About
Goodwill Hawaii is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity that helps people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.
Since 1959, we have provided job placement, career development, education, training, employment and support services for people throughout the state. Thousands of Hawaii residents each year benefit from our services and have found employment in our community.
Philosophy
For more than 100 years, Goodwill Hawaii has championed a philosophy of community service through the power of work. In 1902, the founder of this philosophy, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist Minister, took burlap bags into Boston’s wealthier neighborhoods collecting donations. He 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. This philosophy is evident throughout Goodwill Hawaii, and in Goodwills throughout the world.
Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Hawaii is an autonomous, dues-paying member of Goodwill Industries International, a growing network of Goodwill organizations throughout the world. There are currently 183 full member Goodwill organizations in the United States and Canada. Since the organization’s founding in 1902, Goodwill has helped more than 9 million people. Globally, Goodwill Industries International announced its 21st Century Initiative to serve 20 million people by the year 2020.
Goodwill Leadership and Accreditation
Goodwill Hawaii is led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of civic and business leaders from the community. Goodwill Hawaii has been fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for more than 30 years, and is certified by NISH. Goodwill maintains active membership in the National Rehabilitation Association, Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Employers Council, West Oahu Economic Development Association, the Kailua and Kapolei Chambers of Commerce.
Funding and Revenue
- Retail sales at our community stores
- Service contracts (in competition with private enterprise)
- City, state and federal job training grants
- Support from individuals and corporations
