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Ending Poverty in Southwestern Michigan

We believe the best way to fight poverty and improve lives is through the power of education, employment, and support services.

Education

Support Services

Employment Services

our story

What we do

We are more than just a thrift store and a place to drop off your old clothes! As a nonprofit organization our main focus is helping people escape poverty through education and employment so they can reach their full potential. The main programs that are designed to do just that include: Forklift Certification, Basic Computer Education, Adult Education (GED), Job Development, The “Why Work” Program, and Workers On Wheels. We live by our mission, “Tailoring employment, education, training, and support services to individual needs.” These programs are funded through donations, thrift store sales (92% of every dollar goes into our programs), supply chain solutions, and helping small businesses and startups get off the ground. Support our mission by finding a retail store near you and find out why we have the best thrift stores in Michigan

Since
1956

Featured Programs

Our Programs and Services

Computer Education

Adult education

Forklift Certification

Job Development

Why Work Program

Workers On Wheels

What we're proud of

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Core and Support Services Provided
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People Placed in Jobs
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Families in LifeGuides
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Pounds Saved From Landfills

Lifeguides

Fighting poverty with a

20 YEAR COMMITMENT

TO FAMILIES WITH A CHILD AGES 0-3

The Goodwill Life Guides program is a 20-year commitment to families who want to exit poverty. Working with a Life Guide coach, families set goals to move toward self-sufficiency. At the end of hte program the youngest family member (child 0-3 at program entry) will have graduated from high school (or a high school equivalency program), entered post-secondary education or trade school, and exited poverty by earning a living wage for their family size. 

Read more at www.lifeguidesswmi.org

Featured companies

Our Community Partners

The success of our programs and agency as a whole would not be possible without the help of our amazing community partners

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Customer Feedback

I really like shopping here. The team members here are great. I've never had a problem. Everyone is really nice and willing to help especially management.
Shakita Givhan
Customer
This is by far the Best Goodwill around . Staff is so friendly and helpful. The store is clean and very organized. We are blessed to have it in Three Rivers.
Diane Stauffer
Customer

Follow Us On Social Media

Email or Call us!

While we try to answer as many questions and give as much info as we can, sometimes it helps to just talk to someone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for? ¿Para quién es este?
People who want a career in early childhood education. Personas que quieren una carrera en educación infantil.
What is it? ¿Qué es?
A career pathway with support to help you reach your long-term career goals. Una formación vocacional con apoyo para ayudarlo a alcanzar sus metas profesionales a largo plazo.
What is an apprenticeship? ¿Qué es un aprendizaje?
An apprenticeship pays you while you get trained for the job. Un aprendizaje le pagará mientras le capacitan para el trabajo.
When will it begin? ¿Cuándo empezará?
You can apply for this apprenticeship beginning January 2021. It is full-time. Puede aplicar para este aprendizaje a partir de enero de 2021.La posición es a tiempo completo.
If I’m offered a position where will I be employed? Si me ofrecen un puesto, ¿dónde trabajaré?
YWCA Kalamazoo Children’s Center Centro Infantil de YWCA Kalamazoo
Why is this opportunity being offered? ¿Por qué se ofrece esta oportunidad?
To have more people with credentials to work in early learning and child care programs in the neighborhood. To help create more home child care slots in the neighborhood. Tener más personas con credenciales para trabajar en programas de educación temprana y guarderías en el vecindario. Para ayudar a crear más espacios de cuidado infantil en el hogar en el vecindario.
Why should I apply? ¿Por qué debo solicitar un puesto?
You should apply if you want a career where you can make a difference in the lives of children and families in your neighborhood. Debe presentar una solicitud si desea una carrera en la que pueda marcar una diferencia en la vida de los niños y las familias de su vecindario.
How can I apply? ¿Cómo puedo solicitar un puesto?
Complete this form. Complete este formulario de interés.