Welcome to Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc. / About Us

: About Us

History of Goodwill

A Methodist Minister from Boston named Edgar J. Helms founded Goodwill Industries in 1902. Rev. Helms pioneered an organization that gave people hope, dignity and independence. When some of Boston's poorest citizens asked Rev. Helms for help getting food and clothing, he took a burlap bag and went to Boston's wealthiest citizens. Instead of asking for money, he asked for whatever clothing they could spare. Helms hired people in need - many of whom were considered unemployable - to repair damaged items and sell the donated items. The Goodwill store was born, as was Helms' philosophy of "Not charity, but a chance".

Overview of Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc., founded in 1920, is one of 215 independent Goodwills in the United States, Canada and 24 other countries. Goodwill serves individuals with disabilities and other disadvantaging conditions by providing job training, employment services and educational opportunities as well as job placement and post-employment support. Through our services, we help people overcome barriers to employment and become independent, tax-paying members of our community. In 2005, Goodwill served 2748 individuals. A 62% increase in just five years. Over the same period of time, Goodwill has reduced the per-person cost of delivering its programs and services by 48%.