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
Hello Everyone –
The good news is that we have begun planning for how we will return to work safely. It is clear that we will someday begin to re-open, not because the threat of COVID-19 will be gone, but because we will have excellent processes, training, and adequate personal protective equipment in place to keep our staff, customers, and clients as safe as possible. The safety committee is meeting to establish plans for the entire organization. We are working to procure the personal safety items we will need and designing protected ways to interact with the public in our stores, Career Center, and Employment and Training Center. We will be stronger as a result of the work we do to come together safely, taking care of one another by adhering to the safety standards we establish. We will be ready when the time comes!
We had additional temporary lay-offs this week, as our closure is extending into May. We also closed Industrial Services, because we finished the work needed by our remaining customer. Our human resources staff is actively assisting all of our team members who need help to file their unemployment claims, and we are using the Employee Assistance Fund to help our staff who have immediate needs. Your leadership staff should be calling regularly to check in on how you are doing – to find out if you have successfully navigated unemployment, if you are safe in your home or have any urgent needs, and if you are signed up for our text messaging system. If you continue to need any help, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Today is the day Guy Bailey’s retirement begins! He has been an integral part of our Goodwill family since 2002, leading our maintenance department and tackling every manner of job that only his team was equipped to handle. He has been a master of creating something out of whatever we have around. Most importantly, he loves the people of this organization and cares deeply for our clients. We will miss him enormously, are grateful for all he has done for Goodwill, and wish him the very best in his retirement!
My best to all of you –
Jeanette
← Return - Employee Updates
Success Story: Caleb
Caleb’s journey with Goodwill has been nothing short of inspiring. Caleb embarked on a path of skill building that illuminated his determination and kindness. Caleb’s dedication shone through every task.
“Caleb is an extremely hard worker, and he is ready to take on new responsibilities,” says his Career Coach, Meg Barry.
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.”
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.
