About

Goodwill was founded in Boston in 1902 by Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, and early social innovator. Helms collected gently used clothing and other items from residents living in wealthy neighborhoods and then trained and hired impoverished individuals to mend and repair the used goods. Things were then resold to pay the workers’ wages. The system worked! Recycling was born. And the Goodwill philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out” was born.

Since its founding in Camden, NJ, in 1948, Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia has empowered thousands of special-needs residents with the marketable job skills needed to succeed in the workplace. One job at a time, we are making a difference-strengthening both families and communities through the power of work.

Goodwill Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia stores and donation centers help fund job training, employment placement services, and other critical community-based programs. Every item purchased at a Goodwill store or donated to a donation center also helps create employment opportunities, education, and social services that make a difference in many lives. In the past year alone, GSNJP trained more than 210 adults for high-demand careers through certified vocational skills training. Since its inception, Goodwill Helms Academy has equipped 246 individuals with the skills required to obtain their High School Diploma, some graduates matriculating to college or skilled-labor certification programs. Additionally, our workforce development program has placed more than 142 individuals in competitive employment. Through strong community collaborations and partnerships, Goodwill will continue to empower people, strengthen families, and build community.

Goodwill is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to providing education, job training and employment services that prepare individuals with disabilities and disadvantages for competitive employment in our community.  Our mission programs are funded through the mass collection and resale of donated items in Goodwill's 25+ retail stores.  Through Goodwill's Outsourcing & Production Fulfillment Center, we offer cost effective and efficient outsourcing, sub-contract services including packaging, collating, assembly and other custom functions to area businesses.  Goodwill Home Medical Equipment collects and sells affordable home medical equipment.