Goodwill: A Story of Giving, Goodwill, & Transformation
December 10, 2023
Together, we can improve lives, provide opportunities, stability, and hope for those in need!
At Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, we believe in the transformative power of giving and goodwill. Every day, we work relentlessly to help people overcome the barriers in their lives, providing them with opportunities to thrive and live their best lives. As Curtiss Dill, our CEO, aptly puts it, “People place their faith in us every day to help them overcome the barriers in their lives or the lives of their loved ones, as we work together in the pursuit of opportunity.”
A Little Bit of History
The story of Goodwill started in 1902 in Boston, thanks to the compassionate vision of Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator. Helms sought a way to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions. He collected unwanted garments from affluent areas, and then provided work for underprivileged men and women to restore these items. This cycle of donating, repairing, selling and paying wages marked the beginning of Goodwill Industries. Over 120 years later, Goodwill remains a leading non-profit provider of educational and workforce-related services.
The Goodwill Story Today
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, exciting opportunities await our Goodwill. We are expanding our operations with new locations in Kearney, Hastings, and Grand Island, focusing on participant-centric spaces. Our Employment and Career Services teams are also extending their reach to new locations in Hastings and Seward. We are enhancing our services to serve more people in innovative ways. We hope to connect those needing assistance with the hand up they need.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Every gift makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. We believe in the power of collective action. When we act together – local businesses, community friends, board members, and employees – we build a strong base of donors who care about Goodwill. Your gift helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities increase their independence. It supports recovery for individuals living with substance use disorder and mental illness and helps job seekers find and maintain employment. That is indeed a return on investment that truly changes lives, builds futures, and improves communities.
Stories of Achievement
Heidi is a great example of how one’s life can be transformed with support and determination. Despite significant barriers like addiction, mental and physical health issues, unhealthy relationships, homelessness, and unemployment, Heidi turned her life around. With Goodwill’s help, she graduated from Drug Court in February 2023, stabilized her physical and mental health, found her own apartment, and frequently works overtime.
Be a Part of the Goodwill Story
We invite you to be a part of the Goodwill story. Your gift helps individuals living in our 55 County territory. Goodwill’s commitment to serving others with respect, compassion, and integrity is a testament to how much we care about people receiving services. Every day, we support people with disabilities or barriers grow into more independent lives with effective programs that assist with employment, developing life skills, recovery, and safe and affordable housing.
To give a tax-deductible gift, please visit www.GiveForTheGood.com
For more information, contact Audrey DeFrank, Director of Marketing & Development, at (308)384-7896 or adefrank@goodwillne.org