Program areas at GIWM
Retail and donated goods program services Goodwill Industries of West Michigan accepts donated clothing and other household goods from the public and sells these donations at Goodwill's 18 community-based retail and outlet stores, as well as online. The revenue from the sale of these goods supports Goodwill's mission-based employment and training programs and services. Goodwill's retail division also provides time-limited on-the-job training and work experience for people enrolled in Goodwill programming. Clothing and other goods not suitable for resale in Goodwill stores are sorted and sold to various recyclers or salvage brokers for the greatest value, diverting as much as possible from the waste stream. Goodwill is focused on maximizing donation value for its mission-based workforce development services, as well as reducing waste. In 2022, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan reused or recycled over 10.9 million lbs pounds of donated material.aterial.
Workforce development services Goodwill Industries of West Michigan provides job training and career services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support to individuals with disabilities and other challenges to employment. In 2022, Goodwill served 2,838 people 450 of whom were placed into competitive employment, while another 113 program participants worked and earned paychecks while enrolled in Goodwill's programs. Goodwill offers a broad range of mission-based training programs and services to fulfill a diverse set of community needs. Some people find their way to Goodwill because of limited skills or work history, some have physical or developmental disabilities, while others are referred by collaborating partner organizations. Goodwill collaborates and partners with a variety of other organizations and businesses in the community to enhance and broaden opportunities and services for its program participants. Specific programs and services offered in 2022 include: empowering ex-offenders in transition (exit) program, financial training services, goodworks program, janitorial occupational training (jot), lifelaunch: ignite program, os reentry program, supported employment program, supportive services for veteran families (ssvf) program, work experience training, work readiness program, and workkeys testing. Additionally, workforce development services provides a variety of supports such as financial literacy coaching and free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. In 2022, Goodwill's volunteer income tax program processed 1,750 tax returns resulting in more than $2.9 million to the West Michigan community. The Goodwill career center in muskegon also offers employment services and related support to people looking for work, or seeking help in advancing their careers. Free walk-in services include: job search assistance, resume development, interview coaching, career exploration, basic computer training, and more.
Industrial, janitorial, and sustainability/recycling services Goodwill Industries of West Michigan creates employment and job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other challenges to employment, by providing contract work to area businesses and other community partners. These contracts offer a variety of paid work opportunities and training experiences for persons enrolled in a variety of Goodwill employment programs. Goodwill's industrial services division provides manufacturing outsourcing services to a variety of area businesses. Services include parts assembly, secondary operations, sorting/collating, kitting, packaging, and other custom projects. Goodwill's industrial services division is iso 9001:2015 certified an international quality management system of regulatory requirements recognized, and often required, by area manufacturers seeking outsource services. Goodwill's janitorial services division provides comprehensive janitorial services, commercial floor care, and carpet cleaning to a variety of area businesses. Goodwill's sustainability/recycling services helps area business and manufacturers manage surplus corporate assets such as office electronics and computers, furniture, obsolete equipment or machinery, and other supplies in an environmentally responsible way. Through a combination of recycling and reuse practices, Goodwill ensures each donated asset reaches its best destination for maximum value and minimal waste. The division also provides free computer and tv recycling to the community. Computers, tvs, and other computer-related electronics are collected at Goodwill retail & donation locations and refurbished or recycled. The program diverts millions of pounds of waste from Michigan landfills and provides job and training opportunities for people with disabilities and other disadvantages. In 2022, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan diverted 112,000 pounds of electronic waste from the waste stream.