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

Hi Everyone –

We are days away from reopening our first store in Manistee. Per the Governor’s orders, we could have done it last Friday as it is located within the two northern regions where the “Stay Safer at Home” order was lifted, but we are taking our time so that people can be fully trained in new safety protocols and all the needed protective equipment is in place. The latest order allows us to open the rest of our stores immediately by appointment only, but again, we are taking our time. We have a schedule to open all of our stores over the next few weeks and we are planning to stick with that schedule, to make sure our staff and customers stay as safe as possible.

We will be dealing with this virus for a long period, and as you have heard me say multiple times, we will open because we can do it safely, not because there isn’t a threat. My focus on safety comes from both a deep concern for all of you, and from personal experience. I know to take it seriously. My spouse had it and we battled it for seven weeks. Seven weeks of thinking it was improving, only to have the fever and debilitating exhaustion back. My biggest fear was that she would end up in the hospital and die alone, as so many have. We got lucky that the worst did not happen. I am blessed that my cousin and her six-year-old daughter have recovered, as has my sister-in-law. But a few weeks ago my uncle died of COVID-19, so there isn’t always recovery. 

I know many of you know people who have been sick and who have died, especially those in our communities of color where it has hit hardest. I feel your grief and also your concern as we head back to do our best to serve the community in all of the ways we do it so well. I tell my personal story almost more to those who don’t know anyone yet who has been sick — for those who may doubt that mask wearing, physical distancing, hand washing, and staying home when sick is vitally important. For those who have not seen this virus in action in your personal lives yet, please take it from me: you do not want those you love to suffer the worst this disease has to offer. Still, this is not about fear. It is about wanting to protect and serve our community. This is who we are at Goodwill. We do not leave people behind in employment, and we certainly won’t leave those of us who are most vulnerable to this disease behind because we don’t want to follow safety protocols. We have always had each other’s backs. Now it is more important than ever that we act with each other’s well-being in mind. 

To that end, our “COVID Safe Operating Procedure” plan is in place. It includes safety controls for workplace, scheduling and wellness, cleaning, personal safety, and communication. We are open for virtual business in the Career Center and can serve people who need help with employment over the phone. Training and planning will continue this week as we prepare to reopen our stores. Community members can’t wait to see our retail associates again! They have missed the sense of place that our staff and stores offer. They have missed the good work we do through the money they generate donating and shopping. 

As I write this it is the evening of Memorial Day. It is with gratitude and humility that I have been thinking about those who have lost their lives protecting and serving this country. My belief is that we honor their legacy by choosing to protect and serve each other and the communities we live in.

My best –
Jeanette