Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.

Congratulations, Nathan! 🌟 Nathan’s journey with Goodwill began in 2015 when he entered our Work Center through the work readiness and skill-building program. With determination and hard work, Nathan significantly enhanced his employability skills, culminating in the successful completion of a 12-week janitorial training program. This program combined classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The knowledge and skills Nathan acquired during his training proved invaluable in helping him secure a janitorial position at Wendy’s, where he has been employed since December 2022. Initially, Nathan required full-time, shoulder-to-shoulder support from a job coach. However, within a few months, he mastered his responsibilities, improved his social skills, and embraced his independence. Today, Nathan requires only one weekly check-in from his job coach—a testament to his outstanding progress. He has also increased his work hours and demonstrates his commitment by riding his bike to and from work. His dedication to customer service shines through as he warmly greets customers and opens doors for them as they enter the Wendy’s dining room. His supervisors note that Nathan arrives for every shift with a positive attitude, always greeting both his co-workers and customers with a smile. Nathan’s journey is a powerful example of how support services can unlock the potential within each individual to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional growth. His unwavering commitment to his job and self-improvement makes him a deserving nominee for recognition. It is a privilege to nominate Nathan as Goodwill's candidate for the Workforce Subcommittee of the Muskegon County Intellectual and Developmental Disability System of Care Consortium. His story is a true inspiration, and we have no doubt that Nathan will continue to achieve great things in the future.

Introducing Goodwill West Michigan's Janitorial Program – Cleaning with Purpose! Looking for reliable, skilled cleaning services that also make a difference in your community? Our janitorial team delivers high-quality cleaning for businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, events, and retail spaces. Why Choose Us? -- Experienced and dedicated staff -- Competitive pricing -- Social impact: supporting job training and employment for those with barriers Partner with us to keep your space spotless while transforming lives! Contact us today to learn more. Call: 231-722-7871 ext. 1006 Web: goodwillwm.org #GoodwillJanitorial #CleaningWithPurpose #CommunityImpact

On Wednesday, we were honored to host the United Way of the Lakeshore Leadership Circle Event. We deeply appreciate the partnership that United Way offers to nonprofits like Goodwill, made possible by the generosity of its many donors. Thanks to the support and connections facilitated by United Way of the Lakeshore, Goodwill can offer essential services such as vocational training programs, child care options, free tax preparation, adult education, and English as a Second Language classes to those in our community. We are grateful for our community partners, OVAE InnOVative Learning Center, TrueNorth, and Read Muskegon, and were so happy that they could share the evening with us. Thank you, Soul Filled Catering & Private Chef Services for providing wonderful food!

JOIN US in celebrating Ben! Ben Polderman was referred to Goodwill Industries of West Michigan by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) in 2023 for job placement services. Ben’s biggest obstacles were his depression and anxiety, but he was determined to meet his vocational goal of obtaining part-time employment. When Ben first met with STEP Job Placement Supervisor Julie Joppie, he was quiet, shy, and barely spoke. Over the years, Ben tried a couple of jobs on his own but quit on the first day due to his anxiety. Since Ben had no work history, Julie suggested that his parents give him tasks to do at home so he could include them on his resume. Julie moved at Ben’s pace, allowing him to decide when he was ready for the next step in the process of obtaining employment. Julie focused on Ben’s strengths, noting that “he’s smart, observant, cares about others, and tries hard.” Ben had the skills to run a cash register in the future if he could overcome his anxiety and social barriers. Ben hoped for an employer and environment where he could feel comfortable and build relationships with his co-workers. Julie took all of this into consideration when meeting with Speedway General Manager Tara Nichols to see if she could use Ben for stocking their cooler. On July 17, Ben interviewed with Tara, and she offered him a part-time position that would allow him to start slowly. He began working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm. Goodwill Job Coach Dawn Partyka was instrumental in helping Ben settle into his job. She provided Ben with 40 hours of job coaching to help him learn his job duties, establish a routine, gain confidence, and become comfortable with his team. Ben was encouraged to use breathing techniques and other tools to help him manage his anxiety. After successfully completing 90 days on the job, Julie remained in contact with both him and Tara because she was eager to watch Ben advance within the company and grow in confidence and skills. 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. “Ben loves his job! It’s been so enjoyable to see him grow, gain confidence, and become a successful young man. We all knew no dream was out of Ben’s reach. He just needed support and to believe in himself,” said Julie.

Dr. Alan Steinman, a Board Member of Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and a Research Professor at the Annis Water Resources Institute - GVSU, led our executive team and several board members on an educational cruise aboard the W.G. Jackson Research Vessel. During the tour, he highlighted the history and ecosystems of the surrounding freshwater landscape. As innovators and stewards of the planet's greater good, we constantly strive to advance sustainability efforts throughout our organization to best support our mission. We learned so much from you, Alan. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with our team!

June 2024 Success Story: Billy Smith Billy Smith walked through the doors of Goodwill’s Career Center in September 2023, seeking work specifically in the janitorial field. Billy’s biggest obstacle to employment was lack of work experience but he was determined and eager to begin receiving a regular paycheck. Billy first met with GoodTemps Manager Lori Springstead. Recognizing his potential, Lori placed him in a temporary assignments in Goodwill’s Janitorial Services division. “He would always show up, and was always on time,” Lori said. “Billy was incredibly consistent on the arena contract, and due to the second shift weekend hours, that contract is very challenging to fill. He showed up without fail, and worked extremely hard. Billy has an incredibly strong work ethic.” Goodwill Janitorial Manager Amy Cumings immediately noticed Billy's dedication and hard work and after a few short months, Billy secured permanent employment at Goodwill as a Janitorial Tech. “From the very beginning, Billy has been a dedicated and hardworking member of the Goodwill Janitorial Services team. He consistently put in extra hours every Friday and Saturday night at the arena after hockey games, never once complaining. He steps up to help teammates when they are struggling and is always seeking ways to improve efficiency.” Billy's experience with Goodwill has been transformative. His perspective on work has shifted, and he now believes that “trying and failing is better than failing to try.” He is deeply grateful for the support from Goodwill employees. “Thank you for giving me a chance,” Billy said. Billy Smith’s journey is a shining example of the positive impact Goodwill has on individuals and the community. We are proud to celebrate his success. GoodTemps GoodTemps is a temporary staffing agency offering displaced workers, ex-offenders, and others, assistance in entering or re-entering the job market. Using its extensive network of local employers, GoodTemps places individuals in a wide variety of occupations and skill levels. Temporary assignments are often the “foot in the door” that lead to permanent placements. There are no start-up or placement agency service fees for workers. Workers receive weekly paychecks while gaining valuable work experience and contacts.

JOIN US in celebrating Manika Banks as our Employee Spotlight Feature. 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. Employed at Goodwill for six years, 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.” Manika began her employment at Goodwill as a “call-in” rehabilitation trainer before applying for the receptionist position. She thoroughly enjoys working at the front desk because it provides her with opportunities to help others through the Goodwill mission. Carl Lewis, career center manager has become one of Manika’s greatest role models along with her husband, Elan. “Carl has so much knowledge and is easy to talk to. He is a great provider of advice and I really look up to him,” she said. “My husband, Elan spent 22 years in the military and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while serving. He inspires me every day and pushes me to be my best.” In her spare time, Manika enjoys practicing yoga at Muskegon Yoga, journaling and reading self-help books. She is also training to become a certified life coach. She hopes her training will help aid her in her passion for helping others. Guilty pleasure? When Manika isn’t at work or in her favorite yoga pose, you can find her dipping a stack of Oreos in cold milk with ice. Thank you Manika for your dedication and service to others!

Join us in celebrating the 12 individuals who secured jobs in the community last month, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Goodwill staff and the generosity of donors like you! #GoodwillProud #MoreThanAThriftStore

HAPPY PRIDE! 🌈 At Goodwill Industries of West Michigan we work to ensure that each member of our organization and of our community can live their lives and contribute to their communities to their fullest potential. We insist upon treating all people with dignity, sensitivity, and respect, and are actively engaged in creating an organization where every person of any race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, accessibility need, or country of origin feels welcomed, seen, and important to the work of the whole.

Want to change lives? We're hiring a part-time HVAC instructor at our corporate office! Pay is $36.00 an hour to teach Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-8:30pm. Join us in making a difference. Apply today! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/erBWHt7u