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
Thursday Greetings from Your HR Team
Hello there! As we continue to re-engage operations, retail stores, workforce development, and many other departments are coming alive with activity. Safe operating procedures have been set and re-opening plans are well underway. We cannot wait to see everyone again with clean hands and open hearts.
Workforce Development Update
Career Coaching: Workforce Development Career Coaches are currently supporting call-in clients and returning citizen clients through virtual services. The team has created videos for job search and financial coaching, and are working through the help of technology to support our community in getting back to work. They are tentatively expected to open for walk-ins on July 17. Safety continues to be a priority as we resume services with sneeze guards, social distancing, and other cleaning precautions.
VITA: VITA Drop and Go services will begin June 22nd through 2-1-1 appointments. On-site tax appointments are scheduled to begin July 1 and continue through the revised tax deadline of July 15. Carl and his crew are ready to support those last minute filers!
D&I Update
As the world watches peaceful protests amid looting and violence following the police killing of George Floyd, unrest continues. As an organization with strong values around diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must continue to find ways to lean into hard conversations around race, and keep an open mind about things we might not fully understand.
As a D&I Team, we are meeting today to listen to one another, find perspective, and learn how to both support and challenge our organization to be better in our fight against racism. As a D&I team, we often paraphrase the words of Maya Angelou who said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Let’s all commit to do better.
Retail Update
Retail Stores: Manistee and N. Holland are officially up and running with retail customers. N. Holland has been supporting customers with appointments in compliance with the Executive Order, whereas Manistee is operating under occupancy guidelines. Effective today, however, the “by appointment only” order has been lifted and N. Holland is officially operating under occupancy guidelines. Ellis, Ludington, and Roosevelt Park stores open today with similar occupancy restrictions. Our customers are SO HAPPY to have us back and have been great about honoring mask and social distancing guidelines. Donations continue to be fast and furious as quarantine brought about all kinds of closet cleanouts!
The remaining retail opening and training schedule (subject to change) is as follows:
Open Date | Training Date | Store
6/7/2020 | 6/3/2020 | Grand Haven
6/7/2020 | 6/5/2020 | Allendale
6/7/2020 | 6/5/2020 | Coopersville
6/8/2020 | 6/5/2020 | Outlet & Apple
6/10/2020 | 6/9/2020 | Newaygo
6/10/2020 | 6/8/2020 | Sherman
6/10/2020 | 6/9/2020 | Whitehall
6/12/2020 | 6/10/2020 | Cedar Springs
6/12/2020 | 6/11/2020 | South Holland
6/12/2020 | 6/11/2020 | Zeeland
6/15/2020 | 6/12/2020 | N. Muskegon
6/15/2020 | 6/12/2020 | Fremont
Thanks to our front line retail employees who are so critical to supporting our mission!
HR Team Contacts: Phone (231) 722-7871
Pattie Piekarski: x1035
Jamie Barmes: x1036
Kristin Garris: x1034
Heather DeNio Carskadon: x1037
Amber Freeman: x1038
← 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.