Goodwill Of South West Florida Text Only Web Site

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Mission History

Mission Statement:

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. builds lives families, and communities one job at a time by helping people with disabilities and barriers to employment discover and develop their full potential through work and career development services.

History of Goodwill Industries

The Goodwill organization began in 1902 by a young minister in Boston named Edgar J. Helms. He conceived a plan that embodied the principle of "Not Charity, but a Chance" which provided employment and training for people with disabilities. This began the interdenominational work relief organization known today as Goodwill Industries.
Now Goodwill has hundreds of autonomous and self-governed agencies throughout the United States, and the world, each governed by a dedicated local Board of Directors who serve without pay. Goodwill's national office is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Local History

In 1952, Goodwill was brought to St. Petersburg, by a local resident, who was concerned about people with disabilities in the community. It was called Goodwill-Suncoast and it grew to be the largest Goodwill in the world, with branches in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Lakeland, and Fort Myers. The first Goodwill outlet in Southwest Florida was a store, which opened in Fort Myers in 1959. By 1966, several local businessmen, led by Fort Myers News-Press editor, Chesley Perry, had rallied to the Goodwill cause. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida was incorporated in May of 1966 and continued to operate as a branch of Suncoast until 1982, when it was granted autonomy.

Mission Statement:
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. builds lives, families, and communities one job at a time by helping people with disabilities and other barriers to employment discover their full potential through work and career development services.

Vision:
Our vision is to be recognized as a valued leader and resource for people with disabilities
and other disadvantages in the communities we serve.

Values:
The Goodwill Employee Pledge ~ I. C.A.R.E.
Integrity
Community
Accountability
Respect
Excellence

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GoodwillSWFL
(239) 995-2106 Fax: (239) 995-5868
4940 Bayline Drive
North Fort Myers, FL 33917