AFTER RECENTLY RELOCATING TO MUSKEGON, Tomasyne tried to find work in her new community but was having difficulty securing a job on her own. “My confidence level in my ability to find employment was getting low. I was living off my savings and I knew I needed help,” she said.

Tomasyne had heard that Goodwill helps people with job placement, so she called the Career Center and made an appointment with Career Coach LaTonya Burks. After some career exploration and assessment of her skills, LaTonya suggested she enroll in Goodwill’s GoodWorks training program.

“Tomasyne was interested in rejoining the workforce,” LaTonya said. “She had been out for some time, so she needed some assistance.”

GoodWorks is a short-term, customizable program that includes classroom instruction on résumé writing, interview coaching, job search assistance, and financial training (budgeting, saving, debt reduction). This classroom training is combined with paid Work Experience Training in Goodwill’s Industrial Services Center doing work such as packaging and assembly for Goodwill’s contract partners.

“The in-house work experience helps introduce or reacclimate a person to the routine and structure of work,” LaTonya said. “It also enhances their résumé and skill set, and puts money in their pocket in the interim. By putting her in the GoodWorks program, we could assess what her strengths were, and work on areas where she could use some additional help.”

Through Goodwill’s staffing agency, GoodTemps, Tomasyne was placed in a temporary work assignment with local nonprofit Community enCompass. “I got my confidence back and was able to pay my bills,” she said.

Through Goodwill’s staffing agency, GoodTemps, Tomasyne was placed in a temporary work assignment with local nonprofit Community enCompass. “I got my confidence back and was able to pay my bills,” she said.

Knowing her position was temporary, Tomasyne kept in contact with LaTonya. When a receptionist position at Goodwill’s Career Center opened up she jumped at the opportunity and landed the job.

“Tomasyne exhibits what perseverance and determination can lead to,” Career Center Manager Carl Lewis said. “She cheerfully greets and assists people seeking Goodwill services. She likes to mentor, encourage, and motivate. She is well deserving of this recognition.”

“She just fits the culture; her work ethic, her go-get-it spirit,” LaTonya said. “That's the type of person you want on staff.”

“I can't even imagine right now of working anywhere else. I want to thank Goodwill for being who they are and what they stand for in the community. I'm really, really proud to be an employee here at Goodwill in Muskegon,” Tomasyne said. “My next goal is to become a Goodwill Career Coach.”