Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

What a great day at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan! We were proud to host our Design for Impact Ideation Session with area businesses and community partners to share the many ways Goodwill is creating opportunities across our region. From GED support and financial services to workforce development, manufacturing certifications, and future-focused training in medical and clean technology fields, the conversation centered on building stronger pathways for the future. We also celebrated a major milestone — 70 years of impact in Southwestern Michigan — with cake and appreciation for everyone who has supported our mission along the way. Thank you to all who joined us to learn, collaborate, and help design a stronger future for our community.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan is proud to participate in the Community Resource Roundtable hosted by St. Joseph County ISD. This event brings together approximately 40 organizations, all committed to sharing resources, building partnerships, and strengthening connections across our communities. It’s a valuable opportunity to collaborate, network, and ensure individuals and families are aware of the wide range of services available to them. We’re excited to have a table at the event where we can connect with fellow organizations and community members, and share more about our Mission Services and the programs we offer. At Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, we are dedicated to helping build stronger communities across the seven counties we serve. Events like this play an important role in expanding our reach and impact. We look forward to meaningful conversations and new partnerships!

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan is proud to congratulate Ryan Kurzava, the first graduate of our Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) program. This short-term training program is designed to support individuals currently working in manufacturing—as well as those interested in entering the field—by building foundational skills, strengthening employability, and creating pathways to long-term career growth. Ryan’s achievement represents an important milestone for the program and highlights the impact of strong community partnerships. Congratulations were shared by Allyson Salmon, Career Navigator at the Allegan Tech Center; Jim Steffens, Instructor at the Allegan Tech Center; and Erik Bergh, Vice President of Mission Services at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan. If you’re interested in enrolling in future CMfgA classes at no cost and earning your certification, please contact: Erik Bergh 269-459-4769 ebergh@goodwillswmi.org

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan is proud to have been a corporate sponsor of this year’s WMU College of Education & Human Development MODA Fashion Show. For the past four years, our organization has had the opportunity to support students in the Fashion Merchandising program—helping bridge classroom learning with real-world insights from the thrift and resale industry. Seeing their creativity, innovation, and dedication showcased on the runway was truly inspiring. Events like MODA highlight the growing impact of sustainable fashion, and we are honored to support and encourage the next generation of industry leaders. Thank you to the students, faculty, and organizers for an exceptional event.

Thanks to incredible community support, our Three Rivers Goodwill location was voted Best Retail/Consignment Shop of 2025 by the Three Rivers Commercial News. While this recognition is exciting, what makes it meaningful is the impact behind it. Every donation, every purchase, and every interaction in that store helps fuel our mission—providing job training, education, and employment opportunities for individuals right here in Southwestern Michigan. This team shows up every day committed not just to great customer service, but to creating pathways for people to build skills, gain confidence, and move toward sustainable employment. That’s what this award truly represents. To our Three Rivers team: thank you for the heart you bring to your work and the difference you make in your community. And to the community—thank you for believing in our mission and making this impact possible.

We’re incredibly grateful to Huntington Bank for partnering with us during their Service Heart Day yesterday! Their team rolled up their sleeves and made a meaningful impact by volunteering at three of our Goodwill retail locations (West Main, Sturgis, and Three Rivers). From supporting store operations to helping create a welcoming experience for our shoppers, their dedication truly reflects the power of community in action. Thank you, Huntington Bank, for investing your time and heart into the communities we serve. 

At Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, we see firsthand the value of education and personal milestones. Recently, a high school diploma from 2006 was discovered among donations. Thanks to our team, we were able to contact the owner, and a family member came in to claim it. It’s a small reminder of how meaningful these achievements are. For many adults, earning a diploma may not have been possible at the time — which is why we proudly offer a free GED program. This program helps individuals prepare for and pass the GED exam, opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures right here in Southwestern Michigan. To learn more about how you or someone you know can participate, contact us at (269) 382-0490.

Community partnerships make a meaningful impact, and we were proud to be part of the Mascot Madness event at the Kalamazoo Wings hockey game. Our mascot, Smiling G, joined mascots from across the community on the ice while members of the Goodwill team cheered from the stands. Events like these are a great reminder of the strong community spirit here in Southwestern Michigan. Thank you to the Kalamazoo KWings for the invitation and for bringing organizations together to celebrate our community. We’re always grateful for opportunities to connect, support local events, and share the mission of Goodwill with our neighbors.

Sometimes, the smallest items carry the biggest stories. Recently at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, a Western Michigan University Marching Band jacket came through our donations. While many incredible items are generously given to support our mission, this one stood out. A marching band jacket represents pride, tradition, and years of dedication — and we knew it needed to find its way home. After the jacket was identified, it was passed along to Stacie Jackson, Director of Marketing and Communications, who took the initiative to research the proper contact at Western Michigan University. She connected with Associate Director Trey Harris of the WMU Marching Band and coordinated a time to personally return the jacket to campus. At Goodwill, we believe in doing the right thing — even when no one is watching. Returning this jacket wasn’t just about an article of clothing; it was about honoring the student experience, respecting the legacy of the band, and reinforcing our commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to support and partner with institutions like Western Michigan University and to continue finding meaningful ways to give back beyond our mission services. Because community isn’t just what we serve — it’s who we are.

Our West Main location was buzzing with energy as we welcomed the talented Western Michigan University MODA students for their Style Wars Event! With just 15 minutes on the clock, these creative minds transformed Goodwill finds into stunning runway-ready looks inspired by three bold themes: Western, Maximalism, and Pursuit of Happiness. From denim and heels to vibrant layers and joyful color palettes, every outfit was a masterpiece of imagination and resourcefulness. The students didn’t just design — they owned the runway, showcasing how sustainable fashion can be both stylish and fun. We’re always thrilled to partner with WMU’s fashion program and can’t wait to see what they dream up next. Go Broncos!