ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN AND METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago is a nonprofit workforce development leader with a mission of connecting people to work and preparing people for life. We are the largest among a network of 155 Goodwill organizations in North America and serve 23 counties across southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Our work and how we serve our communities is guided by our commitment to create equitable opportunities and a zero-barrier culture of employment equity and inclusion while embedding diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our businesses and mission services. 

Today, our work remains grounded in the beliefs of Goodwill Founder, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, that we must “be dissatisfied with our work until every person in our community has an opportunity to develop to their fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.” 

OUR MISSION

Connecting people to work. Preparing people for life.

OUR VISION

Transforming lives and communities through The Power of Work.

Over 150 million pounds of materials kept out of landfills

Almost 900 employer events helped people find jobs

More than 6,400 people received free employment services & resources

Processed over 4 million generous donations from people in the community

8.4 million retail sales transactions

HOW WE DO IT

Goodwill's mission is centered around work and its transformative power. We believe that work builds self-confidence, friendship, independence, creativity, and trust - things that everyone deserves to have. We accomplish our mission by providing meaningful work, training, and career advancement opportunities for more than 5,000 employees, and preparing and connecting job seekers with employers in the community and inside our organization, across all career levels to support our retail, laundry and staffing businesses. 

MISSION SERVICES

Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago's Mission Services provides a variety of programs to help people discover their true potential, find job placement, and achieve independence.

RETAIL

Step into the heart of our vibrant community at any one of our  Goodwill store and donation centers. Our retail operation includes a robust network of store and donation centers, outlets and our e-commerce platform.

GOODWILL GREAT LAKES

The U.S. Navy, Goodwill, and SourceAmerica are partnered at Naval Station Great Lakes through the AbilityOne Program, providing employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. 

LAUNDRY & LINEN

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago has been a provider of quality commercial laundry services since 1974 when we began processing laundry for the U.S. Navy at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. Our customers now include hospitals and clinics throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

TALENTBRIDGE

TalentBridge is our full-service staffing and recruitment firm where we help employer partners secure talent for contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement.

HISTORY OF GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN AND METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

At the dawn of the 19th century, nestled in the heart of Boston, an extraordinary concept was born. Reverend Edgar J. Helms, fueled by a fierce determination to combat poverty, envisioned a future where people could thrive through learning valuable trade skills. In a time, devoid of government aid, Helms embarked on a mission of empowerment, armed with nothing but a burlap bag and unyielding resolve.

Door-to-door, he sought the generosity of Boston's affluent, gathering shoes, clothing, and furniture to give the less fortunate a chance to learn, work, and rebuild their lives. This powerful initiative transformed discarded items into treasured opportunities, as people in need honed their skills and earned a living through the restoration and resale of donated goods. This remarkable endeavor soon evolved into an industrial school, laying the groundwork for the future of Goodwill Industries.

Helms' tireless efforts propelled Goodwill's expansion across the United States, reaching Milwaukee in October 1919. It began humbly on the east side at Summerfield Methodist Church, where the organization first instilled hope, independence and dignity in the lives of people with disabilities.

Over the years, our services have changed to respond to the needs of the times. From aiding neighbors during the Great Depression and supporting wounded World War II soldiers, to embracing the digital age and providing vital support during economic recessions, Goodwill has remained committed to empowering people in need.

Today, as we reflect on our storied past and embrace the challenges of tomorrow, one thing remains constant: our unshakable belief in the Power of Work. Together, we continue to uplift and transform lives, carrying forth the legacy of Rev. Edgar J. Helms and his unwavering vision for a better world.