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
HAPPY WEDNESDAY… FROM YOUR HR TEAM!
Good day colleagues! Another week in the books of treading this different work style. Our hope is that this newsletter finds you safe and healthy this week. Feel free to use the continued facts and tidbits of information in this weekly newsletter – 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. We are anxious to get back and see all those familiar faces! Stay well.
Blue Cross
For those enrolled in medical benefits, Blue Cross hopes to continue to ease the strain on doctors’ offices and hospital emergency rooms due to COVID-19 pandemic by supporting the use of ‘virtual’ visits for patients with milder symptoms, while keeping the health and safety of members at the forefront.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Individuals that were initially denied UIA benefits, will need to file a PUA application for benefits. This can be done by logging into your MiWAM account online and once in your account, under ALERTS, there should be an option for ‘File a PUA application’. Michigan Unemployment began processing these applications on April 20th.
Follow the link for a tutorial on how to apply for Pandemic Unemployment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyM03i1H7w&list=PLcPPZAWezX74MaMSac3l900E2KE8ph3_2&index=2
NOTE: It is important to log in and view your MiWAM account to make sure there are no requests for additional information and to make sure you are recertifying to continue to receive benefits while off on temporary layoff.
Return to Work
We are busy making plans to return to work, and should have some of our stores open (with limited staff) to accepting donations very soon! Your health is our top priority and our plans include robust efforts to ensure your safety during this challenging time. Please note that when your department/store re-opens, you will receive a formal recall letter detailing your return to work date and information about a mandatory COVID-19 safety orientation.
Senior Food Assistance
Last week we focused our food resources on families with school aged children. We acknowledge those families aren’t the only ones in need or with lack of food access right now, and we wanted to share a resource for Seniors.
AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van are working together to provide meals to seniors aged 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa counties.
TELEWORK – Don’t forget to GET UP AND STRETCH!
For those that are on week six working from home… this is for you. You are likely in a different office setting, sitting in a different chair, and working on some intense subject matter, ALL taking a toll on our bodies. That’s why it is important to make sure you are stretching and keeping up with your exercises. Here is a simple easy desk yoga that might help –TRY IT! Link to more yoga and stretching: https://www.verywellfit.com/yoga-stretches-at-your-desk-3567200
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.
