Goodwill Industries International, Inc. (GII)

Goodwill founder Rev. Edgar J. Helms

In 1902, Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister working in Boston, wanted to help the destitute – mostly immigrants – living in the city’s impoverished South End. He conceived the idea of collecting unwanted household goods and employed poor men and women to repair and refurbish them for resale. Income from the sold goods paid the workers’ wages. The system worked, and the Goodwill method of self-help was born.

Many people know Goodwill as a place to donate used clothing or household items -- a place to find a real bargain. But did you know that Goodwill is also a place where thousands of formerly unemployed individuals have been given the opportunity to earn a living and the chance to succeed in life?

Today, there are 13 Goodwill organizations around the world, consisting of more than 2,300 retail stores. Each organization works to create opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs. Each Goodwill is an independent organization governed by a voluntary board of directors. (source:www.goodwill.org)

• People served through employment and training programs: 1,525,451
• Workforce development services provided: 10,490,787
• People who earned a job with Goodwill’s help : 172,317
• Estimated total earnings of people who earned a job with Goodwill’s help: $2.3 billion
• Personal and family support services provided: 18,534,362
• Total revenue generated by Goodwill organizations: $3.28 billion
• Total revenue spent directly on programs: 84 percent
• Total number of donors (includes repeat donations): 64.4 million
• Total number of retail stores: 2,324

• Retail sales: $2.16 billion
• Industrial and service contract work: $597.2 million
• Individual/corporate/foundation support for mission services: $61.1 million
• Government support for mission services: $392.49 million
• Other revenue: $46.5 million

For more information about Goodwill Industries International please visit www.goodwill.org.