Goodwill was founded in Boston in 1902 by Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister. When a ragged group 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, 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 more than 5 million lives over the course of the past century.

In Tacoma, Rev. Herbert W. Michener - another young Methodist minister, one who had known Goodwill founder Reverend Edgar Helms - talked constantly about a Goodwill Industries for Tacoma. Eventually the ladies of his church handed him some leftover materials from a rummage sale and suggested he get started. On April 19, 1922 Tacoma Goodwill Industries filed articles of incorporation to operate as a nonprofit organization in Tacoma, and 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 they were required to seek larger quarters. In 1932, its first dedicated structure was built at 356 Tacoma Avenue South.

On August 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 South 27th Street, where they still operate today.

Meanwhile, TGI branched out again setting up a small workshop and retail outlet June 1, 1962 in Longview, Washington. It was in 1973 that Tacoma Goodwill Industries received its first full three-year accreditation from CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Internationally, Goodwill Industries now encompasses 211 member organizations in the United States, Canada and 24 other countries. Today Tacoma Goodwill Industries is Pierce County's 24th largest employer. It operates 17 retail stores with branch office locations in Yakima and Longview. It serves clients from 14 counties and employs 875 people.

The single largest revenue source is still the retail sales of donated goods. Other sources of income include government grants, contracts and industrial services, and public support. While Goodwill is no longer in the business of repairing donated items, it 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 move to competitive employment in the community.