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
May 20, 2015
Success Story
Niki
Niki Turner is a single mother who returned to work two years ago after attending school while raising her children. For several years prior to working, Niki did not know she was eligible to receive any tax credits and did not receive a refund.
After seeking assistance from Goodwill’s MoneyWorks’ tax preparation services at Goodwill’s headquarter facility – a designated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax site – Niki was pleasantly surprised with her tax refund. Having not filed taxes for two years because of her low income and the high cost of filing, she had no idea she would be qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, as well as the Michigan Home Heating Credit and Property Tax Credit. She did not anticipate receiving such a large refund amount, which totaled more than half of her yearly income! Niki is the targeted population for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is designed to assist low-to-moderate income families and reward working.
A friend told her about the tax service and she was happy she made the appointment. Although frustrated about gathering all of the required tax documentation, she learned it was worth taking the time to get the information needed for filing. Niki is grateful for the tax preparation provided by Goodwill MoneyWorks and VITA Services for West Michigan. She is so pleased with the service she received, she is making another appointment to complete her prior year tax return.
The money received will go a long way for Niki. It will allow her to pay ahead on bills, help pay for her daughter’s drivers education, purchase clothes for her children, and buy furniture needed for her home. Niki was very savvy with her return. With assistance from MoneyWorks, she elected to split her refund between her checking and savings accounts to build an emergency fund.
Success Story: Ben
Within a year, Ben went from part-time to full-time and was recently promoted to Lead Sales Associate. They have even discussed him becoming an Assistant Manager.
“He's smart, observant, cares about others, and tries hard,” STEP Job Placement Supervisor Julie Joppie says about Ben.
Employee Spotlight: Manika Banks
As receptionist, Manika is the first person people see when they walk in the door. Her caring demeanor helps clients and participants feel at ease.
Manika expresses, “I love the people I meet every day working at Goodwill. I enjoy having the opportunity to directly impact lives and change the outcome of someone’s day for the better.”
Achievers of the Year
At the Achievers Awards we celebrate community members who overcame adversity through the power of work, and the employers who supported them.
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.
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.
Goodwill is Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
