Our History
History of Goodwill Industries International fouded 1902
Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston, founded Goodwill Industries in 1902. Inspired by compassion for the poor, sick, people with disabilities and immigrants, Helms was determined to improve their quality of life. He shouldered a burlap sack and went door-to-door to wealthier families of the city asking for unwanted clothing, shoes and household goods to distribute among those in need. Shortly after, he changed his approach. Helms hired the needy to repair and sell the donated goods at weekly church bazarr sales using the activity to provide them with training, work skills and help them find jobs. He used the proceeds from the sales to pay wages to the needy and support the program mission. This marked the creation of the system that today remains intact.
Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc founded 1965
Goodwill Industries – Big Bend was started on June 1, 1965 as a branch of Goodwill Industries – Suncoast in St. Petersburg, its parent organization which supervised all of its operations and developments. The new facility was directed by Roland B. Charron, a retired Air Force Colonel.
At this same time Goodwill collection boxes were placed in all major communities for the collection of used clothing. These donations were taken to the St. Petersburg workshop for repair.
The first office space was established in the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center and the Goodwill store was opened on Jackson Bluff Road. At that time six people were employed.
In November, 1966, the Advisory Board voted to incorporate under the name of Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc.
On February 15, 1968, the Tallahassee branch opened its second store in Perry, Florida.
A new and larger Goodwill store and workshop was opened in Tallahassee in September, 1971. Three counselors and a secretary were hired that summer for the purpose of establishing a Personal Adjustment Training program. The new building quickly proved to be too small and an additional 6,000 square feet was added onto the existing structure in 1973.
Goodwill Industries – Big Bend’s Halfway House for men was established on July 1, 1972. This house provided temporary supervised living for Personal Work Adjustment Training clients.
On June 1, 1973, Roland B. Charron retired as director of Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. and was replaced by William M. Graham, formerly the personnel director at Goodwill – Suncoast in St. Petersburg, Florida.
in 1981, Goodwill Industries – Big Bend began the Gulf Coast Division, a branch operation, with a store in Panama City.
In 1989, Goodwill opened their first apartment complex for people with disabilities in Tallahassee.
By the turn of the century, Goodwill had retail outlets throughout the Big Bend area. Each is attractively decorated with quality merchandise. Each also serves as a collection center allowing donations to be processed on-site. Career development centers were added to many stores.
The first computer training class began at the Mabry Street facility in March 2001.
Residential Services added Thomasville Village II in September 2001 giving them eight apartment complexes in five communities totaling 271 apartments in the Big Bend area.
An expanded community relations/marketing department has increased fund raising and community awareness through annual charity golf tournaments and participation in local parades and other events.
William M. Graham retired July 1, 2002 as President of Goodwill Industries – Big Bend. Fred G. Shelfer, Jr. became the organization’s third President.
Each year, Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. continues to grow and offer more services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill’s primary objective is to assist people with special employment needs in reaching the fullest potential through employment and housing.