Goodwill puts more than 1,400 to work

Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids placed more than 1,400 people in jobs last year, according to spokesperson for the organization.

The non-profit group, which aims to promote the employability of people with disabilities, worked with 3,897 individuals on job training and placement services in 2006. Of those people, 1,463 landed jobs in the West Michigan area, according to Marketing Director Luisa Schumacher.

Goodwill worked closely with more than 300 employers to understand their workforce needs and fill open positions with qualified personnel. The group targets a variety of service-related fields such as the hospitality industry and retail as well as grooms other specialized skills in prospective employees.

Goodwill last month also named Kathy Crosby as the new CEO and President of the Grand Rapids branch. Crosby, a former vice president with the organization, fills the position left open by the departure of Phil Weaver last July. She's been with Goodwill since 1980.

Source: Luisa Schumacher, goodwillgr.org