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

THURSDAY GREETINGS… FROM YOUR HR TEAM! 

Hello! We come to you this week with exciting news — our FIRST store re-opens today — MANISTEE! And… ALL of our locations are now open for drive thru donations with more stores opening soon (by appointment only). All of the planning and “Good to Go” training sessions have prepared us for safe re-openings. It is so exciting to have some normalcy back in our days. Stay well and see you soon! 

FRESH PRODUCE – FOOD SECURITY 

Most West Michigan Farmers’ Markets accept Bridge cards to be used for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as additional food programs. 

Double Up Food Bucks program will match Bridge Card sales up to $20 a day a family shops at participating farmers markets in FREE Michigan Fruits and vegetables. For Double-Up Food Bucks Markets www.westmichiganfarmmarkets.org. 

For 35 area farms and orchards most offering the U-Pick value and a family farm and educational experience www.fruitridgemarket.com. 

The State of Michigan has received authorization to provide all students who receive free or reduced meals at schools to receive Bridge Card/SNAP food benefits from March through June as they are not receiving nourishing meals at school. 

Each eligible student should receive $193.80 for March and April and $182.40 for May and June for a total of $376 per student. With the additional great value of using Double-Up Food Bucks, families will be able to afford up to $752 healthy food for each eligible students. 

For every 1,000 eligible students, that would mean at least $376,000 in food benefits and up to $752,000 in healthy food if all was spent through a Double-Up Food Bucks farmers market. 

Local Coordinator for Double-Up Food Bucks in West Michigan: Gordie Moeller - (616) 293-4727 

HEADS UP - Unemployment scam may lead to payment disruptions for Michigan residents 

Michiganders who are receiving unemployment benefits may run into a new problem thanks to a scam that could pause their benefits from being issued until more proof of a legitimate claim is provided. 

According to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), criminals are using stolen personal information to file false unemployment claims for people across the U.S. As a result, the UIA has instituted “additional fraud protections, including additional requirements to verify identity and authenticate claim eligibility,” according to the press release from the state. 

“There is a rise in unlawful unemployment claims across the nation and unfortunately criminals are taking advantage of this global pandemic. Michiganders who suspect an imposter claim has been filed in their name should contact the UIA immediately,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. 

The scam works by using stolen information to create an unemployment claim in the state where the real person lives. Thanks to the increased federal benefits from the CARES Act — which adds $600 weekly to the state’s granted amount — there has been a rise in false or fraudulent claims. 

To combat the scam, the UIA developed additional fraud protections which may cause more problems for those who are legitimately applying for or already receiving benefits. 

Some existing claimants may have received ‘Stop Payment’ notices on their accounts and have been sent instructions on how to submit the additional information. Some financial institutions may also place a hold on a customer’s account if it believes there is suspicious activity. Customers should contact their institution directly if this occurs. 

In Michigan, anyone who files a claim for benefits will receive a letter with their monetary determination. If you receive one of those letters, but have not applied for unemployment benefits or the name on the letter is not yours, you should contact the UIA immediately as your information may have been stolen. 

HR Team Contacts: Phone (231) 722-7871 

Pattie Piekarski: x1035 

Jamie Barmes:  x1036 

Kristin Garris: x1034 

Heather DeNio Carskadon: x1037 

Amber Freeman: x1038