Most people think of Goodwill as just a thrift store. But our business is really about changing lives -- training the injured truck driver for a new career in computer technology, putting the single mother on welfare back to work, or simply employing a person who has no work history in one of our nine retail stores and 16 donation centers.
Goodwill is perhaps the most creative self-help idea of our time, conceived in 1902 by Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston. He created jobs by collecting unwanted household goods, then employing people to repair and resell them. The income from resold goods paid the worker’s wages. In turn, the reclaimed items became available to anyone at affordable prices.
Founded in 1949, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth Inc. has built on that heritage to become a dynamic force that empowers those who seek not an open hand, but the open door of opportunity.
Things you should know about Goodwill:
- At least 87% of all money earned by Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth goes into programs and services.
- Goodwill Industries International, Inc., is the largest employer of people with disabilities in the world.
- Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth strives to maintain an employment ratio of 80% disabled workers.
- Over 80% of Goodwill Fort Worth graduates become gainfully employed and remain employed.
- Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth is a United Way partner agency.
- About 65% of Goodwill Fort Worth’s $11 million revenue is generated through the sale of donated goods.
