Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has provided occupational skills training, job placement, and support services for people with barriers to employment since 1959. In FY 2007, Goodwill served more than 8,000 people through its career development, employment services, and education/training programs helped 1,699 people find employment in our community. Now these individuals, who would otherwise be dependent on government assistance or community services, are attaining the self-sufficiency, dignity, and confidence that work and a paycheck brings.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is a private, not-for-profit human services organization and a dues-paying member of the growing network of Goodwill member agencies throughout the world. There are currently 170 full member Goodwill organizations in four countries. Making Goodwill rare among not-for-profit agencies is the fact that most of its revenue is earned. Revenue-producing activities, such as its donated goods and retail store operations and its community work and purchase of service contracts, help support the fulfillment of the agency’s mission. The remainder of Goodwill’s revenue is provided through individual, corporate and foundation contributions. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is also a funded Aloha United Way agency. Locally, last year Goodwill reported more than $25 million in revenue. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii channels more than 90% of its revenues into programs and services.

The Goodwill philosophy of community service through the power of work celebrated its centennial in 2002. In 1902, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist Minister, took burlap bags into Boston’s wealthier neighborhoods collecting donations. Reverend Helms invited community residents with disabilities and other disadvantages to help repair and sell the donations and used the revenue made through the sales to pay the workers. The principle of dignity and empowerment developed through work and the ability to earn wages continues to guide Goodwill member agencies around the world today. Each Goodwill organization provides job training and employment services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support. Through its services, the network helps people overcome barriers to employment and become independent, tax-paying members of their communities.

Nationally, Goodwill Industries International has announced its 21st Century Initiative to serve 20 million people by the year 2020. Goodwill has outlined strategies to meet this commitment, including a) taking a whole-family approach to help people achieve success in the workplace, b) developing business opportunities around the world, c) focusing on technology training and resources as a means of workplace success and d) developing and optimizing the use of Goodwill’s resources. Since the organization’s founding in 1902, Goodwill has helped more than 9 million people.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is focused on the quality of its programs and services and is proud to be nationally accredited by CARF. Goodwill has been continuously accredited by CARF for more than 30 years.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii’s mission statement is: Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc. helps people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

40 Years of Service to Hawaii’s Community

June 4, 1959 Goodwill Industries is incorporated in the Territory of Hawaii with Dr. Euchio Chung serving as its first Executive Director.

1961 Goodwill places 3 people into jobs.

1962 Goodwill joins the Council of Social Agencies of Honolulu.

1962 Goodwill has 28 employees. Goodwill places 3 people into jobs.

1964 Evaluation & Training Program begins.

1968 Mayor Neal Blaisdell asks Goodwill’s Executive Director to chair the City & County Committee on the Employment of the physically handicapped.

1973 Accreditation by Goodwill Industries of America, scoring 90.4% of total possible points.

1973 Goodwill serves 316 people and places 27 people into employment.

1974 Goodwill receives its first national Goodwill award for “Outstanding Public Relations Achievement”.

1975 Goodwill becomes a funded Aloha United Way agency.

1976 Goodwill is the first agency in the state to receive its CARF accreditation.

1978 Goodwill receives its first NISH contract – sewing painters’ hoods for the U.S. Navy.

1979 Goodwill hosts its first Handicapped Job Fair with 28 companies and 200 applicants. 24 job placements are made.

1981 Goodwill establishes Food Service Training.

1982 The new Mapunapuna facility is dedicated. The Royal Hawaiian Band provides entertainment.

1986 GTAP Supported Employment Program begins.

1988 A national Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (GIVS) Charter is received.

1989 NISH Federal Courthouse custodial contract begins.

1990 The first Hawaii Yacht Club/Goodwill Fishing Tournament is held.

1991 Goodwill holds its first Fundraising Auction.

1994 Weinberg Grant is received to establish an Endowment Fund.

1995 Goodwill begins Working Hands Hawaii, a program for the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.

1997 Employment Works, Goodwill’s Welfare-to-Work program begins.

1998 Neighbor Island operations begin with the Hilo day activity programs.

1999 Goodwill serves over 1,350 people through 16 different programs and places over 300 people into jobs.

2000 Pacific Business News names Goodwill Industries of Hawaii as the #1 Permanent Placement Firm.

2002 More than 200 member agencies celebrate Goodwill’s Centennial Anniversary (1902 – 2002).

2003 For the 4th year, Goodwill is rated as PBN’s #1 Permanent Placement Firm.

2004 Goodwill's first Employment & Training program on Maui begins.

2005 Goodwill gains statewide presence with the SEE Hawaii Work program.

2006 Goodwill kicks off its capital campaign for the Ohana Career and Learning Center.

2007 Goodwill serves 8,222 and places 1,699 into employment.