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Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. Our business works - so people can!

A century of Goodwill

More than a century ago, Goodwill began helping people achieve full participation in society. Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 in Boston by the Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister. Thirteen years later, in Brooklyn, the New York Goodwill followed, founded by the Rev. Dr. Henry Paul Schauffler and the Rev Edward F. Sanderson. Goodwill’s name was first put in use by the Brooklyn agency.

Today, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization serving people with mental and physical disabilities, the unemployed, new immigrants, ex-offenders, mature workers and underserved youth. Goodwill’s diverse programs span New York City, Northern New Jersey, Long Island and upstate New York. Goodwill serves more than 136,000 people annually.

Goodwill’s mission of putting people to work has never been a higher priority for businesses and for government than it is today. We serve the Greater New York region (ranging from the Albany area to New York City and Northern New Jersey) with a range of effective human service programs to help people achieve participation in society through employment. Goodwill is about the people we serve; we believe that the power of work can transform entire communities, one person, one family, and one life at a time.

People who need Goodwill’s services come from all walks of life. Some are unemployed and underserved. Others may be developmentally or physically disabled, depressed or emotionally disturbed and suffering from mental illness. Some are new immigrants or have been recently released from prison. Some are people you would never expect to need help at all. In several communities, Goodwill also provides programs to keep young people in school, improve their language and learning skills, and enhance their work-readiness. Goodwill helps thousands of people find productive, meaningful work every day through our programs and services. With Goodwill’s help, people experience the pride and excitement of earning a wage.