The mission of Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids is to assist people with disabilities or other barriers to realize their full employment potential and to be self-reliant, self-supporting and contributing members of our society

Description:
Goodwill is much more than stores and donated goods. It's a workforce development organization that provides job training and placement services to thousand of individuals each year. We help people find and keep jobs and offer various programs aimed at changing lives through the power of work.

Goodwill operates 12 retail stores in Kent, Ionia, Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. Proceeds from the stores help fund training and support for people who have barriers to employment - individuals who have difficulty finding work on their own.

Goodwill also has an online auction website, similar to e-bay allowing Goodwill's across the county to list items. You can visit the site at www.shopgoodwill.com.

History:
Goodwill Industries was founded in Boston in 1902 by Edgar Helms. Mr. Helms' vision was to provide clothing and employment opportunities for the less fortunate.

There are now about 190 Goodwill's internationally. Our local Goodwill was formed in July of 1966 with offices above our only store at the corner of South Division and Cherry. Goodwill now has 12 stores in 5 counties and employs over 400 people.

Contact people:

Tony Calcagno, Program Director, (phone), (email) Darin Crosby, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

750 1st Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (See a map)

Directions:

Located off Lane and Bridge Street off of I-196.