KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Goodwill Industries says a Kalamazoo woman who overcame addiction and rebuilt her life has been named their International 2026 Achiever of the Year for her resilience and commitment to helping others.
Katherine Yale, who first came to a Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan in 2023 after struggling to find work, was honored as an individual who overcame significant barriers to employment while benefiting from Goodwill’s programs or work environment.
The organization says she began working in Goodwill’s textiles department before advancing to several positions in the organization’s commercial operations, including closeout, new goods and the Blue Crew screen-printing team, but then relapsed and began coming to work under the influence before deciding she needed help.
After she entered treatment and spent time in jail, Goodwill held her position and welcomed her back.
She now works as a recovery coach navigator for Latitude Recovery Services in Kalamazoo, where she supports people recovering from substance use disorder, and often refers clients to Goodwill for employment and education services.
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