Goodwill was founded in 1902 by Boston Minister, Reverend Edgar J. Helms. He took donations from wealthy Bostonians and hired people who were poor and who could fix the items. The items were then given to the people who worked on them or were resold. Goodwill's philosophy is "a hand up, not a hand out". Today Goodwill has become a $5 billion nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment, and community programs for people who have disabilities that might prevent them from getting a job on their own.
This Goodwill is part of the Gulfstream Goodwill which operates in 5 counties, Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Indian River. There are 27 retail locations, 2 outlets, and 41 donation centers. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Inc., was founded in 1966 by former Mayor of West Palm Beach, Ham Anthony who decided to establish a Goodwill enterprise in Palm Beach County. Mr. Anthony brought together local business leaders who shared his vision and created the first board of directors made up of some of the most prominent businessmen in Palm Beach County at that time. The first rehabilitation facility was opened in 1968. From a start of 10 employees. Gulf Stream Goodwill has grown to over 900 employees serving as the largest health, human and social services nonprofit in the South Florida area. Gulfstream Goodwill operates 4 rehabilitation facilities and many residential transitional housing facilities.
I popped into this Port St. Lucie Goodwill during a recent shopping trip to the city. I love checking out Goodwill this time of year for inexpensive costumes and Halloween decor. Usually Goodwill is a good source of both but oddly this Goodwill didn't have any Halloween items. What they did have, furniture clothing, accessories, home goods, toys, etc., were neatly organized and the store was clean. The inventory of Goodwill switches out quickly so you never know what you will find. read more