The Goodwill movement began in 1902 in Boston, Massachusetts, when Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and social innovator, started collecting used household goods and clothing in wealthier neighborhoods. He trained and hired individuals who were poor or had disabilities to repair the items, which were then resold or donated to those in need. This model of “a hand up, not a handout” sparked what would become Goodwill Industries International (GII)—a global network of over 150 independent Goodwill organizations across North America and 12 countries.

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In 1957, the Goodwill mission reached Central Mississippi, where a transformative partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services led to the founding of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi. From the outset, the mission was clear: to help Central Mississippians with disabilities and other barriers find meaningful employment and independence through work.

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That July, Goodwill of Mississippi opened its first store at 113 South State Street in Jackson. It was a true community effort: 600 Boy Scouts distributed donation bags to 10,000 households, and Navy and Marine reserves helped collect them in the heat of a sweltering Mississippi summer. These contributions helped stock the new store with a wide variety of clothing and goods for the public.

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Since the 1950s, Goodwill of Mississippi has grown far beyond its single storefront. Today, with multiple retail and mission service locations across Central Mississippi, we serve more people than ever before—empowering individuals and families through the dignity of work. Yet our mission remains unchanged: Goodwill helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment gain the skills and support they need to succeed.

As Douglas Hackett, our first executive director, put it:

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“In order to be served by Goodwill, a person must be willing to put forth an effort to serve Goodwill.”

 

For more than 60 years, Goodwill of Mississippi has stood alongside Central Mississippians striving to improve their lives. Thanks to a compassionate community and a timeless mission, we continue to offer opportunity, purpose, and a path forward—one job at a time.