income” order—starting with people with the lowest income and in the cities with the biggest impact first. Income is determined through your tax returns. If you did not file your 2018 or 2019 taxes, check here: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/04/turbotax-launches-free-tool-to-help-americans-get-stimulus-payments.html

UNEMPLOYMENT NEWS: 

We understand there are many questions and frustration about the unemployment process. We are not unemployment professionals, and can only offer our experience and what we hear from the media outlets and our social media resources. 

If you have been unable to file your unemployment claim because of overcrowded phone lines or bogged down website – they are asking you use this guideline to file depending on your last name.

It is our understanding that if you applied for unemployment benefits and were denied – The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands Michigan’s benefits to self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, and low-wage workers as well as increase in weekly pay to ALL who receive benefits. The Unemployment Insurance Agency will release guidance regarding eligibility and the application process in the coming days. PLEASE NOTE: If you have already filed for unemployment benefits, you DO NOT need to reapply at this time. Those that were initially denied, are potentially eligible to qualify for the Pandemic unemployment that falls under the CARES Act. 

To stay up to date on unemployment – visit the website at www.Michigan.gov/uia 

REACHING OUT IN A TIME OF NEED: 

• Call 2-1-1 for local resources and assistance 
• MiBridges.org to apply for benefits and explore resources 

https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US 

NOTE: Insider scoop says MIBRIDGES is quick to support people on layoff with food support.

CRISIS RESOURCE for MENTAL HEALTH: 

Do you recognize any of these feelings? 

• Feeling overwhelmed or helpless 
• Anxiety, fear, or sadness 
• Feeling lonely or isolated 
• Withdrawing from others/fear of going into public spaces 
• Rapid heart rate, upset stomach, low energy 
• Frustration, irritability or anger 
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping 

Considering our current COVID-19 condition, you might be experiencing one or many of the above mentioned. Goodwill recognizes that this is a difficult time for everyone. We wanted to share that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network partners with New Directions Behavioral Health. If you are struggling and need to talk with someone below is a link that contains a free crisis helpline for emotional support. The second link contains online resources from New Directions. 

https://www.ndbh.com/CrisisResources 

https://www.ndbh.com/Resources/ 

HR Team Contacts: 

Pattie Piekarski: (231) 722-7871 x1035 

Jamie Barmes: (231) 722-7871 x1036 

Kristin Garris: (231) 722-7871 x1034 

Heather DeNio Carskadon: (231) 722-7871 x1037