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Goodwill Industries was founded in
1902 by Reverend Edgar James Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston,
who was seeking ways to help residents in the city's impoverished
South End. Helms collected used clothing and household goods in
wealthier areas of the city, and then trained and hired poor people
and immigrants to repair the used goods. The donations were resold
or 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 was formally incorporated in 1910, providing job
skills training programs, and even a rudimentary placement service
for people who were unemployed.
Today, Goodwill Industries International has 181 autonomous member
organizations in the U.S. and Canada, and 45 associate members in
34 countries outside of North America.
In 1939, Goodwill Columbus was founded as Goodwill Industries of
Central Ohio. Beginning as a used goods business and sheltered employment
program, Goodwill Columbus eventually had 11 different stores in
Columbus and satellite divisions in Newark, Marion, Portsmouth,
and Chillicothe. In late 1977, Goodwill Columbus closed the stores
and focused on its rehabilitation and employment services. By the
1990's, we became the fourth largest not-for-profit organization
in Central Ohio.
Locally, Goodwill Columbus provides services, community living
experiences, and employment opportunities to assist individuals
who have disabilities or other challenges to enjoy full participation
in the community. Each year, our vocational, personal, social, and
community services assist more than 1,500 people with disabilities
or other special needs to attain a new level of independence.
In January of 2000 and February of 2001, Goodwill Columbus opened
thrift stores in Morse Centre and Hunters Ridge Shopping Center.
In February 2002 the Clintonville and Central Point Stores opend
their doors.
A Board of Directors governs Goodwill Columbus. Marjory Pizzuti
is President and CEO. Goodwill Columbus is a United Way Agency and
is accredited by CARF, the National Rehabilitation Accreditation
Commission.
Goodwill Columbus is working to help build a world where all individuals
with disabilities and special challenges will have the opportunity
to participate in a full range of life's experiences, including
competitive employment. Goodwill shall continue focusing on being
the leader in providing quality education, training, and employment
services, which empower individuals to be productive and independent.
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