Goodwill

Goodwill Industries International, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms. It serves as an umbrella organization for a network of community-based affiliates in the United States, Canada, and 23 other countries. Goodwill's mission is to provide job training, employment placement services, and community programs to assist individuals facing barriers to employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

The organization operates over 3,200 retail thrift stores worldwide, generating revenue through the sale of donated clothing and household goods. This revenue supports Goodwill's charitable services, with a significant portion directed toward vocational training and employment programs. Goodwill emphasizes empowering individuals through employment rather than direct charity, reflecting its philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out.” Through its initiatives, Goodwill aims to improve economic self-sufficiency for millions of people and their families.