our mission has been the same since 1983.
We provide opportunities for people with barriers to employment.
OUR STORY:
Fundada en 1983, Goodwill West Texas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)3 que cuenta con 15 tiendas minoristas que prestan servicios en un área de 35 condados. Como organización, empoderamos a las personas, ayudándolas a desarrollar todo su potencial, mejorando la vida de sus familias y contribuyendo al crecimiento de nuestras comunidades.
Nuestra organización comenzó cuando Ray King, oriundo de Abilene, se asoció con un grupo de líderes locales para fundar Goodwill para su hijo Brian (en la foto 2, de niño, y en la foto 4, de adulto), quien tenía una discapacidad. Nuestra primera sede abrió sus puertas en Abilene, en la calle Pine (en la foto 1), en 1983. Brian fue el empleado con más antigüedad en la organización hasta su jubilación. Todavía nos visita como voluntario para ayudarnos a colgar la ropa.
En colaboración con una red de otros proveedores de recursos locales, Goodwill West Texas se esfuerza continuamente por ampliar su gama de servicios de capacitación laboral y empleo, en consonancia con nuestra misión principal de brindar oportunidades a las personas con barreras para acceder al empleo.
Goodwill West Texas es mucho más que un lugar para donar artículos usados para el hogar o encontrar grandes ofertas; no somos simplemente una tienda de segunda mano. En esencia, somos una organización con una misión clara: transformar vidas a través del poder del trabajo. De hecho, 87 centavos de cada dólar que ganamos en nuestras tiendas se destinan directamente a programas que apoyan a nuestros empleados y ayudan a las personas de nuestra comunidad a superar las barreras para acceder al empleo.
Cuando donas tus artículos nuevos o usados en buen estado y eliges comprar con nosotros, estás haciendo algo más que vaciar un armario o encontrar una ganga: estás ayudando a transformar vidas e invirtiendo en un futuro mejor, aquí mismo en el oeste de Texas.
The very first Goodwill store in West Texas on Pine Street in Abilene, Tx. Still in operation to this day!
GWTX Founder Ray King pictured with his son Brian.
GWTX Founder Ray King in his office, sitting beneath the Goodwill "Smiling G" logo.
Brian King as an adult and proud employee of Goodwill West Texas.
Global mission: proudly local
Goodwill West Texas is one of 15 different Goodwill organizations in Texas and part of a network of 156 community-based, independently operated Goodwill organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries.
While we are part of the larger Goodwill network and share in its mission to help people overcome barriers to employment, we are proud to be a locally governed, community-focused nonprofit.
That means decisions about our programs, services, and stores are made right here in West Texas by our local executive team and Board of Directors who know and care about the unique needs of our region. Every donation, every purchase, and every job created through Goodwill West Texas stays right here to support the 35 counties we serve.
Together with other Goodwill organizations, we form a powerful network united by one mission while grounded locally in heart, service, and purpose.
Goodwill West Texas territory map
The Original Goodwill Industries:
“Friends of Goodwill, be dissatisfied with your work until every person in your community has an opportunity to develop to their fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.”
— Rev. Edgar J. Helms, Founder
The original Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 by Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of Boston, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were either resold or given to the people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of "a hand up, not a hand out" was born.
As the model proved successful, it began spreading to other cities. But rather than operating as a single, national organization, each new Goodwill was established as an independent nonprofit, guided by the same mission but governed locally. This allows every Goodwill organization to tailor its programs and services to meet the unique needs of the communities it serves.
Reverend Helms remained involved in the organization until his passing in 1942 when he was still serving as a spokesperson, visionary ambassador, and passionate advocate for the mission and its values of dignity, self-sufficiency, and opportunity.
Goodwill Industries' mission is to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. By donating your new or gently used items, and shopping in our stores, you are helping us carry forward the mission sparked by the need Reverend Helms saw so many years ago- creating opportunity, restoring dignity, and changing lives through the power of work.
While Goodwill West Texas is affiliated with Goodwill Industries International in name and logo, each Goodwill functions autonomously within its respective community.