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
THANKFUL THURSDAY… FROM YOUR HR TEAM!
Summer and Sunshine are beginning to bless us! It seems impossible another week has passed, all while, we continue to learn new ways to cope during COVID-19. We hope that this newsletter finds you safe and healthy this week. REMEMBER, if you know of someone in our Goodwill family that is not connected to our communications, please pass this along. Stay well.
RECALLS and READINESS!
Our teams have worked hard to put policies and procedures in place for the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers as we prepare to return to work. To learn more about these policies/procedures, staff will be required to attend a mandatory COVID-19 Safety orientation before returning to work.
The orientation will be facilitated by Heather DeNio-Carskadon, Training Coordinator. Your orientation time and location will be communicated through your direct supervisor.
Please note that employees MUST be ready and available to be recalled back to work. When you return, you will be expected to wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others. We have surgical masks for you to wear or you may bring your own. Should you have a medical concern regarding wearing a mask, please speak to a member of HR.
Now Accepting Donations!
We have 8 locations accepting drive-thru donations! More donation sites will be added in the coming weeks. RETAIL STORES REMAINED CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 11am-5pm
- Fremont
- Grand Haven
- North Holland
- Ludington
- North Muskegon
- Sherman
- Ellis
- Roosevelt Park
Plant a VICTORY GARDEN!
What is a victory garden? Victory gardens came about as food shortages during World Wars I and II provoked a heroic response by Americans –planting vegetable gardens at their homes or in public places, such as parks. The purpose was to ease the burden of farmers growing for domestic and foreign consumption, and boost morale by giving people a sense of working for the common good. Americans responded. By the end of World War I, more than five million victory gardens had sprouted.
Right now- we are engaged in a very different war. People and families are quarantined at home and passing the time by posting on social media, playing games, puzzles and cooking.
Why not take cues from past generations and plant victory gardens? They do not have to be big – actually, they can be a few containers on your deck or porch. Nevertheless, they can improve your family’s diet and/or mental health by getting outside and taking positive action, no matter how ambitious or modest it is. Sunshine, fresh air, and rediscovering your creative side beats dwelling over 24-hours news about our nation’s pandemic crisis.
Though we live in uncertain times, remember – spare time is one thing many of us do have now. Let us spend our time contributing to our existence and nurturing these plants and seedlings for the good of our souls. Things will turn around. As that famous Southern philosopher, Scarlett O’Hara, reminded us, “After all, tomorrow is a new day.” Cited by:
https://www.southernliving.com/garden/edible/what-is-a-victory-garden
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.
