Diversity at Goofdwill Inc

Diversity Course Project for:

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin

HR 582: SP(A)-2011

Organizational Background

The Goodwill Industries movement was founded in 1902 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Methodist Minister Edgar J. Helms. Dr. Helms’ church, Morgan Memorial Chapel, offered social services to the people of the area. He was appalled by the conditions around him, so he solicited donations of clothing and furniture for the poor. And, so began the Goodwill Store.

Founded in 1919, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin is the largest of more than 168 Goodwill organizations in North America. More than 4,000 Goodwill employees work in over 49 locations throughout 23 counties in southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago.

Goodwill provides training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence. In 2010, Goodwill Industry served over 42,888 individuals, all striving to overcome disabilities or disadvantages. Goodwill's objective is to assist program participants in developing or securing work opportunities that fulfill their personal and professional goals, while providing wages and benefits that maintain self-sufficiency.

Goodwill provides workforce development that serves adults from various disadvantaged backgrounds – individuals with documented disabilities, ex-offenders, dislocated workers, and economically disadvantaged persons.

Goodwill’s services include intake, assessment, pre-employment skills training, basic and advanced computer skills training, data entry career training, light industrial and fork lift training, GED preparation, mentoring, job placement, and job coaching.

Goodwill’s Day Services promote independence in a safe, nurturing environment for men and women with developmental and physical disabilities, the frail elderly and medically fragile persons who need specialized care throughout the day. The operation serves the dual purpose...