"Friends of Goodwill, be dissatisfied with your work until every person in your community has an opportunity to develop to his fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living." Edgar J. Helms, 1941
Reverend Edgar J. Helms founded Goodwill Industries in the early 1900s. His vision for Goodwill was an “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise… a provider of employment, training, and rehabilitation for people of limited employability". Through Goodwill, Helms provided jobs and cheaper goods to the poor to improve their living conditions. Over 120 years later, Goodwill holds true to its’ calling by providing education, training and job opportunities for people who have barriers to employment.
Through the 31 years I have served at Goodwill, I’ve met many incredible people. One of them is Priscilla Williams. Priscilla was referred for training services in Elkhart where I was working as a training coordinator. Priscilla had some challenges that she needed to overcome in order to live her life most abundantly. Eager to learn, she quickly progressed in her understanding of the job. Her bubbly personality and work ethic quickly made her a great candidate to be a vital part of the store team, and 20 years later Priscilla is still working at the same store. I remember her parents sharing with me how much they wanted to see their daughter succeed. She has done that- and more!
I’m asking you to support the work of Goodwill through a financial gift. You can help people like Priscilla realize their “most abundant life”. One hundred percent of your contribution provides education, training, and job opportunities.
Changing Lives Through the Power of Work,
Debie M. Coble
President and CEO
Goodwill exists to help individuals like Priscilla. Perhaps Reverend Edgar Helms said it best “Not Charity, but a Chance.”
