Goodwill Industries Provides Helping Hand To Disadvantaged

Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 by a Boston minister, Dr. Edgar J. Helms, who wanted to give indigent immigrants a chance, not charity.

He conceived the idea of collecting unwanted household goods and employing jobless men and women to refurbish them. Income from the resold goods paid the workers’ wages and the Goodwill method of self-help was born.

The movement spread across the country, and in 1939, what is now Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest was founded in Spokane. Diane Galloway, a Goodwill spokesperson, provided the following information about the nonprofit agency.

Q. What does your agency do?

A. Goodwill assists people with disabilities and disadvantages through training, employment, and education, creating opportunities within their communities. Services are both vocational (job-related) and nonvocational.

Increasingly, Goodwill has emphasized placing individuals in jobs in the community. We serve a variety of individuals, ranging from those with physical disabilities and mental health impairments to people transitioning from welfare to work.

Q. How many paid staff members do you have?

A. Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest employs 380 people in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. In addition, its GTS Temporary Services employs temporary workers.

Q. What kind of service opportunities exist for volunteers?

A. Volunteers assist Goodwill with donation drives and with special events (such as our annual fall fund-raising dinner-auction and spring fashion show luncheon and sale). The number of volunteers varies. We welcome new ones!

Q. How are you funded?

A. Goodwill is funded mainly by the sale of goods in our 10 regional stores. Out of every dollar spent in our stores, 85 cents goes directly to fund our programs. In addition, Goodwill receives some funding from state and social service agencies to provide specific services for individuals; some grants from foundations for specific projects; and public support through cash and in-kind gifts and participation in our events.

Q. What is the impact of your services?

A. In 1999 Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest served more than 1,330 people. Many of these individuals have flourished with newly found self-esteem and the pride of earning a paycheck. In addition to placing program participants in the community, Goodwill itself contributes a significant payroll of its own employees and the local purchase of goods and services in the region.

Q. How has your agency grown?

A. Goodwill has experienced steady growth in recent years, especially in its services in the rural areas of North Idaho. From a single location in Coeur d’Alene, Goodwill now has two operations in the Lake City (one combines the store, processing plant, and rehabilitation offices; the other houses Community and Employment Services staff); a store and offices in Sandpoint; and offices in Bonners Ferry and St. Maries.

Clark Brekke, director of human services, predicts continued growth in the Panhandle. Some of that growth will be the result of collaborative partnerships, both with business and with other nonprofits. “Workforce development is the key need in this area, and we are committed to meeting it,” he said. “We plan to expand the training available to meet that need and expect to increase the number of our participants significantly.”

Q. What do you see as the largest unmet need of this community (North Idaho)?

A. Many current jobs are in service occupations and there is a skills gap for many businesses. We see a need for short-term training and job readiness to supplement existing programs and the work of the colleges.

Q. What is your most underused service?

A. There are two relatively new programs that people in the community may not be aware of. Our Protective Payee Program provides assistance in managing monthly finances for individuals receiving Social Security benefits. Goodwill’s Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program is very strong in North Idaho. It provides a wide range of services to help individuals with mental health challenges integrate more fully into the community and the world of work.

Q. How can people contact you if they want to donate money or time or if they need your services?

A. For information about Goodwill’s services, call the Coeur d’Alene office at 667-6463. For information about donating to or otherwise becoming involved with Goodwill, call Tracie Olin, Coeur d’Alene Facility Manager, 664-2552.