Goodwill Industries History

At the turn of the century, a Methodist minister in Boston’s South End pioneered an organization that gave people hope, dignity and independence. Rev. Edgar J. Helms’ original concept was visionary, for it is just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. His social innovation set in motion a worldwide movement that would transform more than 5 million lives over the course of a century, all through the power of work.

Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston’s South End by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired the poor and immigrants to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out” was born.

The organization, formally incorporated in 1910 and housed in Boston’s Morgan Memorial Chapel, became known as Morgan Memorial Cooperative Industries and Stores, Inc. It provided job skills training programs and even a rudimentary placement service. The name “Goodwill Industries” was later adopted after a Brooklyn, NY, workshop coined the phrase.

Dr. Helms’ vision set an early course for what would one day become a $1.8 billion nonprofit organization. Helms described Goodwill Industries as an “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise…a provider of employment, training and rehabilitation for people of limited employability, and a source of temporary assistance for individuals whose resources were depleted.”

Tomorrow

While Goodwill Industries has an amazing history and record of accomplishment, we cannot be satisfied while so many still need our services.  Throughout the 21st Century Initiative, the organization seeks to improve the economic self-sufficiency of 20 million people and their families by 2020.  Times have changed, but Helms’ vision remains constant.  “We have courage and are unafraid.  With the prayerful cooperation of millions of our bag contributors and of our workers, we will press on till the curse of poverty and exploitation is banished from mankind.”

2009 - 2010 Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board
Mark Nichols – Koch Industries

Vice Chairman of the Board
Shawn Lancelot – Bank of America

Secretary
Rhonda Dennis – Capitol Federal Savings

Treasurer
Bill Pickert - BKD, LLP

Members at Large:
Don Barry – Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Brad Clothier – Preferred Health Systems
Melissa Dick – DEN Management
Tom Dondlinger – Dondlinger & Sons Construction, Inc.
Brent Edmiston – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
Joe Johnson – Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture
Bill Hanna – Koch Industries (retired)
Robert Harmon – INTRUST Bank
Dixie Harris – Cargill Meat Solutions
Chris Hurst – Foulston Siefkin, LLP
Joe Johnson – Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture
Deb McArthur – Wesley Medical Center
Dave Murfin – Murfin Oil & Drilling
Sue Ronshagen - Cessna Aircraft Company
Eric Sexton – Wichita State University
Richard Stafford – The Boeing Company
Dave Unruh – Sedgwick County Commissioner
Tod Wawzysko – Spirit AeroSystems

Goodwill Industries Executive Staff Members

Emily Compton
President/CEO

Paula Page
Vice President of Human Resources

Brenda Webb
Vice President of Operations

Dave Chadick
Vice President of Industrial Services

Gayle Goetz
Vice President of Development / Career Services

Greg Sandlin
Vice President of Administration/CFO

Curtis Tatum
Vice President of Workforce Development