Tacoma Goodwill opened in 1921 as the 19th Goodwill agency in the United States, offering training and assistance for people in our community. While no longer in the business of repairing donated items, Goodwill employs hundreds of people in the cycle of donations, processing, and resale of these goods. Training programs in computer technology, English as a Second Language, custodial skills, and on-the-job skills help our clients to move to competitive jobs in today’s economy.
In 1902, Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, founded Goodwill in Boston.
When he faced a group who asked him for help getting food and clothes, Helms took a burlap bag and went to Boston’s wealthy citizens. Instead of asking for money, he asked for whatever clothing they could spare. The Goodwill store was born when Helms hired people in need – many of whom were considered unemployable – to repair damaged items and sell the donated goods.
‘A hand up…’
“A hand up, not a hand out” was his motto. Helms opened Goodwill’s doors to anyone with a “willingness to work” and became the pioneer of an organization that gave people hope, dignity and independence by providing them with the means to earn a paycheck and support their families.
His social innovation set in motion a worldwide movement – Goodwill Industries – that has touched millions over the course of the past century.
Tacoma History
In Tacoma, Rev. Herbert W. Michener – another young Methodist minister, one who had known Goodwill founder Rev. Helms – talked constantly about a Goodwill Industries for Tacoma. Eventually, in 1921, the ladies of Michener’s church handed him some leftover materials from a rummage sale and suggested he get started.
It was on April 19, 1922 Tacoma Goodwill Industries filed formal articles of incorporation to operate as a nonprofit organization in Tacoma. The agency located in the old Central Methodist Church.
During the 1930s, Goodwill Industries became known as the most outstanding philanthropic movement of its time. Tacoma Goodwill grew so quickly that on five different occasions it was required to seek larger quarters.
Growing to meet service needs
- In 1932, its first dedicated structure was built at 356 Tacoma Ave. S.
- On Aug. 28, 1952, Tacoma Goodwill Industries established its first branch operations, setting up a small retail store in Yakima.
- In 1958, the concept of specialized rehabilitation for the developmentally and emotionally disabled came about, and the foundation was laid for the program of rehabilitation services that this agency delivers today.
- Tacoma Goodwill Industries continued to grow. A new building was constructed for Goodwill, and in 1965, the industrial operations and administration offices moved to 714 S. 27th St.
- Goodwill branched out again, setting up a small workshop and retail outlet June 1, 1962 in Longview.
- It was in 1973 that Tacoma Goodwill Industries received its first full three-year accreditation from CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. It maintains CARF certification through this day.
- Over the years, Goodwill has opened or renovated more stores. Recent store openings include Sequim, Shelton and Yelm.
- In September 2009, Goodwill held a public dedication for its new Milgard Work Opportunity Center. The four-story, 63,000-square-foot facility is a LEED Gold building with five times the classroom space of our previous facility, a Distance Learning Theater and REACH, a partnership of educational institutions and nonprofit agencies focused on helping young adults.
- In 2011, Goodwill placed a record 1,704 people in jobs throughout the community.
