Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

Goodwill Industries International, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the dignity and quality of life for individuals and families by strengthening communities. It helps those facing employment challenges reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

Founded in 1902 by Reverend Edgar J. Helms in Boston, Massachusetts, Goodwill began by collecting used household goods and clothing from wealthier areas. It then trained and hired individuals who were poor to mend and repair these items.

The refurbished goods were sold or given to those who repaired them, laying the foundation for Goodwill's mission. This mission focuses on providing **job training and employment services** to people facing barriers to employment.

Network and Locations

Today, Goodwill operates a network of more than 150 community-based, autonomous organizations across the United States and Canada. Additionally, it has a presence in Brazil, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Each local Goodwill organization designs its own programs to help people find work near where they live.

Programs and Services

The organization's primary focus is on providing job training, employment placement services, and community-based programs for people facing employment barriers. This includes individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those lacking job experience or education.

Services include career navigation, financial wellness programs, and postsecondary education and training, all aimed at equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed and gain independence.

Funding and Impact

Funding for Goodwill's programs is generated through sales of donated clothing and household items in over 3,300 retail stores and through online sales.

In 2023, Goodwill served over 2.1 million individuals worldwide, helping more than 141,935 people train for careers in areas such as banking, IT, and healthcare.

Supportive services include English language training, additional education, and access to transportation and childcare.

Workforce and Community Collaboration

Goodwill's impact is driven by its belief in the power of work to transform lives and communities. It has a network of over 20,000 employees, partnering with local communities to deliver meaningful social services.

The organization fosters an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Presence in Arizona

In Arizona, Goodwill operates in the following locations:

• Buckeye, AZ, USA
• Surprise, AZ, USA

These locations provide job training and employment services to individuals in their communities.