Goodwill Industries International history

The organization, formally incorporated in 1910 and housed in Boston’s Morgan Memorial Chapel, became known as Morgan Memorial Cooperative Industries and Stores, Inc.

With Helms as the driving force, Goodwill Industries spread throughout the United States and by October 1919, that movement began in Milwaukee.Our Goodwill was born on the east side at Summerfield Methodist Church.

Goodwill of Greater Washington History In 1930, Elizabeth Murray, a social worker and advocate for people with disabilities, who strongly believed in the Goodwill mission, initiated a campaign to establish Goodwill of Greater Washington (Goodwill) in the nation’s capital.

Founded on October 10, 1931 in Roanoke, Virginia, Mr.

Goodwill of Lorain County was incorporated on February 28, 1933.

Edgar J. Helms [left], Goodwill Industries 1935 [center], 1935 Advertisement [right]

The first Goodwill store in Spokane opened in December 1939.

In 1956, Goodwill opened a comprehensive rehabilitation center to serve the large number of veterans with disabilities.

Established in Austin in 1958, Goodwill Central Texas, a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, has become a multi-dimensional non-profit deeply entwined with business and job growth, the environment, and the overall spirit of Central Texas.

Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. was founded on June 1, 1965.

A Halfway House for men was established on July 1, 1972, providing temporary supervised living for Personal Work Adjustment Training clients.

Our laundry services launched in 1974, serving Naval Station Great Lakes and beginning a long-standing relationship with the Navy.

The first computer training class began at the Mabry Street facility in March 2001 and Career Training Centers were added to many stores.

The Fashion of Goodwill began in September 2005 changing the face of our thrift stores.

In October 2011, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys celebrated 80 years of service.

After a three year hiatus due to the recession, the Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show & Gala returns with a bang! “La Passione di Milano” was held at the Embassy of Italy in September, 2012, drawing over 400 guests and generating more than $200,000

Jacqueline (Jackie) Hallberg succeeds John L. Miller as Goodwill’s next President and CEO in January 2013.

In 2018, Goodwill staff served over 9 million meals, handled over 3 million pieces of mail, and issued over 2.5 million uniform pieces to Sailors and Recruits.

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) ranks 3rd nationally, out of 150+ Goodwill organizations, for total placements in 2019.

Nearly 2 million individuals in 2021 alone.