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
GOOD DAY… FROM YOUR HR TEAM!
Happy Wednesday! Our hope is that this newsletter finds you safe and healthy this week. The continued facts and tidbits of information in this weekly newsletter – we hope you are finding helpful during the different times of COVID-19. REMEMBER, If you know of someone in our Goodwill family that is not connected to our communications, please pass this along. Looking forward to seeing you all soon! Stay well.
UNEMPLOYMENT
From a trusted source…
If you need help filing for unemployment in Michigan, email the address below, requesting a call back and they will call and help you file or answer your questions!
You will receive an email first, but then a phone call to likely follow within 24-48 hours.
Email: LEO-UIAC-Info@michigan.gov
WORKING FROM HOME
- Keep your routine – go to bed and get up the same time every day and lunch break at the same time
- Confine your work space to a specific area in your home – this helps with focus and distractions from other family members
- Make sure you are moving – don’t forget to get up from your work area and take a brief walk
Newport Retirement Services
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed on March 27, 2020, includes several provisions intended to loosen restrictions on and reduce the tax consequences of distributions and loans from retirement plans.
Newport Group (our retirement plan administrator) will begin processing coronavirus-related distributions from eligible defined contribution retirement plans starting April 6, 2020.
A ‘Coronavirus-related distribution’ (CRD) is qualified if:
- An individual who is, or whose spouse or dependents are, diagnosed with the virus by a test approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- An individual who is financially harmed by the coronavirus disease as a result of (1) being laid off, furloughed, receiving reduced work hours, or quarantined; (2) being unable to work because of a lack of child care; (3) having to close or reduce the operating hours of a business owned or operated by the individual; or (4) such other reasons as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
Coronavirus-related distributions are exempt from the 10% early payment penalty tax that usually applies to distributions taken by individuals under the age of 59 .. However, the Federal and States taxes are still applicable for the distribution.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
If you are a household that has previously been eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits you have likely seen additional benefits in March and April to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for your household group size. Also a Temporary waiver of SNAP Work Requirements for ALL able bodied adults ages 18-49, who have no minor children.
To those that do not typically receive food assistance, but may need to it now in these uncertain times, visit www.michigan.gov/mibridges or by calling 1-888-678-8914 to apply.
Below is a list of local food pantries:
- Catholic Charities West Michigan - Muskegon (1095 Third Street, Muskegon) will make pre-packaged food boxes available in front of the agency on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Must be a resident of Muskegon, Norton Shores or Roosevelt Park, and provide ID or utility bill for all household members. Call (231) 726-4735 for more information.
- City Heart Ministries (2731 Peck Street, Muskegon Heights). Call (231) 737-4673 for information.
- Fruitport Christian Reformed Church (3520 Pontlauna Road, Fruitport MI 49415) has expanded its weekday pantry hours. Call 231-865-6548 for an appointment slot.
- Holton Community Center (8485 B Holton Road, Holton) operates a food pantry by appointment. Call (231) 821-0000 for information.
- Mission for Area People (2500 Jefferson Street, Muskegon Heights) will continue to run its food pantry Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. People must call ahead of time to arrange curbside pickup. More information at (231) 733-9672.
- Muskegon Rescue Mission (400 West Laketon Avenue) continues to operate a food pantry for anyone, regardless of where they live, on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Visitors will be given seven days’ worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner food. Those with immediate food needs unable to make that time can call Erica at 231-727-6085 and schedule a pick-up.
- Salvation Army - Muskegon (1221 Shonat Street, Muskegon) will open its pantry by appointment only. Call (231) 773-3284 for more information.
- Wolf Lake United Methodist Church (378 Vista Terrace, Muskegon) will offer a one-week supply of food to individuals and families one time per month. Call (231) 788-4147 for more information.
REMINDER for families with school-aged kids:
Check with your child’s school or the district you live within for food assistance. Below are some links to district resources.
https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/our-district/superintendents-office/important-messagesupdates/
https://www.whitehallschools.net/downloads/districtfiles/wds_food_distribution_4-13-20.pdf
https://chipslead.org/family-resources/
https://www.allendale.k12.mi.us/Core/News/Article/1486
Link to local food pantries, more local school food resources and seniors: https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/where-to-get-emergency-food-in-muskegon-county-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown.html?fbclid=IwAR3f0crQjtz6p-pXU874vfgUeJTLCSJ2zZQ8qyOiOF7gQqj8ULUEI5Jm9TA
The link below is to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that explains school aged children that qualified for free and reduced cost lunches at school, qualify for this new pandemic food program.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339--525248--,00.html
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
← 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.
